Santa Clara Magazine

Peter Naughton Murphy '52, of Aptos, Calif., passed away March 19 surrounded by his wife and family. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Leone; is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jane Elizabeth; was loving father of Mary Greg Whitfield, Kathleen, Joan and Steve Stefanie, as well as Tommy and Scott, who preceded him in death; dear brother of Robert, Patricia who preceded him in death and Leone Andrews; devoted grandfather of Hannah Miller, Emma & Henry Whitfield and Ben, Nate and Samantha Murphy; loving uncle to a wonderful group of nieces and nephews. Peter was born in New Rochelle, NY and grew up in McCloud, Calif. After graduating from Santa Clara University in 1952 Peter started his career in the lumber industry. Peter was a salesman for American Forest Products when he married his bride, Jane. Settling in Terra Linda, Calif., they became active members of the then new St. Isabella Parish and made many dear friends there. Career opportunities took Peter and his family to Birmingham, MI in 1976 where they expanded their circle of friends. After 20 great years there, Peter retired and he and Jane returned to California, settling in Aptos. Their circle of friends continued to grow and included many from the Seascape Golf Club, Peter's "office" away from home. Peter was a long-time member, as well as holding the positions of Treasurer, President and Board Member. He was a good golfer and enjoyed the game tremendously. Peter was also very active with Casa Allegra Community Services, an organization that allowed their son, Scott, who was born with challenges, to actively participate in community life. Peter not only was a Board Member for over 10 years, he was instrumental in running their annual Bocce Ball Tournament, provided much support for their Human Race fundraiser and frequently visited the Devon House, where Scott lived and was loved for over 20 years. 

Peter Dominique "Mick" Laxalt '52 on March 20, 2010. Peter was born in his beloved state of Nevada in 1931. He was the youngest of six children born to Therese and Dominique Laxalt.   Micky's early days were spent in Carson City with his siblings Paul, Robert, Suzanne, John/ and Marie. As children of Basque immigrants, Mick and his siblings learned the value of education. Amidst cottonwoods, sagebrush and Nevada soil, Mick grew to be a gifted scholar.  He graduated from Carson High and attended Santa Clara University. He earned his Master's in English at the University of Nevada, Reno. His sharp wit, love of language, and intellect led him to Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Inevitably, the study of law at Stanford University would be his capstone.  As the son of a sheepherder, familiarity with the mountains began at an early age. The High Sierras instilled Mick's passion for Lake Tahoe. His subsequent impact to Tahoe is far too great to express in the written word. This same passion encompassed the entire Silver State — north to south.  Mick was an accomplished writer. He published two children's books, "Angel Questions," a tribute to his grandchildren, and "A Basque Love Story," a short cultural tale. He also published, "Whirlwind," a sequel to his brother Robert's novella, "Dust Devils." As a gifted editor, he reviewed many books and articles on a variety of subjects.  His strategic thinking and gift of words were the "behind- the-scenes" brains behind many a political, social and economic business decision. In the true Basque tradition of aspen markings in the Sierras, Peter Dominique "Mick" Laxalt has left an indelible mark on Nevada for over 50 years.  Mick left this world peacefully with family at his side. Survivors include his children Meg, Karl, Steve, Paul, Susan, Rick, and Charles, fourteen grandchildren and a host of loving family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Therese and Dominique, brother Robert, daughter Brandi, and spouses Elizabeth and Katherine.  His children give special thanks to Reno physician Cal Van Reken; "Right at Home" caregiver Laura and many other caregivers who gave love and compassion; the Dominican sisters of St. Mary's Regional Medical Center and their able and compassionate hospital and hospice staff; Larry Dunne; and numerous others.

Patrick Michael Quinn ’52 was born on July 20, 1927, and passed away on Sept. 4, 2011. Patrick was a resident of Long Beach, Calif.

Joseph Manuel Cambra '52 on Feb. 18, 2010. He was 83 years old. Born and raised in Santa Clara, Joe attended Santa Clara High, and graduated from Santa Clara University with a BSEE. During WWII, Joe was awarded the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific-1 Star, Philippine Liberation-1 Star, and the Good Conduct Medal. In 1951, Joe married the love of his life, Ann Archibeque, and together they raised a family of six. Joe and Ann were happily married for 58 years. Joe enjoyed a long career at NASA Ames Research Center, where he headed the design and procurement of computer systems for the 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel, and was acknowledged for his efforts in the success of Space Shuttle Columbia. In 1981, Joe and Ann retired to Red Bluff. Joe was active in Saint Justin's Church in Santa Clara and Sacred Heart in Red Bluff, as a member of the Stablemates, the St. Vincent De Paul Society, and the Men of Sacred Heart. Joe was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Always ready with a helping hand for others, Joe designed and helped build houses for family and neighbors, and he built and gave away many computers. Joe enjoyed carving religious figures, writing poetry, was an avid photographer, and loved fishing and camping with Ann. Joe was preceded in death by his eldest son, Joseph Anthony Cambra. He is survived by his wife, Ann, son James, daughters Anna Genetiano, Arlene Diebolt and Marie Montoya, and foster son Ronald Lopez, and by his sister Rose Marie Kent, brother Frank Nobriga, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He blessed our hearts and we will truly miss him. A rosary and Mass in celebration of Joe's life was  held at St. Justin's Church in Santa Clara on Feb. 25, 2010.

John Phillip Aughnay '52 of Bremerton, Wash., on May 8, 2010. Phil was born May 1, 1930, in Seattle, Wash., to Leo and Minnie (Jager) Aughnay. Phil graduated from Seattle Preparatory High School in Seattle and attended Santa Clara University and Seattle University, majoring in business and graphic design. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1953-57 and was stationed in San Diego and Manila, Philippine Islands. Phil was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Teamsters #589, Elks USA, Washington Athletic Club, Kitsap Golf and Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, Composite Squadron 61, SCU Alumni Association, and numerous other organizations. His personal interests included theatre production, the entertainment industry, avid reading, horse racing, and relaxing poolside with a Pepsi. Phil joined Bremerton Bottling Co., Inc. in 1955 as the seventh employee, and following in his father's footsteps, become president in 1976. During his reign, the product line and packaging continued to expand, and in 1983 in-house production was stopped and with eight northwest franchise bottlers a co-op called Columbia Beverage Company was formed in Olympia, Wash. After retiring in 1995, Phil continued in an advisory capacity as chairman of the board, handing over the reins to his daughter Carole, until his illness in 2009. Phil is survived by: daughters Anita Carole (Brad) Dawson of Poulsbo, Wash., Alison Aughnay of Grapevine, Texas, and Monica M. Campbell of Enumclaw, Wash.; granddaughters Michelle R. (Patrick) Patton, Calli L. and Riley M. Campbell; and great-grandchildren Amelia and Morris Patton. Phil was preceded in death by wife, Rosann D. Aughnay in 1989, wife Mary Lou Aughnay in 1993, and son C. Martin Aughnay in 2005.

John Dennis Sullivan '52 (aka Dennis), born November 21, 1928, died August 4, 2010 from complications due to dementia. He was 81. Born and raised in Berkeley, Calif., Dennis attended St. Joseph's Presentation Academy Grade School and graduated from St. Mary's High School, where he was inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame. Serving in the Army prior to the Korean War, he was the self-appointed the Mayor of Pusan. A multi-sport athlete, Dennis received a football scholarship Santa Clara University, where he graduated in 1952. Dennis then attended the University of California Berkeley where he graduated with a masters degree in economics. He received his law degree from Lincoln University in San Francisco in 1965, worked for Apex as a union representative before practicing law from 1966 to 1997 for the State of California's highway division. It was in his San Francisco office where he met his beloved wife of 23 years, Denise. Dennis was an outgoing spirit who enjoyed traveling to various places around the world and would not pass up an adventure like running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, exploring the jungles of New Guinea, and rafting down the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. Dennis was a family man and devoted Catholic who attended church faithfully at St. Catherine's in Burlingame and St. Matthew's in San Mateo. He volunteered his services at the San Mateo Public Library Adult Literacy program teaching adults to read and write. He was a gentle, funny, and wonderfully colorful man who will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He is survived by his loving wife Denise of San Mateo, devoted daughters Lisa Morgan of Sacramento, Mimi Sullivan of Oakland, Shannon Sullivan of San Mateo, cherished granddaughter Sierra Morgan of Sacramento, loyal brother Dan Sullivan of Sacramento, and caring sons-in-law Koji Saida of Oakland and Scott Morgan of Sacramento. He was never one to miss a celebration.

James Dennis O'Brien ’52 passed away on Oct. 25, 2012. He was a longtime resident of Santa Clara. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Connie, daughters, Margaret Whalen(Jeff), Mary Levy, Melissa Callens (Jim), Anne Silveira(Tim) and sons, Michael (Georgette) and James (Michele). Jim was an adoring Papa to 12 grandchildren. Jim was born May 21, 1930, in San Jose. He was a graduate of Bellarmine College Prep and Santa Clara University. After retiring from PGE he enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and visiting and vacationing with his family at Lake Tahoe. He was a dedicated member of the Serra Club and long time parishioner and volunteer at Saint Clare Parish in Santa Clara. Jim is remembered for his love and devotion to his wife of 58 years and to his family. He was a man of integrity who left a lasting legacy of wisdom, faith and compassion.

Harry Burton Strickler, '52, of Colusa died Nov. 6, 2004, at 74 in Colusa Regional Medical Center. Born in Colusa, he was a lifelong Mid-Valley resident. He worked as a title and escrow officer for Western and Colonial title companies for more than 45 years. A 1948 graduate of Colusa High School, he attended Yuba College and received a bachelor's degree from Santa Clara University. He played the saxophone in several jazz bands, was past director of the Colusa Golf and Country Club, and a former member of the Colusa Lions and Rotary clubs. In addition, he was a member of the Stagehands, the Redskins Boosters and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Survivors include three daughters, Liz Hansen of Colusa, Marilyn Benoit of Woodland and Sharon Holbrook of Chicago, Ill.; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

Gerald Passadori '52 passed away on December 10, 2010 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jerry, the only child of Louis and Rose Passadori, was born on February 8, 1931 in Merced, Calif. Jerry, a longtime local businessman, grew up in Atwater, Calif. and attended local schools. He graduated with a business degree. Immediately after college graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and attended Officer Cadet School where he trained as a tactical officer. He graduated OCS as a second Lieutenant stationed at Fort Sill, Okla. Jerry left the Army and return home to work alongside his parents, Louis and Rose, in the family business, Passadori's in downtown Atwater. Jerry married Camilla Key in 1953. They had three sons: Jim '77, Steve, and Richard. Jerry was active in the Atwater/Merced community for many years. He was a member of the Atwater Rotary Club, Atwater Chamber of Commerce serving as president for one term, and the Merced Golf and Country Club also serving as president for one term. He served on the Castle Air Force Base Community Council and was instrumental in bringing the Castle Air Museum to the area. Jerry also served on the Board of Regents for his alma mater, Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California. He was a director for the Bay Cities Wholesale Hardware Company in Burlingame, Calif. making many early morning trips to attend board meetings. When Jerry wasn't working at the store, his favorite pastimes were spending time with his family, golfing, and gardening. He cherished the good times with his many dear friends playing bridge, golfing, and vacationing in Hawaii, Europe, and the Santa Cruz area. Jerry will be fondly remembered for his dedication to the family business, his undying loyalty and love for his parents Louie and Rose, his generosity and love for his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, his desire to help others especially his customers at the store, and his enthusiasm to share what he grew in his garden. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Rose Passadori, and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Camilla Passadori, sons Jim (Debi), Steve (Lily), Richard, and grandchildren Ryan and Diana Passadori '03, J.D. '06. He is also survived by numerous cousins.

George J. McGaffigan ’52, born July 16, 1930, was a prominent real estate broker. He died Oct. 13 in Newport Beach. He was 82. He was born in Spokane, Washington, to George and Ysobel McGaffigan, and raised in Redwood City, CA. George attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Grade School, and Sequoia Union High School. He was a graduate of the Santa Clara University, College of Business, where he received his B.S. degree in Commerce. He is survived by his wife and business partner of 23 years, Maxine Montgomery-McGaffigan; son, Thomas Haynes McGaffigan of Saratoga, CA; Granddaughter, Megan Kelly McGaffigan, Grandson, Owen Thomas McGaffigan of Saratoga, CA; and sister, Patricia Ann McGaffigan of Milwaukie, OR. His daughter, Nancy McGaffigan Loftin, died in 1997. 

Edmund H. Shea, Jr. '52, an entrepreneur and pioneering venture capital investor who led one of the nation's top tunneling companies and co-founded Shea Homes, one of the largest homebuilders in the country, died Aug. 13 at his San Marino home. He was 80. The cause of death was pulmonary fibrosis. During the 1960s, Mr. Shea pioneered venture investing and provided early stage capital for Hambrecht & Quist, which became a prominent technology investment banking firm based in San Francisco. Over the next 40 years, Mr. Shea made early investments in hundreds of start up companies -- including Activision, Adobe, Altera Corporation, Brocade, Compaq Computer, Genentech, Affymax, America West Airlines, AES Corporation, and Peet's Coffee & Tea.  Fabrinet, a company that he funded in 2000, successfully completed its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange last month. Trained as an engineer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mr. Shea did not fit the stereotype of a venture capitalist. He invested only his own and his family's capital and so could be a particularly flexible and patient investor. He usually explored Silicon Valley solo, lugging a canvas bag stuffed with papers to meet entrepreneurs one-on-one and quiz them gently about their ideas and business plans.  "Although Ed personally directed a very large venture capital investment portfolio, he did it without the usual cadre of MBA underlings," said William Brody, President of the Salk Institute in La Jolla California, president emeritus of Johns Hopkins University and formerly CEO of Resonex, a venture startup. "He did his own due diligence and formed his own judgments."  Mr. Shea often said he "invested in people, before technology."  As Bill Hambrecht, co-founder of Hambrecht & Quist noted: "He never ignored the human element in any decision, and was always willing to take a chance on people with character." Mr. Shea's relationship with Robert A. Kotick, who engineered the turnaround of Activision, the electronic games company, typified his investing style. Although he appreciated Activision's business plan, he was convinced Mr. Kotick and his partner Brian Kelly had the character and ability to make Activision successful.  "When I called him on the phone the day of the closing, he called out to his assistant to pick up the phone, then he said, 'I have to pick up the dry cleaning, then I need to go to the dog groomer and get the dog and, oh, can you wire Bobby Kotick a million and a half dollars,'" Mr. Kotick said. "I'm not sure I was even first on his list that day."  The investment was very successful, as Activision grew into an electronic games giant with a $13-billion market capitalization.  He remained close to both young entrepreneurs.  "He was one of my mentors," Mr. Kotick added. Mr. Shea had a long relationship with Hambrecht & Quist and served as a director until shortly before it was acquired by Chase Bank in 1998. Mr. Hambrecht said, "Ed was a great partner of mine in every sense of the word, for over 42 years. He listened with an open mind to almost any idea, but kept a sense of discipline and business judgment that so often became the 'ballast' in our decision process." In 1958, together with his cousin John F. Shea and his brother Peter O. Shea, Mr. Shea formed J. F. Shea Co., Inc. as a successor to their family's construction business, which their grandfather had begun in 1881 as a plumbing contractor in Portland. The predecessor Shea companies had principal roles in the construction of iconic American public works like the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate and San Francisco Bay Bridges. During the 1960s and 1970s Mr. Shea personally managed some of J. F. Shea Co.'s most significant construction work, building tunnels—including the Berkeley Hills tunnel—and underground stations for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District and the Washington D.C. Metro systems.  J. F. Shea Construction remains among the country's premier underground contractors.  Its active public works projects include two major subway jobs in New York City: the extension of the No. 7 line from Times Square to the Javits Center and the Second Avenue subway. Last year, it completed the last segment of Metropolitan Water District's Inland Feeder Project, a tunnel through the San Bernardino mountains. During the late 1960s J. F. Shea began a homebuilding business that became Shea Homes in 1974. Since its inception, Shea Homes has built and sold more than 85,000 homes in California, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Nevada, and Florida.  Builder magazine in 2008 ranked Shea Homes as the largest for-profit private homebuilder in the United States. The Shea family also owns and operates Shea Properties, which develops, owns and manages commercial real estate including shopping centers, apartments and office buildings in Colorado, Arizona and California.  Edmund Hill Shea, Jr. was born August 15, 1929 in Portland, Oregon. In his early years, he lived in the San Francisco Bay Area where his father supervised the construction work on the piers for the Golden Gate Bridge. In 1935, his family returned to Los Angeles.  He graduated from Loyola High School in 1947. After a year in the Jesuit Novitiate and then at Santa Clara University, he enrolled in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1952. He served in the United States Air Force for two years, which included a stint in electrical school. He later credited that experience for giving him the education he needed to appreciate the value of the integrated circuit and other technological innovations that he invested in beginning in the 1970s. Mr. Shea began work in the construction business in the early 1950s on several reservoir jobs in Southern California in partnership with his cousin John. They moved on to the Hills Creek Diversion tunnel in Oregon and then to the Clear Creek Tunnel, a nine mile tunnel in Northern California that brought water from the Trinity River through mountains to the Whiskeytown Power Plant and reservoir. After the completion of the Clear Creek Tunnel, they began operating their generation's version of J. F. Shea Co., with his brother Peter Shea. He actively supported all levels of Catholic education from inner-city Catholic elementary schools to the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley.  He insisted most of his philanthropy remain private since he subscribed to the view that gifts wouldn't qualify as charity if anyone knew about them. He served on boards for Loyola Marymount University and Loyola High School, both in Los Angeles, the Santa Catalina School in Monterey, California and Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena. In 2001, the UC Irvine Graduate School of Management awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Shea, his brother, and his cousin for "their strong business ethics, leadership, and long-term contributions to the construction, real estate, and property management industries." In 2003, Loyola High School awarded him its Cahalan Award for his outstanding achievements and for remaining true to the Ignatian ideals. Mr. Shea is survived by his brothers Peter of Newport Beach, and Henry of Stockton, CA and by his sisters Margaret Deneher of Newport Beach, and Mary Elizabeth Callaghan of Los Angeles, by Mary Shea, his wife of 52 years; by six children: Colleen Morrissey of Pacific Palisades; Edmund H. Shea III of Charlotte, NC; Mary McConnell of Pasadena; Kathleen High of San Marino; Timothy T. Shea of Santa Barbara; Ellen Dietrick of Newport Beach; and by 14 grandchildren. His daughter Maureen predeceased him in 1985.

Dallas David Brock Jr. '52 on Nov. 29, 2008.  A native of San Francisco, he played basketball at SCU 1950-1952 and went to the NCAA final Four with the team.  He was nicknamed "the Glove" for relentlessly sticking to opponents.  He later graduated from the University of San Francisco Law School, served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, practiced law with George Moscone briefly, and was a patron of the arts.  He is survived by his wife, Darlene; and his three children.

Charles David Bartell Jr. ’52, of Citrus Heights, Cali., passed away Thursday Sept. 22, 2011, in his home. He was born March 13, 1929 in San Francisco, the son of Charles and Helen Bartell. He served in the U.S. Army, was an Eagle Scout, a Mason, and a Shriner. He graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor of science in civil engineering while also playing on the basketball team. He retired from the State of California as Chief of Division of Traffic Engineering for Caltrans. Chuck enjoyed fishing, basketball, playing golf and tennis. Survivors include a son, Charles (Elaine) Bartell of Pleasant Hill, Cali.; two daughters, Susan (Larry) Ford of Denver, Colo. and Elizabeth (Roger) Horn of Owensboro; five grandchildren, Nicole Bartell, Ryan Bartell, Matthew Horn, Sarah Beth Horn, and April (Loren) Yonts; and two great-grandchildren, Valerie and Mason Yonts.

Bob Monroe ’53 died March 24, 2012, at his home in Highland, Calif., after a two-year bout with cancer. He was 80. Bob was born April 7, 1931, in Los Angeles and moved to Glendora, Calif., as a young child. He began his lifelong business career as a college student, buying a small grocery store in the "Veterans' Village" section of the Santa Clara University campus that catered to the returning World War II veterans that made up a large part of the Santa Clara student body in the early 1950s. The ROTC student graduated in 1953 and joined the U.S. Army shortly thereafter. During his stint, he was stationed in Bamberg, Germany, among other Army bases. He achieved the rank of first lieutenant before being discharged honorably in 1956. In 1954, he married Mary Theresa Cavanaugh of Lodi, Calif., and upon his discharge from the Army they settled first in San Mateo and he began his career with Mobil Oil Corp. After frequent relocations, he and his family settled in Upland, Calif., in 1969. He launched an auto parts distribution business called Century TBA in San Bernardino, Calif. where he worked until his retirement in 1992. In retirement, he traveled frequently and was active in St. Adelaide's Church in Highland, Calif. Monroe is preceded in death by first wife Mary Theresa Monroe. He is survived by wife Lois Longo Monroe of Highland, Calif.; sister Mary Helen Monroe of San Bruno, Calif.; brother Joseph Monroe of Napa, Calif.; sons Michael Monroe ’78, Daniel Monroe, Patrick Monroe, and Robert Monroe; 11 grandchildren, including Danny Monroe ’12; and four great-grandchildren. Throughout his life, Bob always remained a dedicated alumnus and was excited to see both his son Mike Monroe and grandson Danny Monroe  follow in his footsteps and become Santa Clara Broncos.

Benjamin Rhodes Moran Jr. ’52 died on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, in Placerville, Calif., at the age of 82. He was the son of Benjamin Rhodes Moran Sr. and Madeline Rose Moran and the brother of Richard Lewis Moran. Ben grew up in the San Fernando Valley, where he attended Burbank and Van Nuys public schools. He received an athletic scholarship from Santa Clara University, where he earned his degree. In 1951 he married Gwen and they were married for 59-and-a-half years. Along with Gwen, Ben is survived by his son Ben (Lori) and daughter Julie Hanks (Kip). There are four grandchildren: Aaron, Greta, Gabe and Alice. He was preceded in death by his son Dana and daughter Susan. One of Ben’s proudest moments was playing in the 1950 Orange Bowl game (Santa Clara vs. Kentucky) in which Santa Clara won. In 1952 he played on the World Champion Softball team in Fellows, Calif. After college he worked for the Texas Oil Co. in Bakersfield-Taft area. He and Gwen moved to Mt. Aukum in 1955 to live on the Moran Ranch. He worked for Westel-Oviatt Lumber Co. in Omo Ranch before becoming teacher-principal at Indian Diggings School in Omo Ranch for 34 years. He went on to work for the El Dorado County Office of Education as a consultant and supervisor of the extended day school program for three-and-a-half years. Ben worked two summers as a deputy for the El Dorado County Sheriff Department. He also served on the El Dorado County Grand Jury as well as being a member of the Education, Grange, Cattlemen and Riflemen Associations. He served as a hunter safety instructor and put on an annual Mr. Aukum Turkey School for years. Cattle ranching was an ongoing passion as well. In his later years, Ben battled against Parkinson’s disease up until his death. But he continued to hunt and play golf until he couldn’t walk. By Ben and Gwen’s request there was not a public service. Both want their ashes scattered together on the Moran Ranch in time to come. 

William “Bill” Kelly ’53 died on October 14, 2010.

William 'Bill' Risko '53 died Oct. 14, 2009. Resident of Campbell and Santa Clara County for 60 years. Bill was born in Hurley, Wisc., in 1927, the eldest of six children. He came west after serving in the United States Marines in 1954. He attended the University of Santa Clara and played football for the Broncos where he became a lifelong member of the Bronco Bench Foundation. He played with the San Francisco 49ers and played semi-pro with various teams in the area. He married his wife JoAnn in 1955 and enjoyed many happy times during their 53 years of marriage until her death in 2008. Bill was an investigator for the District Attorney's office until his retirement in 1983. He was a long time member of the YMCA where he could be found each lunch hour playing handball or racquetball with friends. Bill enjoyed traveling, barbequing and working in his yard. He is survived by daughter Patti (Tom) Lovely, Dan (Nancy) Risko and Steve (Robin) Risko of San Jose. Grandchildren surviving him are Adam, Andreal, Anthony, Gina, Sean, Robert and Matthew. A celebration of his life will be held at the American Legion Hall #419, 958 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara on Nov. 9th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may go to the Bronco Bench foundation, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara 95053

Stanley A. Seneker ’53, a former chief financial officer at Ford, died June 28, 2012 at his home in Naples, Fla. He was 81.

Seneker retired at the end of 1994 as executive vice president and chief financial officer, having held the latter position since 1987. He worked with two CEOs: Donald Petersen and Harold (Red) Poling. Seneker joined Ford in 1957 as a cost analyst at the company's San Jose, Calif., assembly plant.

Samuel W. Kyburz ’53 died on Oct. 14, 2009. He was an eighth-generation native of Placerville, Calif., and Korean War veteran. Kyburz Worked for Aero Jet General Corporation over 18 years before forming, owning, and operating a sporting goods store in Placerville. He is survived by his wife of 5 years, Naomi, two children, and four grandchildren.  

Robert Edward Monroe ’53, died March 24, 2012, at his home in Highland, Calif. after a two-year bout with cancer. He was 80. Monroe was born April 7, 1931 in Los Angeles, Calif. and moved to Glendora, Calif. as a young child. He began his lifelong business career as a college student, buying a small grocery store in the "Veterans' Village" section of the Santa Clara University campus that catered to the returning World War II veterans that made up a large part of the Santa Clara student body in the early 1950s. The ROTC student joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduating. During his stint, he was stationed in Bamberg, Germany among other Army bases. He achieved the rank of first lieutenant before being discharged honorably in 1956. In 1954, he married Mary Theresa Cavanaugh of Lodi, California and upon his discharge from the Army they settled first in San Mateo and he began his career with Mobil Oil Corp. After frequent relocations, he and his family settled in Upland, Calif. in 1969. He launched an auto parts distribution business called Century TBA in San Bernardino, Calif. where he worked until his retirement in 1992. In retirement, he traveled frequently and was active in St. Adelaide's Church in Highland, Calif. Monroe is preceded in death by first wife Mary Theresa Monroe. He is survived by wife Lois Longo Monroe of Highland, Calif.; sister Mary Helen Monroe of San Bruno, Calif.; brother Joseph Monroe of Napa, Calif.; sons Michael Monroe of Gilroy, Calif.; Daniel Monroe of Carlsbad, Calif.; Patrick Monroe of Tustin Ranch, Calif.; and Robert Monroe of Poway, Calif., 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

Michael Robert O'Sullivan '53 of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., passed away May 15, 2011, at the age of 80. Michael was the son of Michael Richard O'Sullivan and Julia Kate Hartnett, both originally from County Cork, Ireland. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, patience, compassion, humor, and gentleness. Mike is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Michael (wife Nancy) and Dan; grandchildren, Galen, Jesse (Laurel), and Emily, and great grandchildren, Gabriel and Penelope. He is also survived by his sisters, Virginia Madden, Phyllis O'Sullivan, and Patricia O'Sullivan and many much-loved nephews and nieces. He attended Mt. Carmel High School, University of Santa Clara, and UCLA, where he earned a master's degree in electrical engineering. He and his wife, Barbara enjoyed two years in Paris from 1958-1960 while he worked for the Foreign Service. They traveled in Europe with their infant son, and visited Ireland, where they established life- long connections with his Irish relations. He worked for Hughes Aircraft and TSC as a Radar Engineer before creating O'Sullivan Consulting in 1982. Mike and Barbara enjoyed traveling, and visited Ireland, the U.K., Europe, Japan, China, and Africa. Michael was a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes for 50 years and built long-lasting friendships through his involvement in the Via Cambron neighborhood, Indian Guides, Lunada Bay Little League, back-packing, and sailing. In recent years he was active in the community working for balance and integrity in the implementation of the Rancho Palos Verdes view (tree) ordinance. Michael freely gave his attention, time, wisdom, and support to his extended family. He was a thoughtful man who really listened to people, and enjoyed hearing about their aspirations, ideas, careers, and their families. He was our guiding light.

John Forrest Cronin '53, J.D. '58, of San Clemente died on April 18, 2010. John was a graduate of Loyola High School and Santa Clara University and Santa Clara Law School. He served with distinction as a Deputy District Attorney in Orange County, California for 31 years. John lived his life with passion and grace. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elisa; his children, Tina (Ted) Strickland-Wallace, Karen Cronin and John Patrick (Judy) Cronin; and his grandchildren, Michael Mulcahy, Daniel Mejdrich, Kellie Mejdrich, Kayleigh Strickland, Bobby Strickland and Maggie Cronin.