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Showing obituaries submitted anytime by graduates in the 1960s
1963
Andrew Mark Crabtree MBA '63 of Issaquah, Wash., passed away in his home at University House on Dec. 12, 2011, with his family present. He was born Feb. 3, 1925. His final years were marked with numerous health problems, but throughout it all he maintained a cheerful and optimistic outlook on life. The love for his family, and by his family, instilled in him a very strong will to live, inspiring him to pursue new treatment options even the day before his death.
Born and raised in Kansas, the only child of Bessie and Arthur Crabtree, Mark was preceded in death by his infant son Mark and by his wife Ann Faup, the love of his life for 65 years. His three surviving children are Michele Cage and Shawn Crabtree, both of Issaquah, and Yolande Wackerman, of Menlo Park, Calif.; his eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. His service in the United States Air Force and his civilian work as an industrial engineer brought him much personal satisfaction.
1964
W. Dale Dyer MBA '64 passed away on June 11, 2011. Born in Elwood, Neb. and raised in Lexington, Neb., Dyer received a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Nebraska and a master's degree in Business Administration from Santa Clara University. Dyer married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Temple, and they had two children: a son, Mike Dyer, and a daughter, Peggy Knowles. For several years after graduation, Dale worked as an engineer for General Dynamics in San Diego doing work on some of the early space technology. However, the state of Oregon was where he and Carolyn really wanted to raise their family, where they could enjoy fishing and hunting and the beautiful outdoors, so they moved to Corvallis. Not finding much space research going on in Corvallis, Dyer decided to start a business of his own, so he established Double D Contractors Inc. and Double D Realty Inc., and started building and selling homes and small commercial buildings. For the next 40 years, he worked as a builder and developer of properties in the Corvallis, Albany and Philomath areas. He was a part of the original development of the Timberhill subdivision in northwest Corvallis. Dyer was always an avid fan of the Nebraska Cornhusker football team, and rarely missed a chance to talk to anyone who would listen about his favorite team. Dyer is survived by his wife, Carolyn; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Beth Dyer; by his daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Thad Knowles; and by three brothers, Dallas, Marvin and Orin. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. To his great delight, 10 grandchildren and six-great-grandchildren called him Grandpa.
Thomas J. McCall, Jr. ’64, 'M.S. '74, a resident of Fremont, passed away in Monterey on Oct. 31, 2011. Tom is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bettina Igoa McCall, his three children Elizabeth and her husband Jason James, John and his wife Heather, Brian and his wife Cheryl, and four grandchildren: Blake, Calvin, Shaelyn, and Brynah. Survived by brother Harry and sisters, Virginia Bottino, Susan Pennel, and Sharon Cammack and their spouses and many cousins. Tom was born Aug. 25, 1942 in San Francisco to the late Grace Haley and Thomas James McCall. He graduated Burlingame High School in 1960 and then attended Santa Clara University where he received a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He spent his career working at Spectra-Physics and Thermo Finnegan in the Silicon Valley. Tom was an Eagle Scout and kept very busy in his retirement hiking, traveling, working on renovation projects and enjoying time with his grandchildren. He will forever be remembered as a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Robert Kolbo '64, born in Santa Monica, Calif., in 1943, died in Red Bluff, Calif., on July 29, 2009. He passed away in his sleep after suffering a stroke. Bob was married to his wife, Suellen, for 46 years. They met while in high school and waited until just before his senior year at SCU before marrying. They had four daughters who survive him. Three live locally in Red Bluff: Ginger Olds, with her husband Robert and sons Josh and Jeremy; Erin Bracells, with her daughter Taylor and son Trevor; and Erin's twin Kathy Garrison in Los Molinos with her children Miranda, Abby, Andrew and William. Another daughter, Kelly Terry, lives in Pacific Grove, Calif., as does her daughter Amy Gonzalez. Their oldest granddaughter, Valerie Gonzalez, now lives in San Diego, after living here and attending Red Bluff High School. Grandpa will be sorely missed. Bob went to work in his father's construction business in Los Gatos right after college. He eventually took over that company in Silicon Valley, building many apartments and commercial buildings. He moved to development, specializing in small infill housing complexes. After time spent in Santa Cruz and Oakdale, he 'retired' at age 43. However one project after another popped up, and his retirement was filled with many more happy days of building. Bob and Sue came to Red Bluff 12 years ago, and the family followed. They bought a beautiful ranch at the end of Bend Ferry Road which was recently purchased by BLM and will be a wilderness area park close to town for all to enjoy.
Oren Lee Christensen MBA ’64 passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2012, after a long, courageous battle against cancer. Born in Selma, Oren grew up in Fresno, attended Fresno State College and UC Berkeley, where he studied civil and structural engineering earning Phi Beta Kappa honors. Upon graduation he attended Midshipman's School at Notre Dame University and was commissioned an Ensign, Naval Civil Engineering Corps. He served with the 103rd Navy Seabee Battalion in California, Hawaii and Guam. After completion of his military duties Oren worked in civil and structural engineering design from 1946-1958. From 1959 to 1965 he was supervisor of Facilities Planning Group at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company preparing siting and design criteria for satellite ground stations in various locations. He also received an MBA from the University of Santa Clara during this time. From 1965 to 1977 he was director of facilities planning for Stanford Research Institute. From 1977 to 1987 he took a position as vice president for new building programs, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and supervised the construction of the bank's new facilities in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Upon retirement he continued as a building program consultant for several years before devoting his time to volunteer activities in Santa Rosa and Davis. Oren was blessed with a loving marriage to Mabel Fox for 52 years. In 2000 he and Eunice Adair were married and combined their families, both having lost their spouses to cancer. Oren was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Rosa, and University Covenant Church of Davis. He was active on both churches' building programs. Music was an integral part of his life and he always found time to sing in church choirs. One of his greatest pleasures came from volunteering at Mondavi Center for the Arts. He also devoted time to Grace House until his health declined. Oren is survived by his wife Eunice; daughter Sharon Hamilton and her husband, Don; son Darrell Christensen and his wife Sandi; stepdaughters Susan Coleman-LaPlanche, husband John, and Laura Ramalingam, husband Ravi. In addition he leaves seven grandchildren, D.J. Hamilton, Christen Hamilton-Simon, Jaime Hamilton, Cameron Hamilton, Erika Christensen, Jordan Ramalingam and Zachary Ramalingam; and four great-grandchildren who brought him great pleasure. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruby Christensen and his wife, Mabel Fox Christensen.
Louie Gimenez Jr '64 of Little River, Calif. died May 30, 2011. He was born in Woodland, Calif. to Louis and Josephine (Bueri) Gimenez. In high school he boarded at Bishop Armstrong High School (now Christian Brothers High School) where he graduated. He married Paula Penrose in 1963. He graduated from Santa Clara University in 1964. Louie was very active in both Christian Brothers and Santa Clara reunions and remained close with his classmates. He served on the Christian Brothers Foundation Board for many years. After graduation he worked on the family farm. He later became the manager of the Yolo County Flood Control & Water Conservation District. While there he was responsible for working with legislators to fund and construct Indian Valley Reservoir. In 1982, Louie became the manager of Norcal Petroleum. He served in many oil industry leadership positions including president of the California Independent Oil Marketers Association. He retired in 2001. Louie was an avid diver, hunter, enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and his many friends. He led a full and happy life and truly ""Did it his way."" Louie is survived by his daughter, Kim Crum and her two daughters Ava Josephine and Paulina Marie. He is also survived by son, Mike Gimenez his wife Kimberly and their children Cade Louis, Kendall Lee and Jax Douglas. Louie leaves his only brother, Joe Gimenez and his wife Dawn; and nephews, Jeff and Phil Gimenez. He is also survived by his companion, Sherry Bridges; and his former wife, Paula Gimenez. He will also be missed by many other family members.
Joseph Charles McCarthy, Jr. '64, M.D. Captain (Retired) USNR passed away August 20 in Gig Harbor, two years after the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. He was 69. Born August 13, 1942 to Joseph and Margaret McCarthy in Seattle, he attended and graduated from Assumption, Seattle Prep, the University of Santa Clara, and the University of Washington School of Medicine. He was drawn into the U.S. Army by the Vietnam Conflict, and attended Airborne and Ranger schools. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, followed by a residency in Pediatrics at Tripler in Honolulu. He was board certified in these specialties in addition to Family Medicine. This was followed by a four year break in service on the Family Practice teaching faculty at the OHSU Medical School in Portland. His military career spanned 20 years, including assignments in Nurnberg, Germany and Madigan, and an inter-service transfer to the Navy, retiring in 1994 at USNH Bremerton. Following his military career, Dr. McCarthy worked in both family and emergency medicine at USNH Bremerton and Madigan. He appreciated and enjoyed family and friends, medical peers and co-workers, residents in training, and many of his patients. During his early years he enjoyed competitive athletics and later gravitated to the outdoors, backpacking, horse camping, skiing, sea kayaking, books, travel, the opera and symphony. He and his family appreciated the care and service provided by Dr. Ronald Dommermuth of USNH Bremerton, Dr. Thomas Baker and his group, and Franciscan Hospice, and our treasured friends. During his formative years, he was raised Catholic with excellent schooling and care. More recently, he came to appreciate a less prescriptive, more introspective approach to doctrine and the study of the Old and New Testament. His years of attending Harbor Covenant Church in Gig Harbor and more recently Sauvie Island Community Church in Oregon along with their members have been a great inspiration and support in his life. He is survived by wife of 38 years, Carolyn nee Grace of Portland, son, Thomas (Wendy McCarthy Pantoja and granddaughter Maya), daughter Kerry of Ketchum, Idaho, (Gretchen) and three children, brother Donald (Tevis) of Seattle.
Jack Ludwigson '61, J.D. '64 passed away October 31, 2009 at home surrounded by friends and family at the age of 71. He was born June 12, 1938 in Bellingham to Ed and Kay Ludwigson. Jack graduated from Bellingham High School in 1956 and earned his B.A. and law degrees from Santa Clara University, where he developed many lifelong friendships. Jack returned to Washington and worked for three years for the King County Prosecutor's Office in Seattle during which time he met his bride to be, Sarah Black, on a blind date. They were married in 1966 and returned to Bellingham in 1967 where Jack went into private practice and together they raised their two children. Jack loved life and loved to have fun. He enjoyed his family and friends more than anything and was at his happiest amongst them at the cabin on Orcas Island and fishing the San Juans. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandpa. His sense of humor, kindness, and friendship will be greatly missed by all. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Kay. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sarah; children and spouses Eric and Jenny Ludwigson and Susie and Rolan Coberly, of Bellingham; sisters Mary (Bill) Johnson of Bellevue, Margie (Chuck) Lindhout of Sandy Point, and Katie (Rod) Zorotovich of Mercer Island; grandchildren Joe, Maura, and Owen Ludwigson and Max and Jake Coberly. A celebration of Jack's life will be held in the spring.
Harvey Lawrence MBA ’64, 90, formerly of M-51 North in Niles, died Dec. 1, 2011, at Woodland Terrance in Niles of a brief illness. Mr. Lawrence was born Jan. 25, 1921, in Los Angeles to Harvey Jacob and Josephine Marie (Portesi) Lawrence. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Cal Tech and master of business administration degree from Santa Clara University. He was previously employed for Proctor-Gamble for 10 years and Lockheed for 16 years. In 1993, he moved to Niles to be nearer to his daughter. During World War II, Harvey moved to Canada to served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a pilot, and when the United States entered the war, he transferred to the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a 1st lieutenant and pilot. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. He enjoyed the fellowship of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Elkhart, Ind. He was an amateur radio operator and enjoyed playing bridge. Mr. Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Serena (Troensegaard) Lawrence, who died Dec. 29, 2002. He was also preceded in death by two brothers. He is survived by his children, Helen Fester of Dowagiac, Peter Riggs and Mary Brown of Reno, Nev., and Ann Kroepel of Los Gatos, Calif; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gerald 'Gerry' Haran '64 of El Sobrante, Calif., left this world to be with the Lord on Friday May 22, 2009. Gerry leaves behind many people who respect and love him including his wife, Theresa Haran; many loving cousins (including his bud, Jim); loving aunts, Carol and Anne; countless friends, not to exclude his four-footed friends, as well as many others. Gerry had attended both St. Louis Bertrand Grammar School and Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, Calif, and he graduated from Santa Clara University, Loyola University at the John Felice Rome Center in Rome, Italy, as well as Hastings Law School in San Francisco. In addition to being in 'retired' status and in good standing with the California State Bar Association, Gerry was retired from the San Francisco Sheriffs Department where he worked for over 20 years. This world was a kinder and more humane place for having Gerry in it, but his work was done and he has gone home to rest.
Fred de Funiak '64 died peacefully but much too soon at home in San Jose on June 13, 2011 at the age of 68. He was born in San Francisco, the youngest of William and Eleanor de Funiak's three children. He attended St. Ann's grammar school and Saint Ignatius High School (class of 1960), where he spent far too much time harassing the good priests and nuns who taught him, as anyone who grew up in San Francisco in the 40s and 50s will understand. After graduating from SI, he attended Santa Clara University, where he studied history and played left tackle for the Broncos football team. He was a lifelong SCU fan, even naming his Russian River cabin the Bronco Corral. Post-SCU, he began teaching at James Lick High School, which marked the beginning of his 35-year career with the East Side Union High School District. He spent the last five years of his career as principal of Silver Creek High School. Fred married his first love and high school sweetheart, Terri O'Connor, in 1967. They had four children, Tara, Jill, Matt, and Sue, who were very much the focus of their lives. Fred could often be found coaching softball teams or cheering from the sidelines at soccer games. Fred retired a few years after Terri died in 1998. He spent a great deal of time volunteering for both the Grand Jury and the Elections Commission for the City of San Jose. Fred also enjoyed playing bridge and golf—doing the former much better than the latter—and taking road trips with his friends, whom he called the "gang of reprobates." He especially loved being Pops to his six grandchildren. Though his health had declined in the past year, he had many visits from friends and family who let him know that he was loved. His sense of humor, his stories, and his off-key singing will be missed by all. Fred is survived by his son Matt (Christa Salo) and daughters Tara Komar (Matt), Jill Croft (Mike), and Sue Cumbo (Andrew), along with six grandchildren, Emma, Will, Aidan, Addie, Drew and Charlie. He is also survived by his brother Bill de Funiak (Barbara) and sister Olivia Fox.
Charles Patrick McCarty MBA ’64 passed away peacefully at home in Ashland, Ore. on Sept. 5, 2012, surrounded by his wife and sons.
Charles was born to Charles and Zena McCarty on May 4, 1924, in Portland, Ore. He was a graduate of the University of Portland and Santa Clara University. He served in the U.S. Army, Chemical Warfare Service in both the European and Pacific theaters of World War II from March, 1943 to January 1946. He married his beloved wife, Rosemary, on July 1, 1950, at the Church of the Madeleine in Portland, Ore. He was a long time employee of SRI International. He loved reading and walking. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and with Rosemary was a volunteer for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was a long-time parishioner of Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church.
Charles is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosemary; sons Thomas [Kim], James, Steven [Ellen], and Patrick [Colleen]; grandchildren Caroline, Michael, Dominic, Claire, and Kathryn; and great granddaughter Layla. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa A. McCarty Quarman. Charles will be remembered as a cheerful, devout, loving husband, father, grandfather and, great grandfather.
1965
William Richard Costello Jr. ’65, of Los Gatos, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 27, 2011 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Pamela, daughters Alexandra, Mollie O'Connor (Michael), Christine Foxworthy (David) and three beautiful grandchildren Madelyn, Brendan and Elizabeth. He was born to William and Barbara Costello in Larkspur. He was second of four children, Ellen Miller, James Costello and Margaret O'Neill (deceased). Bill grew up in Marin County and attended Marin Catholic High School and Santa Clara University. Beloved husband, father and grandfather. Treasured friend to many and avid golfer. Bill had a 43 year career in commercial real estate.
William Martin Head M.S. '65 passed away Oct. 22, 2010 after an extended illness. He taught thousands of Salinas Valley students during more than 29 years as a junior high and elementary school teacher. Bill, whose family moved to Soledad in 1907 to start a commercial house and restaurant later known as the Head Inn, which he helped operate for 15 years, was born July 9, 1925. He had been a lifelong Soledad resident until moving to Salinas in 1998. Bill graduated from Salinas Union High School, class of 1943 and attended San Jose College until he entered the United States Navy during World War II later that year where he served until 1946. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State College in 1952 and a Masters from Santa Clara University, Class of 1964. Bill taught math for nearly three decades, most of that time at Washington Junior High in Salinas. His Masonic, Eastern Star and Scottish Rite activities in Monterey County spanned 63 years, including holding nearly every official title at lodges in Carmel and King City. He also was the recipient of the Hiram Award, the highest honor bestowed by a Masonic Lodge and the Grand Lodge of California. His civic activities and volunteering included serving on the Election Board for more than 20 years; being a member of the Soledad Elementary School Board, 1987-91 ; serving on the Monterey County Grand Jury; and working for 15 years with the Monterey County Mathletics Contest. Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy. He is survived by his wife, Lila '72; son, Bill Head, of Oakland; and daughter, Ann Head Hilton, of San Francisco.
William L. Jaeger '65 on Jan. 11, 2009. Born and raised in Seattle, he attended SCU on an academic scholarship. He served as student body president and later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of California's Boalt Hall. He worked in the Antitrust Division of the Justice Department for four years and returned to the Bay Area in 1973 to begin his career in private practice. He was elected a member of the American College of Trial lawyers and retired from the practice of law at Townsend, Townsend & Crew in 2006. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and three children.
Vincenzo James Sisto ’65 on March 19, 2010.
Stephen Dombrink ’65, passed away Dec. 3, 2011. A resident of Oakland, The Honorable Stephen Dombrink passed away surrounded by his loving family, after a valiant 15-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Steve handled his ordeal with his illness with strength, courage, hopefulness and a sense of humor, making him an inspiration to those around him.
Proud of his Oakland heritage and the century long Dombrink family history in the East Bay, Steve earned his diploma from St. Elizabeth's High School, and greatly enjoyed planning and attending a recent 50th reunion with his classmates. He received his BA degree in 1965 from Santa Clara University and maintained lifelong relationships with a number of the friends he made there. He treasured having spent a memorable year in Rome, an experience that sparked a lifelong love of Europe. After receiving his JD degree from Boalt Hall Law School (UC Berkeley) in 1968, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he served for four years with the Navy's Judge Advocate General Corps. After studies in Paris, he returned to the East Bay, where he joined the Crosby, Heafey law firm and where he met and fell in love with his wife, Debi. Later he became a partner at the firm of Chandler, Bruner and Dombrink.
The highlight of Steve's career was his appointment as an Alameda County Superior Court Judge, where he distinguished himself for 20 years on the bench, retiring last year. Colleagues knew him as a dedicated, thoughtful, and caring judge who was fair and evenhanded. Known for his remarkably calm disposition, optimism, quick wit, self-effacing manner, intellectual curiosity and wry sense of humor, Steve was a man of culture. He loved and was completely dedicated to his family, and his greatest joy was spending time with his sons, family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling, reading, listening to a wide variety of music, watching the 49ers, A's and Giants games, and taking walks through his neighborhood and the Big Trees State Park. Steve is survived by his wife of 35 years, Debi Baird Dombrink, his two sons, Michael and Mark Dombrink, his sister Marilyn Salazar, his step-mother, Betty Dombrink, his aunt Norma Anderson, his beloved nieces and nephews, his sister- and brother-in law Beverly ("Sister") and John Zanarini, and his many cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Anthony Foundation in San Francisco or Corpus Christi School in Piedmont. A service celebrating Steve's life will be held on Sat., Dec. 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Waterfront Hotel in Oakland.
Robert B. Kavale MBA ’65 entered into rest on May 17, 2012, at the Tracy Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center. He died of pneumonia following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born in the Czech Republic on January 11, 1926, to Josef and Ludmila Kavale. Known for his quick wit and good sense of humor, he will be sorely missed by friends and family.
Mr. Kavale, a resident of Manteca for four and one-half years and former resident of Saratoga, worked in Silicon Valley for more than 30 years in the industrial engineering field. A registered professional engineer and recipient of master's degrees from two California universities, including the Santa Clara University, he helped companies to reduce waste, cut costs, and improve productivity. Among other engineering responsibilities, he designed production facilities, wrote design guidelines, and developed processes and standards.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jean Kavale, two brothers and their spouses, Josef and Libuse Kavale and Karel and Kerstin Kavale, and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his infant son, David Joseph Kavale.
Ranny Riley ’65, the psychologist best known for her work helping professional women advance their careers into the highest echelons of corporate America, died on August 14 in her home in Belvedere, Calif. She was 68.
Born Frances O'Brien Riley in 1943, in Detroit, Mich., Ranny grew up on the San Francisco Peninsula. She joined the first women's class at the University of Santa Clara. After graduating, Ranny went on to receive her Master's degree in Psychology from Boston College.
She returned home and began to help some of the Bay Area's most iconic companies, including Apple and George Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic, develop their leadership teams. She took her PhD from Fielding.
These events coincided with a transition in her professional focus from corporate leadership in general to a more specific focus on issues facing women, both in and beyond their corporate lives. She turned to coaching professional women, from CEOs to those just beginning their careers. As she put it, Ranny helped the new professional woman see herself differently and help her establish her own success in some of America's best companies.
Ranny is survived by her husband Lou Lenzen of Belvedere, by her sister Anne Riley of Burlingame and by her five brothers, Reverend Miles Riley of Half Moon Bay, Dr William Riley of Redwood City, Patrick Riley of San Francisco, Ambassador Thomas Riley of Palo Alto and James Riley of Pasadena and by her eight nieces and nephews, Francie Devlin, Lisa Lenzo, Max Riley, Joanna Weidenmiller, Conor Riley, Ryan Riley, Julia Riley, and Aili Nahas.
Murphy Sabatino '65 on January 8, 2010. Murphy, a farmer and restaurateur, was born December 23, 1943 to Murphy and Josephine Sabatino. He was a lifelong resident of San Jose. He graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory in 1961 and Santa Clara University in 1965 and paid for his college tuition by selling fireworks during the summer. Murphy began working at the Pink Elephant Market on King Road at the age of 11 and continued helping in various family businesses all his life. Murphy had a passion for starting a business from nothing and had many successful ventures of his own, including a hardware store, a tortilla factory, a delicatessen, and his most well-known business, the Italian Gardens in San Jose. Most recently he acquired a vacant building in Hollister and turned it in to the Cedar House Restaurant, which received many outstanding reviews. However, first and foremost, Murphy was a farmer with a lifelong love for growing cherries. Murphy is survived by Carol, his true love and wife of 42 years, daughter Elizabeth Smith (Michael), son Murphy Sabatino III (Jennifer), grandchildren Samantha, Sophia, and Wade Smith, and Olivia Sabatino, Sister Joanne Moul (Mike), Aunts Lucille Marks, Angie Margo, Santina Maxwell and Mary Parle, nephews Michael and Kevin Moul, Mark, Randy and Scott Bruner, and Sean Collins, nieces Elizabeth Moul and Shannon Tassi, numerous cousins, great nephews and nieces.
Kenneth J. Virnig '65 on May 2, 2010. Our dearest, most beloved and admired father, friend, mentor and godfather, Kenneth J. (Ken) Virnig passed away following a brief, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born July 24, 1943, and lived in Monte Sereno. Ken is survived by one son, Kenneth J. (Chip) Virnig II, of whom he was very proud, in addition to countless friends and loved ones. Born and raised in Cupertino, Ken was the son of John M. Virnig and Anna M. Vlahovich-Virnig. Ken began his life in a modest farmhouse surrounded by beautiful cherry orchards. His love of hunting and fishing came at an early age, spending time with his father and friends hunting extensively near Los Banos. It was from these roots that Ken learned to place a high value on family and friends, honor and integrity. Ken attended St. Francis High School and was a member of the 2nd graduating class. He went on to attend Santa Clara University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Immediately thereafter, Ken decided to leave his home of twenty years and moved to Chicago, where he earned his MBA from Northwestern University. After completing his formal education, Ken returned home and joined IBM in San Francisco. He spent 11 years in a variety of Sales and Marketing leadership roles ultimately becoming the IBM Palo Alto Branch Manager. During his tenure at IBM, Ken's sales and business acumen and overall dependability were recognized when he was promoted to work under the guidance of one of the top IBM Executives in Atlanta, GA. After two years in that role and well on the "fast track" to executive status at IBM, Ken chose instead to return to his beloved Santa Clara Valley and pick up where he left off in Sales and Branch Office Management. Ken's entrepreneurial spirit eventually took him away from IBM in the late 1970s to pursue other ventures. Ultimately, however, Ken was drawn to the executive search business and in 1989 he co-founded Devine and Virnig, Inc. Recognizing the need for a "new brand" of executive search, Ken transformed Devine and Virnig into a renowned Executive Search Firm, focused on building Silicon Valley's most successful pre-IPO and public companies. Ken was a six time honoree of the "Midas List," Forbes Magazine annual ranking of the Top 100 individuals nationally who have been most instrumental in building successful technology and life sciences companies. Other accolades bestowed upon Ken include Red Herring's "Member of High Tech's Inner Circle", one of nine individuals "Who Can Help a Start-Up Stand Out". Respected, emulated and revered, Ken's impact on Silicon Valley is indelible in the many lives and businesses he helped develop and grow. Ken did so with honor and integrity, epitomizing kindness, intelligence and friendship, whether coaching a candidate on career direction or advising colleagues, clients or board members on hires who would make a difference in their business.Ken's personal life was centered on his fondness of the great outdoors, high performance cars and spending quality time with his son and close friends. He was an accomplished hunter, whether it was a weekend getaway to his ranch or an extended trip to hunt big game in Africa, Ken was at peace in the wilderness and loved his hunting buddies dearly. Ken was a great story teller and lived and loved his outdoor life to the fullest, yet with benevolence and a sense of wonder. Beside his love of animals, Ken always saw the good in people, gave everyone a chance and never believed in "sweating the small stuff", or "mouse nuts" as he called them. A devout Catholic, Ken's faith was his strength and his peace, providing comfort during his battle with cancer and knowledge that in the end, he was going home to Our Heavenly Father. Although his mission and purpose on earth is now complete, his life, love and legacy remain full and vibrant within the hearts and lives of those family, friends, and colleagues he has touched.
Juanita O'Connor '65, beloved mother, grandmother and sister, died May 13, 2011 at age 68. Juanita raised her family and helped run a deli and catering business in Healdsburg for several years. A devout Catholic, she was dedicated to the Church and did work with the Missionaries of Charity in San Francisco. She loved kids and sports, coaching soccer and basketball for many years. She is survived by four children Kevin O'Connor '91, Maureen O'Connor '91, J.D. '94, Patrick O'Connor '92 and Daniel and four grandchildren. A woman of humor and faith, she was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
Joseph John Dill MBA '65 died Dec. 4, 2009. in Windsor, Canada. He is mourned by his beloved bride of five years, Monique Hatch. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph John Dill and Margaret Elizabeth (Heckman) Dill of Brooklyn, New York; and his first wife of 54 years, Betty (Fleckenstein); and daughter, Kathryn D. Price. He is survived by his brother Robert E. and wife Greta Dill of New York City, NY; his sister Mary Bloor of Brooklyn, NY; his five children, including Robert J. of Orangevale, CA; Marian J. and husband Mike Stier of Santa Rosa, CA; Michael J. and wife Toni of Henderson, NV; Peggy and husband Don McCoy of Half Moon Bay, CA and Thomas J. of Orangevale, CA. Also surviving him are five grandchildren: Christopher and wife Tamara Stier of Santa Rosa, CA, Denise and husband Armando Alvear of Santa Rosa, CA, Eric and wife Kelly Price of Fair Oaks, CA, Rebecca Price and Erin Price of Fair Oaks, CA as well as six great-grandchildren. Joe was born in Brooklyn, NY and served in the Army Air Force in World War II. He obtained a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from Pratt Institute in New York in 1950. After moving to California in 1957 he obtained a MBA in Management from Santa Clara University in 1965. Joe worked for General Electric Co. for almost 30 years. He has always been active in his church including being a member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe had a brilliant mind, a grand sense of humor, greatly enjoyed the outdoors and was deeply loved by his family. He was 85. A Memorial Mass was held in December and he was interred at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Santa Rosa, CA.

