Santa Clara Magazine

Richard J. Conner ’69 was born April 2, 1947 and died Nov. 11, 2012. He was a resident of San Ramon. A fighter to the end, Rich finallly ran out of credits at the video poker machine of life and succumbed to glioblastoma after a fierce battle with the disease. Predeceased by his father Glease Conner in 1982 and his mother Euphrasia (Lillie) by only seven days, he is survived by his daughter Shannon (Tom), brother Bill (Joan), Fiance Cynthia, nephew Michael and niece Elizabeth Walker. Rich was born and raised in San Rafael and grew up in the house his father was born in, back in 1912. He had a love for fishing, gambling, music and his all time favorite, his work-outs at Club Sport of San Ramon. Rich was a graduate of Marin Catholic High School in 1965 and Santa Clara University in 1969. His first job was selling photocopiers for IBM, where he made a name for himself and was soon hired by Ethicon. The last 25 years of his life he worked for Hill-Rom, earning several prestigious awards and superior sales achievements. A well kept secret, Rich was an accomplished ballroom dancer and he and Cynthia spent many nights at Top of the Mark in San Francisco dancing the night away. He will be deeply missed by those he mentored and loved, both professionally and personally.

Joseph "Joe" F. Ercoli ’69—an unforgettable firecracker—began lighting up the halls of Heaven on the morning of October 3, 2012. A proud and passionate Italian-American, the always lively and colorful Joe was born in San Francisco on May 18, 1947 to Joseph and Patricia Ercoli. Growing up in South San Francisco, Joe was educated at All Souls Elementary, Serra High School, and Santa Clara University. Distinguishing himself as a civil engineer, as a South City restaurateur, and as a long time salesman, Joe toiled his entire life with a tirelessness and tenacity that was as impressive as it was unmatched. A lover of horses, political discussions, and the Dollar Store, Joe's most fiercely cherished treasure was the beloved family that survives and celebrates him: his devoted bride of forty-three years, Christine, and his dear, precious children, Alexis and Joseph. We shall not see his like again, but the world is richer for his having passed this way. He was the brother-in-law of David Ferrari ’61, J.D. ’64.

Harry Ellis MBA ’69 received his healed body in heaven on Aug. 28, 2012, after losing his three-year battle to fully recover from illness.

Harry was born in New Haven, Conn., on Dec. 2, 1938. After graduating from Providence College, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. While stationed at Fort Ord, he decided to stay in California where “there was no snow.”

He worked in Oakland for Kaiser, Sand and Gravel Division, for 10 years, and completed his MBA at Santa Clara University, and then began his long career in the wine industry in Bakersfield. In 1976, he moved to Napa where he worked for Beringer Winery, Franciscan Winery and ended his career as CFO at Geyser Peak Winery, retiring in 2000.

At Beringer, he first met Elaine, his best friend and wife of 34 years. His interests included history, classical and “old-time” country music, golf and hockey. One goal he completed was to visit every state in the union. In 2003, he and Elaine joined the international Christian organization, Operation Mobilization, as regional development associates. They traveled extensively for OM, visiting overseas ministries to the poor and oppressed, then returning home to relate stories to donors who shared their passion to bring freedom and hope.

In addition to his wife, Elaine, Harry is survived by his brother Frank Ellis of Notre Dame, Ind.; his sister in-law, Judy Ellis, of North Haven, Conn.; and nieces and nephews on both east and west coasts. He was recently predeceased by his brother, David Ellis. Both family and friends will miss Harry’s gifts of encouraging others and his ability to see the humor in all things.