This webpage is dedicated to the memory of QM2 Larry Murrish, USCGR.
Larry was among the first 100 crew members of Fred's Place and was proud to be designated as a
plank owner. I first met Larry while vacationing at Patrick AFB which became an annual "lunch
date" for several years. Larry was a great supporter of Fred's Place and I'm proud to have called
him, FRIEND.
BMCS Richard D. Dixon
BMCS Rick Dixon, two time recipient of the Coast Guard Medal (with extraordinary heroism) crossed the bar on Friday, September 25, 2009 at his home in Medford, Oregon in the care of his wife and friend Virginia. Rick lived his life with the distinction granted only to those heroic, but humble and caring souls among us who are so fortunate to have known them. Rick was respected and endeared by all who knew him. Some of Rick’s shipmates would like to him get the reorganization he so greatly deserves. Anyone who may have first hand accounts of Rick’s heroic experiences are requested to contact Al Shepherd at the below address.
01/30/10 Submitted by:
Al Shepherd
QMC William O. Benton
Chief Billy Benton of the Bibb and Point Franklin has passed away in South Carolina in October of 2009. Bubba is surely already upstairs but may not know he's in heaven yet because he always thought his beloved Charleston, SC home was heaven. A fine CPO and mentor. He will be long remembered by those of us who knew him.
01/21/10 Submitted by:
Tom Mactaggart
AMTC John Mengelson (Ret)
AMTC John Mengelson (Ret) was tragically taken from us on 18 January 2010 in civilian plane crash. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends and the Coast Guardsman that he served with. John was a talented technician and a cherished friend. I will miss his sense of humor and positive attitude. John never met anybody that he didn't like and he was liked by all that came in contact with him. John, you will always be remembered. “The greatest among you will be your servant” ~ Matt 23:11
01/19/10 Submitted by:
John Sachse
Ray V. Kennedy
BMCM Ray V. Kennedy, 81 of Jacksonville Beach, Florida passed away on 5 January 2010 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Atwater, Ohio and had been a resident of Jacksonville Beach since 1970. Ray retired from active duty on 1 July 1974, and during his 26-year career he served in Alaska; Cape May, New Jersey; Baltimore, Maryland; Key West Florida; and his last duty station, Mayport, Florida. He was an avid golfer who thoroughly enjoyed not only the view of Jacksonville Beach Golf Club and course from his backyard, but also the time he spent playing the game. He is survived by his wife Yvonne; daughters Doris Bisson, Lucille Loraine, and Claire Fry; six grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held in Jacksonville Beach on 8 January 2010, and he will be interred at Jacksonville National Cemetery on 20 January 2010 at 1:30 p.m. I served with Ray on the USCGC Southwind in Baltimore, Maryland in the late 1960s, and I distinctly remember him as an outstanding Chief Petty Officer who was an exceptional leader, led by example, and will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to have known and served with him. Fair winds and following seas to you Ray on your final voyage.
01/17/10 Submitted by:
Edward Clancy, Jr.
Norman Taylor
Norman Taylor
Entered into rest Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at Pepper Hill Nursing Home, Mr. Norman Taylor, 88, beloved husband for 67 years of Mrs. Emma Hambly Taylor of Meadow Trace Court and son of the late James and Hanna Boyes Taylor.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at Cole Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Hanna officiating. Interment will follow in Pocassett Hill Cemetery, Tiverton, R.I.
Mr. Taylor was a native of Fall River, Mass., and had lived in Tiverton, R.I., for 50 years prior moving to Aiken in 2006. He was educated in Fall River schools and graduated from Durfee High School in 1939. Mr. Taylor worked in the textile industry (Ashworth Brothers) in Fall River for 30 years and for the U.S. Postal Service in Providence, R.I., as a clerk for 20 years, retiring in 1986. Mr. Taylor was a veteran of WWII having served in the Pacific in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a member of the V.F.W. in Tiverton, R.I. Mr. Taylor was a member and former Deacon of Central Baptist Church, Tiverton, R.I., and attended Redds Branch Baptist Church here in Aiken.
Additional survivors include one son, William (Sheila) Norman of Somerset, Mass.; one daughter, Carol (Roger) Pizio of Aiken; five grandchildren, Scott Pizio of Fall River, Mass., David (Paula) Pizio of Fall River, Mass., Jonathan (Erin) Taylor of Somerset, Mass., Amy (Todd) Pizio-Moore of Aiken and Nathan (Stacey) Taylor of Somerset, Mass.; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his four sisters, Jane Ellen Robinson, Hannah Broadbent, Elizabeth Berry and Grace Viana; and his two brothers, James and William Taylor.
The family would like to express a gratitude of thanks to the staff of Pepper Hill and to Infinity Hospice of all their love and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that memorials be made to Infinity Hospice, 220 Richland Ave. W., Aiken, SC 29801.
A visitation with the family will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 12, 2010, at Cole Funeral Home, 1544 University Parkway (118 Bypass), Aiken, 648-7175.
See also http://www.uscg.mil/history/WEBORALHISTORY/Norman_Taylor_WWII_Memoir.pdf
01/11/10 Submitted by:
Mark Toomey
Phil Fleisig
Philip Franklyn Fleisig August 8, 1917 - January 8, 2010 Resident of Tracy Born in San Francisco to Frank and Bessie Fabian Fleisig, grandson of Isaac and Sarah Fleisig of Soquel and Philip and Annie Fabian of Tracy and San Francisco, Philip Franklyn Fleisig completed his life-long career of private entreneurship and public service on January 8, 2010 at home in Tracy. Moving to Tracy in the very early 1920s, Fleisig worked throughout his youth in the family's feed store, horse dealership, and public scale business. Attending Tracy public schools until transferring for his senior year of high school in Berkeley preparatory to entering the University of California, Berkeley In 1933 he met Dorothy ('Dodie') Virginia Larson, who would become his life partner, marrying in 1940. Inspired by observations in Berkeley, he began his life of public service during school breaks by organizing the first school crossing guards in Tracy. Following college, he returned to active participation in the family businesses. After the outbreak of World War II, Fleisig was employed at the Union Diesel plant in Oakland building ship engines. Entering the service, drawing upon his experience as Cadet Colonel of the Berkeley ROTC, he served as a Drill Instructor at Fort Knox, Kentucky, then as a tank commander under General George S. Patton. Fleisig then volunteered for the Army's Counter Intelligence Corps and served throughout the Pacific theater, most notably as training officer for a Philippine guerilla army on Luzon prior to General MacArthur's reinvasion of The Philippines, earning a Bronze Star Medal with an additional stars among other citations and battle ribbons with multiple beachheads. His service in Japan included leading a small detachment of Counter Intelligence Corps to demilitarize and disarm civilian forces and individuals ahead of the arrival of the main occupation forces. Later he served on the War Crimes Tribunal, returning to California in 1946 to assume control of the family feed business, principally selling Best, Ranch Way, and Leslie brands, and the Public Scale. Twin sons, Frank and Bill, arrived in 1947, and Fleisig's activities accelerated. In 1948 he served as Dodie's Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star. He served as Master of Mount Oso Lodge #360, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (1952), becoming a 32nd degree Master Mason, and then as President of Ben Ali Shrine Club (1955). He is a lifetime supporter of the Shriners' Children's Hospital. Fleisig was president of the Western Horse and Trailer Club in Banta, and served as Captain of the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Posse until 1960, directing Search and Rescue missions and their parade unit. Fleisig later became a real estate broker, serving as President of the Realty Board, and an insurance broker, representing Royal Globe and others. He served for years on the Safety Council of the City of Tracy. A life-long duck hunter, he was active in the Stockton Ducks Unlimited organization. Later, he and Dodie were among the founding organizers of the Tracy Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. He shot PITA trap, winning the Sacramento Diamond Invitational among other meets, and became a Lifetime Member of the NRA. He and Dodie participated in the Sierra League Trap League into their 80s. He remains a Charter Member of the Waterloo Gun and Bocci Club in Stockton. For nearly three decades they both taught Hunter Safety classes throughout the Central Valley under the auspices of the California Department of Fish and Game. In 1958 he and wife Dorothy ('Dodie') joined the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, establishing the inaugural South Delta Patrol, dedicated to boating safety, education, and search and rescue. Fleisig served as Flotilla Commander in Bethel Island, Division Captain of San Joaquin division, and Commodore of the Twelfth Coast Guard District, head-quartered in San Francisco. Eventually he served on the National Board of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He and Dodie wrote and taught many training classes, including supervising the annual National Search and Rescue Training Mission on Lake Powell. They remained active patrolling and training the remainder of their lives, aboard three successive craft named, 'Gadwall,' receiving Outstanding Auxiliarist Awards in 2000 and Fifty Year Citations from the United States Coast Guard Commandant in 2008. In 1975 he assumed trusteeship of the Fabian Ranch, dating back to 1878 on Rancho El Pescadero, the first island north of Tracy, from Uncle Neil B. Fabian. He served as a Director of Reclamation District #773 for over 20 years. Fleisig is survived by Dodie, his wife of 69 years, son Frank Fleisig (Anne) of Mansfield, Texas, son Bill Fleisig (Neff) of Turlock, granddaughter Sarah Powers (Jason) and great-grand-daughter, Meredith of Los Angeles, and grandson Kirk Fleisig of Torrance. Remembrances can be made in his name to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2425 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817. No Services.
01/10/10 Submitted by:
Steve Wheeler
Kenneth Clifford Garrison
Oregon Native, Pearl Harbor Survivor and patriarch Kenneth Clifford Garrison went peacefully to walk with his Lord and Savior at his home in Tigard, Ore., Jan. 2.
Garrison was born Sept. 4, 1921 in Forest Grove, Ore., to Charles and Gertrude (Raymond) Garrison.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Lila of Tigard; son Clifford and wife Judy Garrison of Skamokawa, Wash., son Wayne and wife Darla Garrison of Tigard, daughter Judy and husband John Alholm of Longview, Wash., son Charles Garrison of Kelso, Wash., daughter Tamara and husband Harlan Buoy of Craig, Alaska and daughter Laura and husband Timothy Watson of Aloha, Ore., and sister Ruth Strasz of Detroit, Mich. He was very proud of his large family of 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, sisters, Juanita Underhill, Codessa Alcon, Virginia Poulson, and Violet Weiss, and brother Virgil 'Rex' Brooks.
He enlisted in the Navy in Portland, Ore., in 1940. Upon graduation from boot camp he was assigned to the USS Nevada. He was on duty during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec 7, 1941 and was commended 'for his courage, skill and devotion to duty, while in action against strong enemy strafing, bombing and torpedo attack at Pearl Harbor'.
He was involved in eight major engagements during WWII. During the war he also served on USS St. Louis and was a plank owner on the USS Boxer. After serving six years in the Navy, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1947 and proudly served until his retirement in 1963. He advanced through the enlisted ranks to retire as a Chief Warrant Officer. Upon retirement, he worked for the City of Sweet Home, Ore., the school district in Ketchikan, Alaska, Montgomery Ward in Portland and then Tektronix in Beaverton, Ore., until his second retirement.
Garrison was an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association (past President), Fleet Reserve, Retired Officers Association, Elks, American Legion and Veteran's of Foreign Wars (past Post Commander and Chaplain). He was an Elder at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Tigard. He actively volunteered delivering meals for Meals-on-Wheels, transporting patients to physician and clinic appointments, and arranging for medication refills for homebound former military personnel. He was a 'go-to-guy' always ready to help those in need.
He was known by friends and family members as Ken or Sam. To Coasties, he was known as 'Gabby'. He was normally a man of few words and chose to reserve them for when he had something profound to say.
When he first enlisted he had an 8th grade education. He quickly realized that in order to succeed in life he would need to expand his knowledge in a broad range of subjects. He completed a high school equivalent degree. He was a voracious reader of history and technical books and attended several military and civilian technical schools and college courses. He advocated lifelong learning. He lead by example, being fair and respectful of all peoples no matter their race, color or creed.
A viewing will be held Jan., 6, 7 and 8th at the family residence at 11150 SW 119th; Tigard from 2 PM to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 13401 SW Benish St in Tigard (at the corner of Walnut & 135th) on Saturday at 10 AM. Internment will follow at Fern Hill Cemetery in Skamokawa at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested in Kenneth's name to St Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
As we bid adieu to his physical presence on this earth, we wish him 'Fair Winds and a Following Sea'.
01/06/10 Submitted by:
Keith Alholm
MK3 Tom J Szilvagyi
TJ passed away at home, in Kitty Hawk, from cancer on Decemeber 21, 2009. I have not seen or talked to him in 30 years. Just after the first of Dec., of 2009, I located him and had a short conversation. He told me he was sick and told me he should be done with treatment by Jan. 2010. That was a visit I had planned to make. Roland Bowser called on the 28th to let me know he had passed. His wife told me he was just as I remembered him. Never had a bad thing to say about anyone and was always there when you needed something. Also learned Tom passed as a Christian and was dedicated to his church. He did not know about the illness til July of 2009 and it rapidly over took his body. This was a fine man. Incidently, TJ served at Oregon Inlet and Swansboro, NC in the 70's.
12/30/09 Submitted by:
David Craft
MK3 Tom J Szilvagyi
TJ passed away at home, in Kitty Hawk, from cancer on Decemeber 21, 2009. I have not seen or talked to him in 30 years. Just after the first of Dec., of 2009, I located him and had a short conversation. He told me he was sick and told me he should be done with treatment by Jan. 2010. That was a visit I had planned to make. Roland Bowser called on the 28th to let me know he had passed. His wife told me he was just as I remembered him. Never had a bad thing to say about anyone and was always there when you needed something. Also learned Tom passed as a Christian and was dedicated to his church. He did not know about the illness til July of 2009 and it rapidly over took his body. This was a fine man.
12/30/09 Submitted by:
David Craft
Oscar Berry ENC
whom I was stationed with on the Cutter Chincoteage in 1956 and 57' when he was second class passed over the bar for his final time 10/27/09 in Manteo, NC
12/19/09 Submitted by:
Gary Hodge
John Horton
We lost John Horton on 12/14/2009. I first met John in Hawaii and later on the Androscoggin. A great person, a Great Coast Guardsman and a Great BT who shared a lot of his knowledge and friendship with me.
12/17/09 Submitted by:
John Kilgore
Jose J. Orta
Jose Juan Orta NORFOLK - Jose Juan Orta, 37, passed away Dec. 9, 2009. He was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico to Sonia M. Torres and the late Jose Juan Orta. Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Sonia M. Torres; son, Jared Orta; and brothers, Pedro J. Orta and Jose J. Orta. The family will receive friends at Twiford Funeral Home today from 5 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Mass to follow at 7 p.m. The burial will take place Thursday at A.G. Horton at noon. The family has entrusted Twiford Funeral Home with services. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on 12/15/2009
Notice • Guest Book • Send sympathy flowers • Visit the gift shop •
12/16/09 Submitted by:
Lee Wrench
Porter F. Ammerman
Porter F. Ammerman 11-1-1922-12-04-2009 Resident of Hayward Passed away peacefully in his sleep. Born to James Edward and Victoria Fetterolf Ammerman, November 1, 1922 in Altoona, PA. Survived by his wife Lillian of 62 years and three children, Linda (Ed) Barber, Jon (Daniela) Ammerman, and Lisa (Terry) LaPray and Shirley Hayame Foster Daughter. Grandchildren Shane, Shawn and Monica Ammerman, Jared, Brandon & Jacob LaPray, Heidi and Stephanie Hayame. Nieces Vicki DiGuilio, Debi Martinez, Nephews Barry Gordilla, Justin Ledgewood & many other nieces & nephews. Preceded in death by this parents & siblings, Emma, Catherine, Myron, Edwin, Arthur, Clair & Donna. He served 6 years in the Navy during World War II and served aboard the Aircraft Carrier Hornet CV-8 when Dolittle Raiders bombed Tokyo in 1942 and he was also on it until it sunk. He later joined the Coast Guard and retired after 23 years in the military service. He later retired from Hayward Unified School District. He was Scout Master and Explorer Leader for many years for Troop #802 and many boys made Eagle Scout at this time. He could fix most anything and enjoyed doing so for neighbors and friends. He would kindly teach anyone who was willing to learn. He always had a smile on his face. In later years he and Lillian loved to travel in their motor home with trips to Baja, Alaska, Canada and many trips back to PA and other points of interest in the USA, having traveled in every state. He was a member of the Hayward First Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Visitation will be held at Jess C. Spencer Mortuary, 21228 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley, 5:00PM to 8:00PM, Tuesday evening on December 8th. Services will be held Wednesday, December 9th at 10:30AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Highland Chapel. Interment at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Gustine, CA. Jess C. Spencer Mortuary 510-581-9133
12/10/09 Submitted by:
Timothy Mooney
Clifton Lucious Wilson
Clifton Wilson passed away peacefully on November 24, 2009 following a short illness. he was 71 years old. A 32 year resident of the Seattle area, he relocated to Oakland 2 years ago to be closer to his family. Upon graduation from Sacred Heart High School he joined the U S Coast Guard and served 20 years, retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. He continued his career at Todd Shipyards in Seattle where he worked for 15 years as a test/trial engineer.
Memorial services will be held at St Paul's Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave, Oakland CA 94610 at 1PM on January 9, 2010.
12/07/09 Submitted by:
Timothy Mooney
BMC Virgil Dean Kroupa, USCG, Ret.
Virgil Dean Kroupa was born in Winnetoon, NE 14 Jan 1934 and died in Spokane, WA on Tue 26 Aug 2008. In the 1940's he moved to Spokane WA with his family. After high school he enlisted in the Coast Guard and retired in 1980 to Spokane.
He was preceded in death by his wife Bettye in 2001. He is survived by a sister, 4 children, and 4 step children.
(Source: Spokane Spokesman 07 Sep 2008).
Virgil was a Dutch Uncle to us boys in our youth. He and my late father, CWO3 Thomas James 'Tom' Lynn USCG, Ret. sailed many years in CGC TUPELO and were tight shipmates. I have many pleasant memories of Virgil, he taught me many things. He was the last of the Old Guard Bosuns. My last contact with him was via cell phone in Summer 2008, just days before his death. I called him from the fantail of CGC Eagle, then at Port of Tacoma WA.
My grandson was with me. Virgils voice was very hoarse, he told me the cancer got him but was having chemotherapy. I tried to call him Christmas, but learned he was gone.
Virgil was a true friend and shipmate; and my Hero.
12/01/09 Submitted by:
Thomas J Lynn Jr
BMCS Milton Thomas (Tom) Hurst, USCG, Ret.
My Dad crossed the bar today. 28 year veteran who served proudly in the Coast Guard he loved dearly.
Services will be held on 11/28/09 at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Panama City, FL.
11/26/09 Submitted by:
John Hurst
Perry Ronald Padilla
Padilla, Perry Ronald
Jan. 19, 1947 - Nov. 11, 2009
Perry Ronald Padilla, 62, of Englewood, died Nov. 11, 2009.
Mr. Padilla was the son of Perry Theodore Padilla and Rose Caputo Padilla, both deceased.
He grew up in Boca Grande and graduated from Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda. He served with the U.S. Coast Guard, including a year in Vietnam. Returning home, he settled in the Sarasota-Englewood area to be near family.
He is survived by his sister, Carmen Parker (Ken) of Tampa; paternal aunts, Theresa Matos (Jorge) of Boca Grande, Fla., and Nita Progris (Jim) of Coral Gables, Fla.
A visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at Sarasota Memorial Park, 5833 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to TideWell Hospice, 1751 Mound St., Sarasota, FL 34236.
11/15/09 Submitted by:
Frank W. Larder
Richard David Barrette
To my Grandfather, 'Pep', to who I will miss the most, On this day 3 years ago he passed away from his second heart attack. He is missed and is loved by all his family and friends. R.I.P. 12/16/42 - 10/31/06
10/31/09 Submitted by:
Sean Barrette
Joseph S. Deptula
Joseph S. Deptula, 84, of Lakewood, died Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, with angels carrying him home. He was a retired postal supervisor, a retired chief petty officer in the Coast Guard and a retired Lakewood Board of Education bus driver.
Joseph was predeceased by his wife, Betty June Deptula, in 1987. He is survived by his two sons, Michael Deptula and his wife Amy of Pennsylvania, and John Deptula of Lakewood; his two daughters, Jo Ann Haytas and her husband Bobby of Lakewood, and Caroline Pitale of California; his six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the D'Elia Funeral Home, Route 70 and Vermont Avenue, Lakewood. A Funeral Mass will be offered at noon Thursday, Oct. 15 at St. Mary of the Lake R.C. Church, Lakewood, with entombment to follow at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Lakewood. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Deborah Hospital or to the Lakewood First Aid Emergency Squad
10/15/09 Submitted by:
Timothy Mooney
CWO4 Pat Glesner
Anthony Patrick (Pat) Glesner Passed away on October 6, 2009, at Ann Arbor Veterans' Hospital after living with cancer for seven years. He was born in Velasco, Texas, November 1, 1945, the son of Leo Norbert Glesner and Ilah Violet Timmins and spent most of his childhood in Cadillac, Michigan. He enlisted in the Navy in 1963 and served aboard the USS Enterprise. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he enlisted in the Coast Guard. Over the course of his 20 year career, he had twice sailed around the world, and visited every continent He retired as a chief warrant officer in 1991 and had earned several military decorations. While in service he earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of the State of New York and a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Staten Island (CUNY). Upon retirement, Pat entered Western Michigan University, where he earned a Master of Arts in history in 1996. From 2001-2009 he served as a a Technical Writer & Editor at the US Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) in Warren, Michigan. He earned a Master of Technology at Eastern Michigan University in 2005. Pat's published works include historical pieces in academic and popular history journals, award winning poetry, and a collection of sea stories. Pat is survived by his wife of 12 years, Susie Glesner and her father Eddie McNamara. He is also survived by his three step children: Billy (Tiffany) Roberts granddaughter Gracie; Becky (Jake) Wilson; and Tammy Cushman and grandsons Jerry, Josh, Justin, and Jordan. Survivors also include his brother Arthur (Anita) Glesner of Jackson, Michigan and his nieces Dorothy and Melissa and six grandnieces and grandnephews and one great-grandniece; as well as his sister Barbara Glesner (David)Fines of Kansas City, Missouri and nephew Daniel. Prayer service will be held at the funeral home Saturday 9:30a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church at 10:00a.m. Private burial Deepdale Cemetery in Lansing. Visitation at the funeral home on Friday 6-8p.m. Rosary Friday 8:00p.m. The crew forms up and the Captain gives the order: the boatswain pipe shrills once more and the colors are struck. Eight bells toll for the last watch. Arrangements by Burden & Son Funeral Home, Jackson, MI, 1806 E. Michigan Ave.
Published in Lansing State Journal on October 9, 2009
10/09/09 Submitted by:
Lee Wonnacott
Delene (Dee) Riedmuller
Delene is the correct spelling for the below memorial.
10/08/09 Submitted by:
Dick Levesque
Dalene (Dee) Riedmuller
It is with great sadness that I report the death of Dalene (Dee) Riedmuller (67) at 0455 today, October 8, 2009. Dee passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a vigorous battle with cancer. She is the beloved wife of BMCM (ret) Charlie Riedmuller for over 48 years. In addition to her husband she is survived by daughters Debbie, Robyn, son Chuck and several grandchildren. A celebration of Dee's life will be held Saturday 17 October 2009 at 1:00PM at the Parent Sorenson Funeral Home, 850 Keokuk Street, Petaluma, California 94952. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the 'Chaser Parent's Club' (Dee was an ardent supporter of the SEA SCOUTS), PO Box 803, Napa, CA 94558 or the 'Hospice of Petaluma' (CA). Condolences may be sent to BMCM Riedmuller at c.riedmuller@comcast.net. She will be missed by all she touched through the years...the Coast Guard family, California Maritime Academy staff and students, Sea Scouts and a multitude of other friends throughout the country. Goodbye our dear friend.
10/08/09 Submitted by:
Dick Levesque
Larry Ray Walters, 62
Charleston, West Virginia, went to be with our Lord on September 24, 2009.
A true patriot, Larry served his country both in the U.S. Navy and in the U.S. Coast Guard. He also served the city of Charleston as a dedicated police officer for 25 years.
He is survived by his partner and the love of his life for 23 years, Vera Mae McMillan of Charleston. Larry will be missed by his stepchildren, Dreama Harris, David Brown, Sherry Lottig, Larry Smith and Mary Cato; his mother, Mable Otto of Charleston; a brother, Billy Walters and his wife, Debbie; and nephew, Noah Walters. He was the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 4, at Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home with Steve Wilson officiating.
10/04/09 Submitted by:
William J James II
alan fernald
on march 16,2009 alan (big al) fernald CROSSED THE BAR. he joined the coast guard and served on the cutter bibb. al and several others received a commendation from the admiral 1st coast guard district for service above and beyond the call of duty (HE HELPED SAVE THE SAME ADMIRALS BOAT FORM SINKING). HE USED WHAT THE COAST GUARD HAD TAUGHT HIM IN HIS LIFES WORK AS A 2ND MATE IN THE MERDHANT MARINES HAULING OIL UP AND DOWN THE EAST COAST.AL LOVED THE SEA AND THE MEN HE SERVED WITH ON THE BIBB. AL WAS 49 YEARS OLD AND HE LEAVES HIS WIFE AND THREE CHILDERN. HE WILL SURLY BE MISSED. THANKS FOR BEING A FRIEND AND A BROTHER.
10/01/09 Submitted by:
Jim Tweed
Hermon Watson BTC
age 85 passed away on July 12,2009. Served with him in the early sixtys on the Androscoggin out of Miami Beach. He was a hell of a Coastie and a fisherman
09/23/09 Submitted by:
Gary Hodge
Ernest Chamberlain GMC
Ernie passed away on June 28 2009 in Kent Washington. I served with him when he was first class on the Wachusett's westpac tour. Quite a fellow and he will be missed
09/23/09 Submitted by:
Gary Hodge
Donald Lee Bender MMC
passed away at age 77 on June 28,2009 in Astoria OR. I served with Don twice. On the Chautauqua in the late 50's in Honolulu and the Magnolia in the late 60's. He was a nice guy and a good shipmate
09/23/09 Submitted by:
Gary Hodge
Gil Riggs
Gil Riggs Share E-mail
SAN RAFAEL, N.M. - Gil Riggs, 78, formerly of Morehead City, died Sept. 12, 2009, in Grants, N.M., as the result of a motor vehicle crash.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2009, at Munden Funeral Home Chapel in Morehead City. Interment will follow in Bayview Cemetery.
He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served for more than 20 years before retiring in 1969. After retirement, he ran his own air conditioning and refrigeration business in Yucca Valley, Calif., and El Cajon, Calif. He was a longtime member of the American Legion, the Masons and the Shriners.
Survivors include daughters, Deborah Riggs Worley of Apex and Brenda Riggs Huffman of Shelbyville, Ind.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL, 33607 or 813-281-0300.
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Accident kills San Rafael man
CONGESTED AREA
CREATES CHALLENGING VISIBILITY - POSSIBLY CONTRIBUTING TO CRASH
By Donald Jaramillo
Beacon publisher/managing editor
Published Monday, September 14, 2009 5:27 PM MDT
GRANTS - A four-vehicle accident early Saturday killed one person and seriously injured another, according to Grants Police Department Sgt. Corey Allen.
A state police officer examines the Chevy truck that was involved in a four vehicle accident early Saturday. Gil Riggs of San Rafael was the passenger in the truck and was killed during the accident. The driver of the vehicle was immediately airlifted to a Albuquerque hospital.BEACON / JARAMILLO
Gil Riggs, 71, of San Rafael, the passenger in a Chevy truck that was struck three times, was pronounced dead at the scene. Cole Howell of Knoxville, Tenn., driver of the truck, was airlifted to Albuquerque. Four others - including three drivers and one passenger - were also injured during the accident.
Allen said he arrived at the scene at approximately 10:30 a.m. and roads were closed until 2:30 p.m.
“According to reports,” Allen said, “the Chevy truck was going to make a left turn [in a non-turning lane] on the road headed westbound in front of Corley Ford. It appears the Chevy truck was struck three times, twice in westbound traffic and the final time in the eastbound lane toward Grants.”
Traffic in the area of the accident was heavy, according to Allen, and could have contributed to the possibility of the accident. The speed limit on Santa Fe Avenue between Corley Ford and Indian Trails Trading Post is 45 miles per hour. On Saturday mornings, because of the growing flea market that causes a congested traffic area, visibility is challenging, especially for a 45 mile an hour rate of speed.
In order to minimize congestion the state Highway Department posted signs in the front of Freeman Lusk's property (see photo on page 3) , site of the flea market, enforcing no parking zones for safety reasons. As the photo shows, some flea market goers have paid no attention to the signs and the issue is ongoing with the property owner, the state Highway Department and public safety officials. The signs are posted in the state right of way area. Vehicles should be parked on the south side of the no parking signs, according to officials. The picture shows vehicles parked on the north side of the signs.
Public Information Officer Delane Barros said that the Highway Department has done what is necessary to this point to minimize Friday and Saturday morning traffic congestion by posting the signs. As to whose jurisdiction it is in regard to enforcing the law, “I don't know whether it is city or state,” she said.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of the deceased person,” Barros said. “We will review the police investigation and do whatever is necessary from there.”
Ramona Dubois, manager of the trading post, said the signs are posted, however, the public safety officials have not enforced them. “We don't have the time to go running outside and stop everyone from parking there,” Dubois said. “We have Grants Police, sheriffs and state police officers, they could enforce the law. We try to control the traffic but could only do so much as a business. Citations need to start being issued.”
09/18/09 Submitted by:
Kenneth R. Ball
Tom McCarthy
Thomas D. McCarthy
PITTSBORO NC- Thomas Daniel McCarthy, 62, of Pittsboro, died Monday, Sept. 7, 2009. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake. Thomas had a bachelor of arts degree in education from Southwestern College and a master's degree in public administration from UNC-Charlotte. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Program. He held an advanced law enforcement certificate. He was born June 10, 1947, in New York. Prior to serving in law enforcement, he served in the Coast Guard from 1964 to 1968. He also served as a school teacher and high school football coach in Wichita, Kan. He began his law enforcement career in 1977 as an officer in the Newport News (Va.) Police Department. He rose to the rank of police commander in 1983. He became chief of police in Gaston County in 1987. In 1993, he made a career change and worked as the chief of police in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In late 1994, he returned to Gaston County as the deputy county manager and in 1998, he returned to the position of Gaston County chief of police. He relocated to Fayetteville from 2001 to 2007 to serve as the Fayetteville chief of police. Most recently, he served as the interim chief of police in Hope Mills. In addition to working in law enforcement, he was a part of the adjunct faculty at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Methodist University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Thomas Nelson Community College. He strongly supported the American Heart Association and the United Way, and he was also a member of the N.C. Senate Emergency Preparedness and Asset Recovery Committee. His top priority in life was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He had a love of the ocean and football, and all things related to the military. He had a passion for contributing to his community through public service. He is survived by his wife, Lynn McCarthy; his three daughters, Rebecca Wells, Katie Greene and Laura McCarthy Monroe; brother, Kevin McCarthy; sister, Patricia Kehm; and two grandchildren, Jackson Caiden Greene and Thomas Patrick Wells. He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Ellen McCarthy. Services entrusted to Reeves Funeral Home of Hope Mills.
09/13/09 Submitted by:
Lee Sumners
Shelby 'Skip' Tyler
It is my sad duty to report the passing of a good Coastie and Friend Skip Tyler. He served on the Tender White Lupine and he loved the Coast Guard. He had the Ensighn flying on his flag pole and he always wore a Coast Guard Pin or a Hat. See you at the Next Duty Station Skip.
Shelby TYLER 'Skip' Share E-mail Visit Guest Book
TYLER - Shelby 'Skip' Cobb Age 65, of North Tonawanda, September 4, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born April 20, 1944 in Buffalo, NY. He was a 1962 graduate of Kenmore West High School. He served with the United States Coast Guard from July 1962 to July 1966. He retired from National Fuel Gas in 2004 after 37 years of dedicated service. He was a member of American Legion Post 1451 and a past Commander of American Legion Post 1529. He was a member of the United States Coast Guard Tug Association and Third Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family and refinishing furniture, he was always ready and willing to help others in need. He is survived by his wife Judy Tyler (nee Clark) who he married on September 14, 1974; daughter and son-in-law Amy and Bill Schoenrock of Tonawanda, NY; son Jason and future daughter-in-law Jennifer Richter of Atlanta, GA; father-in-law Charles Clark and many other relatives and special friends, as well as his four-legged friends at home. Friends may call at the Fretthold Funeral Home Inc., 1241 Oliver St at Ward Rd in North Tonawanda on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be held from the funeral home on Wednesday at 10 AM, the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Grove will officiate, interment in Acacia Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Guest book available at
09/06/09 Submitted by:
Charles H. Goodspeed
Robert K. Blomstedt
BLOMSTEDT, ROBERT K. JR., 67, of Moulton Street, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Friday August 28, 2009 in Rhode Island Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Barbara M. (Gould) Blomstedt.
Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Robert K. and Dorothy M. (Watson) Blomstedt.
Robert served in the United States Coast Guard for four years and was a lineman for Verizon for 35 years retiring in 2001.
Besides his wife, he leaves two loving daughters; Sherry L. Blomstedt of Rehoboth, Donna J. Blomstedt-Brown and her husband Rodney of Danville, New Hampshire; one loving son, Todd A. Blomstedt and Elizabeth of East Providence; one brother, Barry W. Blomstedt and his wife Angela of North Attleboro, Ma.; three adoring granddaughters, Meagan and Amanda Andrews and Tori Blomstedt.
His Funeral Service will be held Wednesday at 11AM in the PERRY/MCSTAY FUNERAL HOME 2555 Pawtucket Avenue East Providence. Burial with Military Honors will be in Swan Point Cemetery. Calling hours Tuesday 5-8PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's memory to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Attn. Contribution, 1 Intrepid Square, West 46th St., & 12th Ave., NY, NY 10036 would be deeply appreciated.
08/31/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
CWO Albie Evans
EVANS, CWO ALBIE D., 46, of the United States Coast Guard Norfolk, VA Station, a former resident of Richmond Heights, FL, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2009 in St. Augustine, FL. Survivors include his son, Albie D. Evans, II; his brothers, Minister Earl L. Evans (Elaine), Miami, FL; Ricky Evans, Mesa, Arizona; Mark Evans (Cassandra), Atlanta, GA; Jamie Evans (Deidra), Miami, FL; Mary Nelson who assisted in his rearing; two uncles, Sylvester Wright (Joanne); Walker Lee Wright; six aunts Eula Smith, Rose Wright, Mary Wright, Ella Mae Shaw, Kate Love, Carol Taylor; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Viewing will be held on Friday, August 7, 2009 from 6 to 9 PM and Services Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 1:00 PM, at Second Baptist Church 11111 Pinkston Dr. Richmond Heights, FL. Burial will be in the Veteran's Cemetery, Lake Worth, FL. GRACE FUNERAL HOME 770 NW 119TH STREET MIAMI, FL 33168 To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.
08/14/09 Submitted by:
Patrick Flynn
Harold Martin Caddell, Jr.
Mr. Harold Martin Caddell, Jr., age 84, born in Dallas, Texas, to Harold and Annie Caddell, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. His mother, Annie, was one of the original enrollees of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
Mr. Caddell had a long military history as he had joined the Coast Guard at the age of 17 during WWII. He was in WWII and the Korean War, serving overseas at that time on the Aleutian Islands, Alaska and Molokai, Hawaii. He also served on the CGC Blackthorn, USCGC Clover, CGC Nike, and CGC Rambler. He also piloted 82 footers and 92 footers. After 22 years of service, he retired on September 1, 1964, as Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate E-8. Mr. Caddell was also a member of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Annie Caddell and his brother-in-law, Charles Gonzales.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Merilys Caddell and sister, Lavelle Gonzales. His children are, son, Dennis Caddell and wife, Linda, of Picayune, MS., daughter, Yvonne Kishimoto and husband, Ted, of Honolulu, Hawaii, daughter, Karen Sisk, and husband, Bill, of Houston, TX., son, Stephen Caddell and wife, Shirley, of Biloxi, MS., grandchildren, Johnathan Caddell, Dennis Caddell, Jr., Jennifer Turner and husband, DC, Stephanie Brooks and husband, Matt, Shelley Caddell and Adrienne Kishimoto and great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Julian.
Visitation will be on Friday, August 7, 2009, from 12 Noon - 1:15 p.m., with a 1:15 p.m. chapel service, all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery.
The family wants to thank Hospice of Light and all who had our family in their prayers.
View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.
08/09/09 Submitted by:
R. Patrick Byrd
Joseph Cunniff
Joseph Robert Cunniff 'Bob' Jr. Share E-mail Visit Guest Book
CUNNIFF, 'Bob' Joseph Robert Jr. Born April 5, 1943 (Melrose, MA). Died August 4, 2009 (Wolfeboro, NH). Survived by his loving wife Mollianne, his daughters Maribeth Cherry, Kerrianne 'KC' Schlosser and Erin Marie Cunniff, and his grandchildren Maeli and Noah Cherry. Also known as JoeBob, Papa and Bronco. Bob grew up in Medford and went on to play football at Boston College (Class of '65). Retired Commander of the U.S. Coastguard and served honorably in Vietnam (Nov. '67 to Dec. '68). Worked 33 years with GTE/General Dynamics (taking the role of Santa Claus for twenty-five Christmases). Past president of Barvel Whang Association. Bob's biggest hobbies were boating, golf, football, and spending time with family and friends. Funeral from the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. LEXINGTON Saturday Aug. 8 at 9am followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Brigid Church, Lexington at 10am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday Aug. 6 from 6 - 9 PM and Friday Aug. 7 from 4 - 8 PM. Donations in his memory may be made to: LUNGEVITY Foundation at www.lungevity.org for Bronco's Buddies. Interment Westview Cemetery, Lexington. Douglass Funeral Home Lexington 781-862-1800 www.douglassfh.com
08/06/09 Submitted by:
Frank W. Larder
CAPT Dean Frankenhauser USCG (Ret.)
Dean Frankenhauser, 71, crossed the bar on 3 June at his home in Moundsville, WV. Dean was a 1959 graduate of the Academy, where he was a starting member of the varsity football team. We met when he was an Engineering Officer on SEBAGO in the early 1960s. He went out of his way to welcome me and make me feel at home in the wardroom, a kindness I have always remembered. Calm seas and a following wind, old friend.
08/03/09 Submitted by:
George T. Cassidy
Joseph A. Bailey, CPO Retired
Sorry to report that Joseph Bailey passed away in St. George, SC nursing home in September 21, 2006. Reported for daughter, Tami Parker, by mother.
07/27/09 Submitted by:
Maggie Hofmann
Cdr. Emmett McCarthy
I Have only just learned (Retiress' Newsletter), that Cdr. Emmett G. McCarthy (The Smilin' Irishman)passed away last May. It was my privilage to have served him aboard HALFMOON,in 1966. He could be hell on wheels; but we was one of the most fair, sensible CO I have known. I served under more than a dozen COs, from LTjg to Admirals; I rate Cdr. Mccarthy in the top 3 of that list. I have him to thank for the one of the biggest opportunities of my career.
LT. Jerry L. Echols, USCG (Ret)
BMC, USCGC HALFMOON, 1966
07/19/09 Submitted by:
Jerry Echols
Anthony J. Cappucci
Anthony J. Cappucci Share E-mail Visit Guest Book
CAPPUCCI, Anthony J. A well known Tewksbury resident since 1955, W.W. II Coast Guard Veteran, age 86, died Wednesday, July 15, at Lahey Clinic Medical Center. He was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Meneguzzi) Cappucci, who died in 1981. He was born in East Boston on September 7, 1922, a son of the late Joseph and Lucy (Rabasco) Cappuccio. He was raised in East Boston, and graduated East Boston High School. He was well known in Tewksbury as a hairdresser at his own salon called House of Cappucci. Anthony was a past exalted ruler of the Tewksbury-Wilmington Elks and a communicant of St. William's Church. He is survived by a longtime loving companion Elizabeth Stefaney of Tewksbury, and her seven children and grandchildren; his four sons and daughters-in-law Anthony, Jr. and his wife Mary E. (Jastrebski) Cappucci of Hilton Head Island SC, Lawrence J. and his wife Virginia L. (Mathis) Cappucci of Cape Coral FL, Louis R. and his wife Renee (D'Avolio) Cappucci of Medfield MA, Paul L. and Mary Ellen (Nobel) Cappucci of Groton MA; a daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and her husband Philip A. McGaw of Shirley MA; three brothers Joseph and his wife Lucy Cappucci, Fr. Chester Cappucci, and Robert Cappucci; three sisters Lucy Atkinson, Angela Cambria, Rita and her husband Al Vachon; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Relatives and friends are welcome to celebrate his Memorial Mass at 11 AM Saturday, July 18 in St. William's Church, 1351 Main St, Tewksbury. Donations to Lahey Clinic Oncology Center, 41 Mall Rd., Burlington, MA 01805 will be appreciated.
07/17/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
William V. McGoldrick
McGOLDRICK, William V. In Peabody, formerly of Newburyport, and Hampton, NH, July 10. Beloved husband of the late Eloise A. Dalrymple and former husband of Louise (Frasso) McGoldrick of Allston. Father of William E. of Norfolk, Linda O'Connor of Allston, Pattie Maciejko of Peabody, and Arlene Kelly of Wilbraham. Brother of Ann Fallon of Parlin, NJ. Also survived by 8 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the O'Maley Funeral Home, 79 Atlantic St., WINTHROP on Thursday at 9 a.m. Funeral Mass in the Church of St. John the Evangelist at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 p.m. Late Navy Veteran, Korea, U.S.C.G. Vietnam. Ret. Petty Officer U.S.C.G. Aux. Donations may be made to the Barton Ctr. for Juvenile Diabetes Education, P.O. Box 356, North Oxford, MA
07/15/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
Irwin M. Golden
GOLDEN, Irwin M. Age 96, passed away peacefully at 'Golden Sands' his Falmouth summer home on July 9, 2009. Born in Dorchester, MA, Irwin lived much of his life in Cohasset MA and Falmouth MA and has resided in Fort Lauderdale since 2003. Living each day to the fullest, Irwin's life spanned nearly a century of great change in America. The son of Albert and Edith Golden, Irwin grew up in Dorchester in an era where teams of four horses pulled belching fire wagons through the crowded streets and Boston was strictly divided by ethnic neighborhoods and tribal politics. He lived through the Great Influenza, two World Wars and the Great Depression to participate fully in the success and prosperity of his family and his country. Irwin devoted his life to family, hard work and his love of the sea. Working from the age of 12 when he served as a cashier at the Palm Garden in Hull, Irwin also worked at other family enterprises such as Paragon Park in Hull, the Black Rock House in Cohasset, the Old Venice Restaurant in the New England House in Boston's North End and the Chateau Basque in the South End. Graduating from Boston Latin School at 16, Irwin went on to graduate from Yale College in 1933 and Harvard University Law School in 1936. Although the Great Depression made it difficult to begin the practice of law, Irwin worked as an unpaid associate for a Boston Trial lawyer and had just begun private practice when WWII was declared and he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. A disabled Veteran, Irwin continued to serve his country and to save lives by building ships in Hingham Shipyard and serving in the Home Guard. Later Irwin joined the USCG Auxiliary, providing his boats for patrol first out of Woods Hole on Cape Cod and then out of Fort Lauderdale and fully qualifying as crew, even after age 90, by conducting offshore drills including jumping off and swimming around the patrol boat. Known as the 'Perry Mason' of the South Shore and colorful in his snappy bow ties and jutting cigarette holder, Irwin practiced law as a 'country attorney' out of his Hingham office for almost 60 years with cameo appearances in famous murder trials, a kidnapping and several spectacular society divorces. Even the famous attorney F. Lee Bailey was known in the heyday of his career to call Irwin for his advice and counsel. Irwin was also committed to serving his community as a founder of the Cohasset Sailing Club, as a Commander of the American Legion Satuit Post, an active member of the Cohasset Rotary Club, the Cohasset Planning Board, the Masonic Lodge of Hull, and the Norfolk and Plymouth County Bar Associations. Irwin (which means 'lover of the sea') began his 96-year love affair with the sea early in life winning swimming races at Sandy Beach in Cohasset and captaining his yachts from New England to the Caribbean. Irwin's love of the sea also inspired the preservation of the Nantucket Lightship (WLV612), a project which he enthusiastically and actively supported. With a keen zeal for the good life, he heartily enjoyed food, drink and fast cars starting when he borrowed his father's Pierce Arrow at age 14 for a night of dancing at Broad Cove. His passion continued from his first model T to Porsches, Mercedes, an Alfa Romeo and a Rolls Royce. Irwin married his former wife Elizabeth B. Oakman in 1945 and together they raised three children in Cohasset. Irwin will be missed by many, but most specially by his beloved and devoted sisters Dorothy Rubin, Portland ME and Daphne Glassman, Falmouth MA; his three children and their spouses: Jane C. Krone (& Peter), Oak Hill, VA, William B. Golden (& Kristen), West Falmouth, MA and Meredith Golden (& Robert Chen), New City NY; his Grandchildren: Brigham (& Lynn), Bethany, and Braden Golden; Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Philip Krone; and Bryce and Kathryn Golden-Chen; his great grandchildren Zella and Lazar Golden; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Edith Golden and his brother William Golden. Visiting hours and Services will be held at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 1 Summer St. (across from St. Anthony's Church), COHASSET, MA on Wednesday July 15 from 6-9PM. A Memorial Service at a date to be announced will also be held at his home in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Donations in lieu of Flowers may be sent to the Cohasset Sailing Club, PO Box 111 Cohasset MA 02025.
07/13/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
Unknown Operations Officer
REMEMBRANCES OF THE UNKNOWN OPERATIONS OFFICER
The LTJG came aboard the Salvia in 1964 to replace the previous LTJG who transferred out. Those of us in the bridge gang were introduced to him, but rarely saw him after that and I’m sorry to say I cannot remember his name. He made a daily appearance to see what we were doing and then retired to officer’s country. During his visit he might ask a question or make a comment. We really didn’t get to know him. We wondered amongst ourselves why he didn’t spend more time on the bridge getting familiar with the equipment and us, too.
During this time on the Salvia I was assigned acting Corpsman duty because we were without a Corpsman and they needed somebody to keep track of the crew’s medical records. I was chosen because I had struck for Corpsman on the USCGC Dione for a few months while waiting to get into school. That didn’t work out for me so I switched to QM.
One day while I was in the chartroom correcting charts the LTJG came to the door and for the first time raised his voice. He wanted the bridge squared away and right now. He checked a sextant and the ship’s chronometer. He said they were dusty and needed cleaning. I was surprised and pleased because I thought that now the ice was broken and we might get to know him.
The next morning I had just been in the rack an hour after getting off the mid-watch when “Corpsman, lay to officer’s country” came over the PA. I hit the deck, stopped by sick bay to pick up my bag and then ran toward the wardroom. In the passageway lay the LTJG with a small hole in the middle of his forehead. I did what I could, but he was gone. The quiet, lonely LTJG had taken his own life. I kneeled beside him and stayed there until the police arrived. I accompanied him to the morgue as ordered and remained with him until I was returned to the ship about three hours later.
While waiting I thought a lot about his death and its impact on his family and the ship. This man had been competent enough to be an officer in the US Coast Guard. He had reached the rank of LTJG. He was the Operations Officer on a buoy tender. But we knew so little about the man. It was a tragic ending to a short life. The LTJG deserves to be remembered as a lost shipmate who fought an internal battle and lost. I wish that I could remember his name.
07/12/09 Submitted by:
Larry Welker
NORTON, Francis X.
NORTON, Francis X. Of Milton, July 8. Beloved husband of Agnes M. (Holzworth). Devoted father of John F. Norton & his wife, Robin of Milton and Susan A. Langill & her husband, Edward of Braintree. Loving grandfather of Christopher, Patrick & Megan Norton and Amanda, Kathryn & Ryan Langill. Brother of Claire Burke of Hingham and the late John Norton & Mary Cormack. Funeral Mass at St. Elizabeth Church, Milton, Monday morning at 10. Visiting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave., MILTON Sunday 3 to 7 PM. Late owner of Francis X. Norton Co. Food Brokers. Past Pres. of the Frozen Food Assn. of New Eng. and the Nazareth Assn. W.W. II Coast Guard Veteran and Korean War Marine Veteran. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Jimmy Fund, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115.
07/11/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
Richard D. Corsetti
CORSETTI, Richard D. Of Billerica and Colebrook, NH, formerly of Woburn, at the age of 84. Beloved husband of Paula (Cabral) Corsetti of Billerica. The ex-husband of Jeanne Matson of Florida. Loving father of Lisa J. Rynkowski and her husband Stephen of Ridgewood, NJ, and Richard D. Corsetti II and his companion Irene Frankel of Billerica. Compassionate grandfather of Krista, Daniel, Patrick, Bradford and Jerilyn Rynkowski. Devoted brother of Rose Lloyd of Hampton, NH, Ann Cowan of Woburn and the Late Joseph and Rocco Corsetti. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Marashio Funeral Home, 62 Mt. Pleasant St. in WOBURN at 10 am on Saturday, July 11, 2009. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am in St. Anthony Church, 851 Main St. in Woburn. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Woburn. Friends and relatives are kindly invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, July 10th from 4pm-8pm at the funeral home. Richard proudly served our country as a member of the United States Coast Guard during WWII. From the Boston Globe
07/09/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
CWO4 (ENG) Larry P. Kotila, USCG (ret)
Larry Paul KOTILA Age 58, of Ketchikan, AK, passed away on May 7, 2009, after a short battle with Melanoma. He was born in Michigan on Sept. 4, 1950, to Walter and Gladys Kotila, the oldest of five children.
Growing up in Portland, OR, Larry was mischievous in his youth but was grounded once meeting his future bride, Kathleen Patterson, in 1971. Upon marrying in 1972, Larry and Kathy's adventure started when Larry re-enlisted into the U.S. Coast Guard. Larry loved the journey, challenge and fulfilling career within the military, having lived in AK, WA, OR, WI, MI and Puerto Rico. With moving every 2-3 years, Larry and Kathy provided strong family values and their family grew to include four children. In 1989, Larry was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO1) and retired as a CWO4 after 29 years of military service.
Larry started his second career with 5 years at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle and 6 years as Vessel Construction Manager at the Alaska Marine Highway System in Ketchikan, AK. Larry was known for his kindness, dedication and honesty, as well as his uncanny ability to remember those he met from his travels.
While not serving his country, Larry was coaching his children on the local sports teams, and later coaching and cheering on his grandchildren from the sidelines. He was known for his frugality, sage wisdom (e.g., 'if you can't control it, don't worry about it') and his love of tinkering in the garage, be it on his 1964 GTO or his rumbling F150 that his grandchildren could hear down the block.
Larry will be remembered by friends and family for his constant smile, love of life and, above all, as one of the most selfless people they had ever met.
Larry leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, Kathy; three daughters and son-in-law: Lisa and Dale Messling, Teresa Esteves, and Jennifer Kotila; son and daughter-in-law Brian and Ahna Kotila; 10 grandchildren: Alisha, Jessica, Kyle, Aiden, Zachary, Cyle, Dylan, Michael, Emma, and Ainsley.
A celebration of Larry's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2009, at The Bear Room, US Coast Guard Base - Seattle Pier 36, 1519 Alaskan Way S., Seattle, WA 98134. Military Honors will be given in Ketchikan, AK.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Larry Kotila to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; contributions will be directed to Melanoma research.
07/07/09 Submitted by:
Rick Loster
RETMK1 NEIL NEMEROWSKY
Chesapeake, VA – Neil Mark Nemerowsky, 54, passed away May 22, 2009. Born in Brooklyn, New York on July 7, 1954, he was the son of the late Carl and Ann Nemerowsky. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Larry Nemerowsky.
Neil retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after 23 years of dedicated service. After his retirement, he worked over ten years for Sears in their automotive department.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 19 years, BJ Nemerowsky; two children, Jean Jefferson and her husband Bob of Kansas, and Stephanie Nemerowsky of Seattle, WA; three grandchildren, Jayce, Natalie, and Jacob; his sister, Sallie Nemerowsky Valcarcel of Puerto Rico; three nieces, Gwena, Elyse, and Randi (his brother Larry's daughters); two nephews, Alexis and Christopher (sons of his sister Sallie); and his devoted pet 'daughter', Lady.
A Memorial Service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Rd in Virginia Beach with Rabbi Israel Zoberman officiated. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyer.com.
REST IN PEACE NEIL - YOU WILL BE DEARLY MISSED!
07/06/09 Submitted by:
Sallie Nemerowsky
Ralph H. Robb
From the Providence Journal
Ralph H. Robb
ROBB, RALPH H., 86, a long time resident of North Kingstown, passed away June 30, 2009. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Irene (Bryn) Robb. Born in Manchester, CT, he was a son of the late Joseph and Elsie (Smith) Robb.
Mr. Robb had a 35 year career in the paper and packaging industry, retiring as a Financial Comptroller.
He was a WWII Coast Guard Veteran, was an avid reader and enjoyed playing racket ball.
He was the father of Rory Robb and husband, Larry Deater, of ME; Vicki Robb of Narragansett and the late Terence Robb; father-in-law of Joanne Robb; grandfather of Emily Robb and Jennie Streich and brother of Marjorie Brown, Edward Robb and the late Barbara Martin.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to Home and Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.
07/02/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
Edward Figueiredo
From the Boston Globe
FIGUEIREDO, Edward J. Age 70, of Cohasset and Hingham, a Cohasset Lobsterman, passed away after a courageous battle with GIST cancer on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Ed was the beloved husband of Frances M. and the late Roberta. He was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Figueiredo and the brother of the late Marjorie Sullivan of Cohasset, Joseph Figueiredo of Cohasset and Lawrence Figueiredo of Florida City, FL. Ed was the beloved father of Edward 'Chip' Figueiredo of Cohasset, Christine Figueiredo of Morehead City, NC., and Annette Milton of Cohasset. He was the loving step-father of Christopher Fernald of Hingham, Daniel Fernald of Hull, Brian Fernald of Cohasset, and Joseph Fernald of Hingham. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 10 am in St. Anthony's Church, Cohasset. Visiting hours on Thursday from 4-8 pm at McNamara-SparrellFuneral Home, 1 Summer St. (across from St. Anthony's Church), COHASSET. If desired, donations in Ed's memory may be made to GIST Cancer Research Fund, 55 Saw Mill Rd., NY, NY. 10956 or please consider donating Blood at any Blood Drive. USCG, Vietnam. McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Homes Brighton-Cohasset-Norwell
07/02/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
Alfred B. Handy
From the Boston Globe
HANDY, Alfred B. Of Malden June 22 beloved husband for 64 ½ years of Virginia V. (Jackson) and loving father of Alfred L. Sr. and his wife Luella of Brockton, Janel L. Lucas of Milton, Leona P. Flint of Everett, Robert L Sr. of CA, Claudia L. Gabriel of Malden and Naomi L. Turner of Boston and the late James L. Handy. Also survived by 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. A Funeral Service will be held Sunday Evening at 6pm at the Emmanuel Baptist Church 20 Hillside Ave. Malden. (Corner of Eastern Ave) Visiting hours will be at the church from 4 to 6pm. Interment Monday 11AM at Forestdale Cemetery. Veteran Coast Guard WWII. Murphy O'Hara Funeral Home Everett
06/28/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
Seth M. Coellner
From the Boston Globe
COELLNER, Seth M. 36, of Kensington, NH, June 24, 2009, as the result of a boating accident off of Newburyport MA. Committed husband of Siobhan (Meehan) and devoted father of Penelope Wren and Piper Blue, son of Mark J. of Hampton Falls, NH and Eleanor (Hilliard) Cormier and husband Kenneth Cormier of York, ME, brother of Silas and wife Diane of Fairhaven, MA, Samuel of Hampton Falls, NH, grandson of Mary Barker of Stratham, NH and the late Robert and Margaret Hilliard, James A. Coellner and Edmund Barker, son-in-law of Joseph and Rosalie Meehan of Hampton, NH. Also survived by aunts, Susan Noble of Marblehead, MA, Allysan Drew of FL, Nan Coellner of Boston, MA, Mari Crane of GA, and Roseanne Chang of Winchester, MA, uncles Frank Hilliard of Reading, MA, Russell Hilliard of Hampton Falls, NH and James Coellner of PA, a niece, nephews and several cousins. Master plumber, founder and owner of SMC Plumbing and Heating Contracting. Veteran of US Coast Guard, seaman and small craft Boatswain holding a USCG Captains' license. His final known act in life saved the lives of the three men aboard the downed vessel. Seth's family members express their deep gratitude for all the men and women who risked their lives to rescue and continue to search for Seth tirelessly. Visiting hours will be from 5-8 P.M. Wednesday, July 1, 2009 in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, (US RT. 1) HAMPTON, NH. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Services will be private. www.RemickGendron.com
06/28/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
Lt. David Poissant
I had the privilege of serving with 'Poo-Bear' onboard the CGC Diligence (WMEC 616) from 1976~1978 as an ET1. Poo enjoyed life and his favorite expression was 'No problem, I've got you covered!' He could / would always as a SK1 come through with a way to 'beat the system' when you needed something 'unique.' Fair winds and following seas old friend!!
06/27/09 Submitted by:
William Patterson
LT David Poissant USCG Ret
POISSANT, DAVID M., (LT. USCG RET.), 60, of Town Farm Rd., died Monday, May 25, 2009 at R.I. Hospital. He was the beloved companion of Nancy A. (Marolla) Pinto and the son of Elaine (Dumas) Poissant and the late Michael Poissant.
David was an investigator in the Dept. of Human Resources for the State of R.I. for the past seven years.
He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Bryant University graduating summa cum laude in 1996. He was a Vietnam veteran serving in the U.S. Coast Guard for 21 years, receiving many accommodations, retiring in 1992 as a Lieutenant. He was a devoted father, foster parent, and a Boy Scout leader.
He was the father of Craig A. Poissant of Coventry and Jason S. Poissant of Pompano Beach, FL.; brother of Cynthia Ferguson, Steven and James Poissant.
His Funeral will be Saturday at 8 am from the R.A. IANNOTTI Funeral Home, 415 Washington St., (Rte.117), Coventry, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 am in SS John & Paul Church. Burial with military honors in R.I. Veterans Cemetery. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the USO of New England, 427 Commercial St., Boston, MA 02109 will be appreciated. www.iannottifh.com
06/25/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
Scott M. Lape
Scott M. Lape
(Asbury Park Press)
SCOTT M. LAPE
AGE: 29 BARNEGAT
Scott M. Lape, 29, of Barnegat, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2009. He was born in Staten Island, N.Y., residing in N.J. He graduated from Monsignor Donovan High School, Toms River. He was serving his second enlistment in the U.S. Coast Guard, and was stationed in Cape May. He was a boatswain mate second class.
He is survived by his wife, Nicole; a son, Alek; his parents, Frank and Linda Lape of Barnegat; a brother, Marc of Barnegat; and his maternal grandparents, Martin and Vivian Presti of Marlboro.
A viewing will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 9 and 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 10 at Wood Funeral Home, 134 E. Mount St., Tuckerton. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10 at Barnegat Light Coast Guard Station, Barnegat Light. Memorial contributions may be made to BARC, or American Heart Association.
Pulled from MyCentralJersey.com
Scotty, you will be sorely missed by all your fellow shipmates.
06/24/09 Submitted by:
Christine Rivera
CWO3 (ELC) James 'Jim' A. Walker, USCG
I was saddened to read in the current CW & WOA Newletter of Jim' death on 5 May 2009. Jim was a great technician and a joy to work with. We shared assignments at ET B School & RCA Institute. Jim always easily aced my scores. We also worked part time at Bruno Electronics in Times Square and he was fun to have as a co - worker there. My wife Loraine and I shared many nice visits with jim and his lovely wife Joanne. Smooth sailing old friend and our prayers go out to Joanne and family. God Bless Them.
06/24/09 Submitted by:
Theodore Falter
CWO3(F&S) Daniel E. Moulson
CWO3 (F&S) Daniel E. Moulson, USCG (Retired) died on 20 May 2009. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Julie A. Moulson of 22571 Visnaw Street, St Clair Shores, MI. CWO3 Moulson was born on 26 March 1939 and retired on 1 May 1980. He was a member of the Association 36 years. I worked for Dan when he was SKC in the pay office at D17 Juneau Alaska. A good shipmate and friend.
06/24/09 Submitted by:
John W. (Jack) Gregson
Stacey K. Allen
I last saw Stacey Allen on Governor's Island, NY around 1996 - 1997. He was a cook but supervised the MAA staff. He was the nicest person and could cook a mean steak! I learned of death about a week and half ago and it saddened me terribly. He had a wonderful personality and an even greater smile. May God bless his soul and show favor upon his family.
Stacey K. Allen 1958-2009 NEW BEDFORD, MA- Stacey Keith Allen, husband, father, friend and resident of New Bedford, MA. passed away on Friday May 29, 2009 at Harborside Nursing Home in Mashpee, MA. He had been hospitalized since February 14, 2009 with a severe brain injury following a fall. Stacey was born in Springfield, MA and raised by his mother Narcissie Allen, whom he is survived by, along with five brothers and sisters, Randy, Otis (Retha) Steven, Barbara (James) and Rae. Stacy is also survived by his loving wife of 25 years Jaqueline T. Allen, and Daughters: Liz, Dee, April, Ginger, and five beautiful grandchildren, Kenya, Jade, Alaysia, Ethan, and Donnell, along with a host of relatives, and friends, by whom he will be eternally missed. Stacey retired in 1999, after 20 years of service in the United States Coast Guard as a First class chef, during which time he also recieved a degree from Johnson & Whales University for culinary arts. He later began working for the Beverage Co., Pepsi, and then, Polar Beverages. He loved basketball, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Always very involved in family affairs, Stacey enjoyed a very active life. He traveled the world, and visited many cultures. He loved his family, and enjoyed watching them grow and was supportive of their families as well. He will always be known for his kind heart, good humor, and creativity. Stacey will always be remembered for his youthful good looks, and charm. He also had an insatiable passion for cooking. In fact, he will always be remembered for... kicking you out of your own kitchen! A graveside service with military honors was held on Monday June 8, 2009 in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA at 2:30 PM.
06/23/09 Submitted by:
Jeneen Satterfield
Kenneth E Groves
USCG 43-45, Served in Pacific and lighthouse duty in 1st district. June 19th, 2009
06/22/09 Submitted by:
Chip Millen
Jaime A. Muscatelli
Jaime A. Muscatelli USCG
MUSCATELLI, JAIME A. USCG, 22, of Metaire, LA formerly of Cranston, died Saturday, June 13, 2009. Born in Providence, he was a son of Charles G. Muscatelli of Cranston and Jo-An M. Barbato of West Greenwich.
Jaime was a Boatswains Mate Second Class, serving in the US Coast Guard stationed in New Orleans, LA. He attended St. Matthew's School and Bishop Hendricken High School, Class of 2005. Jaime entered the US Coast Guard in August of 2005. He was a recipient of numerous citations and commendations. Petty Officer Muscatelli was a NAPS Honor Graduate 2006-2007 for the US Coast Guard Academy. Most recently he received the Commandants Letter of Commendation, Coast Guard Unit Commendation Award both in May of 2009. This month he received his most prestigious award the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. In conjunction with the Coast Guard, he was a federal law enforcement agent for the FBI. Jaime also worked closely with the Jefferson Parish Police Department.
Besides his parents he is survived by his fiance Christina Mastrianni of Summerville, SC and his step-mother Jodie L. (Platter) Muscatelli of Cranston. Jaime was the grandson of Louisa (Marrapese) Barbato of Providence and the late Richard A. Barbato. He was also the grandson of the late Charles A. and Agnes (Hatton) Muscatelli. Jaime was the brother of Charles W. Muscatelli and his wife Janesse of North Providence, Jared A. Muscatelli of North Providence, Jordan M. and Seneca F. Muscatelli both of Cranston. He is also survived by two nephews Justin A. and Jovani A. Muscatelli.
Funeral from the Nardolillo Funeral Home, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Monday at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Matthew's Church, Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. Burial with Military Honors will be in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. VISITING HOURS Sunday 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Fund, 4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 610, Arlington, VA 22203-1804. www.nardolillo.com for information and online condolences.
06/20/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
RDC Frank Watling
I recieved notice from a relative of Frank's that he crossed the bar due to cancer. He was a good shipmate, we served together on the USCGC Eastwind in the mid 60's. I last saw Frank at an Eastwind reunion in Portland Maine a few years ago.
06/17/09 Submitted by:
Michael Scanlon
Ronald 'Buffalo' Barth
Passed over the bar on his final trip on April 9, 2009 in Lakewood, CA. Buffalo nade a career of the Coast Guard as a Machinist Mate and mostly served on 255's such as the Wachusett and Winnabago. There was that year he spend at Port Clarance AK and I'm guessing people were shocked to find an MM1 there and such was Ron's life just full of surprizes. He was a wonderful person, a delight to serve with and a man could not hope for a better friend. He will be missed by many people.
06/11/09 Submitted by:
Gary Hodge
Steve Staggs
Steve Staggs served the Coast Guard for approximately 10 years; through the nineties I believe. I did not serve directly with Steve, but I'm sure many did. Steve died back in 2007, but was only recently identified. He was laid to rest in a county cemetary under the name John Doe. Again, he has been identified and the process to move him to the Veterans Memorial Cemetary in Phoenix is underway, or at least that's the last I heard. If you would like to read the full story, it can be found at azcentral.com search 'Laurie Roberts,' she wrote the story about Steve in the Arizona Republic. This was a terrible story that should shortly have a somewhat better resolution. Steve was our shipmate, but if you served with him directly, try to remember him during better times.
06/09/09 Submitted by:
Danny Davirro
Burt Perry
AM1 Burt Perry passed away April 25. When I met Burt we were stationed at AIRSTA Clearwater together in the 90's. We were from the same small town in Florida, so we had something in common. He got out of the CG to go home and take care of the family bussiness. He was a good person and he will be missed. You can find more about his passing at: www.lakelandledger.com.
05/25/09 Submitted by:
Bobby (Gene) Cannon
Three Cape May Recruits
~ Richard Joseph Theriaque, Jr. enlisted 24 FEB 69 – died 22 MAR 69 ~ Randall Cecil Grey Mattson enlisted 31 MAR 69 – died 5 APR 69 ~ Roger Martin Hudson enlisted 22 MAR 69 – died 8 APR 69 ~
05/23/09 Submitted by:
Peter Morgan
Bernie Webber
Benie Webber's ashes were laid to rest last weekend after a moving memorial service which Commandant Thad Allen attended. I met Bernie while working on my book The Finest Hours which chronicles one of the greatest rescue's in Coast Guard History. Bernie was one of the primary rescuers and he proof read every single word of the book and offered support along the way. He cared about getting things right and giving credit to fellow Coasties. He was one of a kind!
05/14/09 Submitted by:
Michael Tougias
Dudley G. King
Dudley G. King passed on May 8, 2009 in his home surrounded by his family. The family will receive friends during a visitation on May 11, 2009 between the hours of 18:00 and 20:00 at Snellings Funeral Home, 5605 Portsmouth Blvd. Portsmouth, VA 23701. Funeral service will also be at Snellings Funeral Home and will take place May 12, 2009 at 11:00. The burial will immediately follow and take place at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Dudley retired from the USCG in 1978 with his final duty station being Elizabeth City. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Jeffrey T. Messenger Memorial Fund. 400 Market Street Suffolk, VA 23434. The Messenger memorial fund sponsors children at the Central Virginia Burn Camp. You may leave a message for dad at www.snellingsfuneralhome.com
05/11/09 Submitted by:
Brian Spicer
Peter Amstutz
I learned today of the passing of a not so old friend, fellow shipmate and supervisor...AMTCS Pete Amstutz. Some may say that Pete battled a dibilitating disease that ran it's course and won. I however will always believe that he realized though his work was done on this world, much was still needed on others.
Without regard to those he left behind Pete left this world, his family and friends on 12 Feburary 2009 to pursue his life long ambition...mentoring those who would listen. Certainly there are some who may not have always agreed with his philosphy but his heart was always with the positive, and the end result was always for the people, the station and the United States Coast Guard. Pete will forever be missed...but his ideals will forever be carried on by those who knew, belived and respected him.
05/05/09 Submitted by:
Robert Raper
Alberta L. DeWitt (Birdie)
Birdie left us April 29th,2009. After fighting with cancer. She left behind husband Bob Dewitt, sons Justin and Andrew, daughter tonya. Birdie was a great Coasties wife. loved to travel and meet lot of new coasties. loving mother and took care of me. she will be missed greatly. I love you honey. dewitrb@centurytel.net
05/04/09 Submitted by:
Robert Dewitt
Peter Q. Hanno
My father, Peter 'Doc' Hanno, passed away on November 12, 2004. The last thing he had with him was The Spencer Log, 1969. He is finally at peace and resting at the Arlington Cemetary.
05/03/09 Submitted by:
Kelly Hanno
Sharla Alice Robinson
Sharla Robinson 51, passed away unexpectadly 20 Nov 09. Sharla was the wife of HSC Mike Robinson (Ret). Sharla was very involved in the Coast Guard family. While stationed at MSO Portland, Or. She became a morale rep for the dependents and arranged, Christmas parties for children and Easter egg hunts in the park behind her house. She also arranged entertainment for the kids at the CG day picnics.
When they were transfered to Kodiak she became the Supcen Ombudsmen. Sharla is survived by her husband Mike, Children Anthony, Adrena, Sven and Annie. She is also survived by grandchildre, Gracie, Alex, Ira, Amber and Raf.
Sharla was always family oriented and is missed terribly by her family.
04/17/09 Submitted by:
Michael Robinson
David Gorden Bell
David Gorden Bell, 64, of Morehead City, died April 11, 2009, at Carteret General Hospital. A Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday April 16, 2009, at the Morehead City-Beaufort Elks Lodge 1710 in Morehead City. Burial with full military Honors will follow at Gethsemane Gardens.
He was a native of Morehead City and served over 26 years in the U.S.Coast Guard. He was a member of the BPO Ells, USCG Chief Warrant Officer's Association and the Chief Petty Officer's Association.
Visitation will be one hour before the service.
Donations may be made to the Elks fund to benefit residents of NC Veterans Nursing Home at Fayetteville by sending a check to NCVNH-Elks, P.O. Box 292, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512.
From The Daily News, Jacksonville, NC
04/14/09 Submitted by:
Kenneth Ball
GMCM 'Pappy' Kelleher
Sad news for my brother and sister Gunner’s Mates.
This morning Master Chief Gunner’s Mate “Pappy” Kelleher crossed the bar.
The Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News, VA is in charge of the funeral.
Please pass this on.
Regards,
Tim Knight, GMCM Retired
04/11/09 Submitted by:
Tim Knight
Kevin Kouis 'maddog'
Hi, im the son of kevin kouis, some may know him as maddog. its real hard for me to talk about this, but i was real young when he past away, i was about 4. but i know he loved being an office for the local police and for the coast guard. im 16 now, and its getting hard to remember the oold days when he was around, i dont have much left from him, i was jsut posting this to see if some people out there mabey had some pictures they could email, or just some stuff about him, thanks, Rip- Kevin Kouis; 'Maddog'; ' My Father'
you got anything, jsut email me at xxbmxer90xx@aol.com
04/11/09 Submitted by:
Josh Kouis
CPO Eugene 'Gene' Buras, Sr.
Gene's wife advised that Gene had 'Crossed Over The Bar'
on March 31, 2009 in Columbus, N.J. surronded by his loving wife and children after a courageous battle with cancer
04/07/09 Submitted by:
Frank B. Carlsson
Paul C. Cadigan
I am sad to relate the death of Paul Cadigan, x-RD2, who died in Palm Bay, FL on 8-FEB-2009. Paul was a friend of mine and former CGC Eastwind shipmate. We served together on Eastwind's last Arctic East Cruise-1968, and eventual DECOMM NOV 1968 at Curtis Bay. He later served at Station Chatham, MA. Chatham was probably one of the only CG Station that had a RD billet, due to it's shore-based Mark 5 surface radar to help mariner's navigate the infamous Chatham Bar. Our condolences to Paul's family.
04/06/09 Submitted by:
Jerry Webb
Frederick Sherwood, M.D.
Frederick Sherwood, M.D. Passed away Monday, March 31, 2008 in Walnut Creek, CA, at the age of 91. He was born on February 9, 1917 in Rochester, NY. He earned his bachelor and medical degrees from the University of Rochester. It was there in 1941 that he met and married Eva Rosenow. They had four children. He served in the Coast Guard from 1943-1945 in the Aleutian Islands. After being in private practice in Oakland, CA, for many years, he became a staff physician at the Rossmoor Clinic in Walnut Creek. After the death of his first wife, Dr. Sherwood married Catherine Dupourque in 1970, and they had one daughter. They divorced in 1982, and Dr. Sherwood married Rosemary Gibbs in 1988. Dr. Sherwood was an avid birdwatcher, hiker and a lover of nature, particularly in Marin County. He loved chess, ancient history and wood working and spent hours pursuing this hobby. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Europe, and will be remembered by his children and grandchildren for his wonderful fictitious bedtime stories. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Sherwood; his five children: Peter Sherwood, Elaine Perttula, Tom Sherwood, Holly Rivlin and Delphine Mulley; and his nine grandchildren.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Peter Russo
// from the San Francisco Chronicle June 15, 2008 // Peter Russo passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Survived by his wife Deloris of 64 years; children, Stephen, Dennis, and Patricia Ellington, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born in Mechanicsville, N.Y. in 1920. Son of Orazio and Rose Russo; brothers, Paul (deceased) and Salvatore. The family moved to Pittsburg, CA, in 1919. He attended Chico State, then joined the Coast Guard in 1940. He loved music, dancing, golf, tennis, gardening and many summers at their cabin on the Russian River. He was a Boy Scout leader and National Rifle Association instructor.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Robert 'Bob' Valva
Robert 'Bob' Valva, In Oakland July 10, 2008. Age 83. Wonderful beloved husband of Lois for 58 years. Loving father of Debbie, Kathy and David; father-in-law of Mike Bresso, Anne Valva and Bruce Chambers. Grandfather of Rebecca, Mathew (Kelly), Shawn (Carmen), Kristen, Casey, Claire, Mateo, Aaron and James. Great grandfather of Romello, Isabella and Ray. Dear brother of Bill (deceased) and Bernice Linford (deceased). A native of Oakland, CA and graduate of McClymonds High School. Served in US Coast Guard 1946-1949 during World War II. Long time co-owner of Valva Realty Company a 'Real Estate Man' 60 years. Bob was also a proud member of YMI #8, Oakland Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Association of Realtors, Sequoyah Country Club, Columbo Club, Oakland Sertoma Club, Oakland Atlas Club, St. Lawrence O'Toole Church & Men's Club.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Leonard A. Licata
Leonard A. Licata October 27, 1930 - July 9, 2008 A native of San Francisco, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard. Len graduated from Galileo High School. He was an accomplished pianist, outdoorsmen, and an avid collector of modern and classical music as well as vintage movies. Loving husband of Freda; devoted father of Gary, Kevin and the late Richard. He will be greatly missed by family and friends here and in England. Service to be held at Golden Gate National Cemetery Chapel, San Bruno.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
James Gordon Randall
James Gordon Randall May 25, 1923 - July 17, 2008 Our much-loved bon vivant has exited the scene. Jim was a great lover of travel, bridge, the performing arts, a good cocktail followed by good food, his cats, and spending time with his many colleagues and friends. He was a teacher and counselor by profession, beginning his career in his home state of Minnesota, serving briefly in San Diego, and then for more than 30 years at George Washington High School in San Francisco. Jim was a proud veteran of service in both the Coast Guard, during WWII, and the U.S. Navy, during the Korean War. He will be sorely missed. Bon voyage, Jim.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Dale Champion
// from the San Francisco Chronicle July 28, 2008 // Dale Champion, a longtime SF Chronicle reporter who wrote extensively about the environment, died Thursday in San Francisco after a brief illness. He was 81. Mr. Champion was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Baldwin Park (Los Angeles County). He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the last two years of World War II. After the war, he attended UCLA before transferring to Stanford University, where he worked on the Stanford Daily and graduated in 1949.
After college, Mr. Champion traveled for a few years before entering the news business. He worked for a while at the Redding Record Searchlight, in Shasta County, and was hired in 1956 on The Chronicle's reporting staff, where he lasted through newspaper mergers, strikes and regime changes until his retirement more than 30 years later. Along the way, he made a close study of the environment, spurred by his love of the outdoors, and wrote about all manner of earthly subjects - snakes on the loose in San Francisco, the blue butterfly of San Bruno Mountain, oil spills, and motorcyclists tearing up the turf in local parks.
He was also known, both in and out of the newsroom, as a man with many opinions, most of them voiced. In 1975, he led a short-lived resistance movement against electric typewriters in the newsroom, complaining to management that the clattering at deadline made it impossible for him to hear anyone talking on the phone.
He retired from the newspaper in 1989, but, as many noticed, he hardly retired his opinions. His last byline in The Chronicle was an opinion piece in 1998 railing against the city's decision to change the name of a street in the Tenderloin from Dale Place to Continuum Way. He argued that the best way to make such changes was through due process and the rights of citizens, rather than by government fiat. And he said his 'genealogy has nothing to do with this.'
'But if I, Dale Champion, don't go to the defense of little Dale Place, who will?' he wrote.
Recently, he became ill during a camping trip in Yosemite National Park with his longtime friend and colleague, Chronicle reporter Carl Nolte.
'Dale was a good reporter,' Nolte said over the weekend. 'The best thing about Dale was his spirit of adventure and inquisitiveness. He loved the outdoors, he loved the city, he loved the mountains. He was fiercely French. The last time I saw him, he was wearing a red beret.' Mr. Champion was famous for his Bastille Day parties.
He is survived by two sisters, Ninarose Mayer of Altadena (Los Angeles County) and Lorraine Seeby of Aiken, S.C.; four nephews; and two nieces.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Edward C. Brichta
Edward C. Brichta Born on October 17, 1905, in Detroit, MI, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2008, at the age of 102 in Lakeside, CA. Ed is survived by his daughter-in-law Alice Brichta; two daughters, Dolores 'Sugar' Lopes and Vera Ervin; his son Paul Brichta (Patsy); grandchildren, Debbie Amaral (Dennis), L. Lee Hanson (Susie), and D. Rita Lopes; also by five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Ed joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1926 from Detroit, MI, retiring in 1957 from San Francisco. He then worked for Lockheed from 1957 to 1970 in Sunnyvale, CA. Ed had a great interest in radio and electronics. He became an avid ham radio operator. His last two radio call signs were W4BNX (1953-56/NC) and W6RSY (1956-?/CA), an ARRL member. As a young man, he also worked for Western Union before joining the Coast Guard. Ed was also a longtime Mason, being a member of the King Solomon's Chapter 95 in CA; Salem Council R & S M, Salem, MA; and the Grand Lodge, Cape May, NJ.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Ariah Schwartz
Ariah Schwartz, MD An internationally recognized leader in eye surgery, died August 7, 2008 at the age of 89. Dr Schwartz was born in Montreal, Canada in 1919. As an undergraduate at U.C. Berkeley in 1938, he met his wife, Pauline, in Psychology 1A. They married shortly thereafter. Following medical school at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and internship at the U.S. Marine Hospital in Detroit, he joined the service. He was initially commissioned to a Coast Guard Cutter operating in the North Atlantic and was then sent to Greenland. As the only physician at a naval base of 150 men, he cared for military personnel and the indigenous Eskimo population. After the service, Dr. Schwartz spent two years in an Ear, Nose, and Throat residency at the Veterans Administration hospital and then three years in an Ophthalmology residency at UCSF. Following residency, Dr. Schwartz received a Heed Fellowship enabling him to train at Harvard with Dr. Charles Schepens, the founder of modern retinal surgery. As part of a Heed Fellowship, he received further retinal specialty training at Stanford, Columbia University, and the Mayo Clinic. When he returned to San Francisco in 1955, he established the Retinal Surgery Unit of the Department of Ophthalmology at UCSF, which he directed until 1966 (His son Dan, is now the director of this same unit). Dr. Schwartz taught at UCSF for almost 50 years and helped train over 150 Ophthalmology residents. In 1992, Dr. Schwartz received the Crowell Beard Award by the ophthalmology residents for outstanding teaching. When laser surgery for the eye was first developed in 1965, Dr. Schwartz employed laser to treat selective cases of diabetes, macular degeneration, and retinal tears. 'Schwartz Syndrome' was named after Dr. Schwartz when he described a form of glaucoma that resolved after surgical treatment of retinal detachment. In 1971, Dr. Schwartz visited Israel for the first time. After returning home, he established a retinal fellowship to bring an Israeli ophthalmologist to the Bay Area for training in modern retinal surgery. Subsequently, Dr. Schwartz returned to Israel to establish a retinal surgical unit at the Asaf Harofe Hospital in Tel Aviv. For his work in Israel, Dr. Schwartz was honored with the Dr. Landau Award in Ophthalmology. Dr. Schwartz had a very busy private practice in Burlingame, CA, with his longtime partners, Dr. Robert Sherwood (deceased), Dr. Hubert Marcus, and Dr. Thomas Neumayr. Patients traveled from all over the world seeking his surgical expertise. Grateful patients contributed over $1 million to establish a research foundation dedicated to ocular disease. Over the past 25 years, the foundation has made annual grants to medical centers in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. In 1979, Dr. Schwartz was elected president of the American Retina Society, an organization created by leading retinal surgeons from North America to further knowledge in diseases and surgery of the retina. In 1993, at the 50th anniversary of his graduation form the UCSF Medical School, the Alumni-Faculty honored him as the Distinguished Alumnus of his class. Dr. Schwartz was a member of numerous medical societies including the prestigious American Ophthalmologic Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Board of Councilors 1981-1983), the Retina Society (president 1979-1981), the Frederick C. Cordes Eye Society (president 1977-78), the Schepens International Society, the San Francisco Ophthalmological Round Table (president 1974), and the Society of Heed Fellows. Additionally, he was active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors of the Crippled Children's Service for the Easter Seal Society, the Northern California Society to Prevent Blindness (president 1986-1988), and on the Executive Committee of Peninsula Hospital. Dr. Schwartz played tennis most of his life. As a member of his high school team, a high point was losing a match to the famed Bobby Riggs. He learned to ski as an adult when he and Pauline took up the sport together at age 50. Dr. Schwartz skied avidly until he was 78. Dr. Schwartz is survived by his wife Pauline; his four children: Nina, Eric, Daniel, and David; and his grandson Frank.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Pat Valentino
// from the San Francisco Chronicle Aug 8, 2008// Pat Valentino, a San Francisco boxer who fought a world heavyweight championship fight with Ezzard Charles in 1949, died July 25 from pneumonia in Las Vegas. He was 88.
Mr. Valentino, who had a 45-11-4 record during his 10-year pro career, was small for a heavyweight, never weighing more than 190 pounds for a fight and usually weighing about 185. He twice fought Joey Maxim to draws, the second encounter with Maxim coming less than a year before Maxim won the world light-heavyweight title.
But Mr. Valentino's most famous bout was the final official fight of his pro career and took place on Oct. 14, 1949, at the Cow Palace before a crowd of 19,950, which, at the time, was the largest crowd ever to see a fight in Northern California.
Under today's boxing rules, Mr. Valentino probably would not have been allowed take that fight because he had sustained a detached retina in a fight a year earlier against Tony Bosnich, who, like Mr. Valentino, was from San Francisco's Excelsior district.
When he challenged Charles, Mr. Valentino had not fought in 10 months, and he cited the layoff as a factor for losing.
'If I had been in shape, I could have knocked him out,' Mr. Valentino said in a 2004 interview with the Oakland Tribune.
The Charles-Valentino bout was the first heavyweight title fight in San Francisco in 40 years. Mr. Valentino punished Charles with body shots in the early rounds, and Mr. Valentino led on two of the three judges' scorecards entering the eighth round of the scheduled 15-round fight. But 35 seconds into that eighth round, Charles knocked Mr. Valentino down and out.
Mr. Valentino was scheduled to make $5,000 for the fight (Charles got $40,000) but Mr. Valentino said he never saw the money and had to sue his manager to get a portion of it.
Two months later, Mr. Valentino, blinded in his right eye, fought a 10-round exhibition with former champion Joe Louis before ending his career.
After his retirement from boxing, Mr. Valentino worked as a maitre d' at Scoma's Restaurant in San Francisco for 22 years. He was elected to the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.
Mr. Valentino had an inkling of his boxing future while growing up in the Excelsior District.
'When I was young, I told some kids I was going to fight for the heavyweight championship,' Mr. Valentino said in that 2004 interview. 'They laughed at me.'
He began boxing while in the Coast Guard and had his first professional fight at the age of 19 at the Oakland Auditorium. He fought most of his bouts in San Francisco.
A memorial will be held for Mr. Valentino on Aug. 17 at Molloy's Tavern in South San Francisco.
Valentino is survived by his wife, Josephine; four children, Patrick Jr., Kenny, Kim and Linda; his brother, Tommy; and sister, Lena.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Claire Costello
Claire 'Babe' Costello Passed away on July 29, 2008 at her home in Oakland. Claire was born Sept. 24, 1914 in Wabusca, NV. She moved to Oakland, CA when she was 10. She attended Piedmont Ave. School, Westlake Jr. High and Tech High. Claire was a lifelong sports fan. She was a season ticket holder for the Raiders for 48 years. She was also a dedicated employee at Golden Gate Fields for 50 years retiring at the age of 85. Claire was a WWII veteran serving in the Coast Guard. She was preceded in death by her husband Vincent Costello. She was a loving mother to her son Clay Costello. Devoted Grandmother of Kim and John Tangermann, Kevin and Sarah Costello, Kipp Elizabeth Hills, Kyle and Michelle Costello. She was the proud great- grandmother of Samantha, Tyler, Myles, Joshua, Jeremy, Ryan, Brandon, Anthony, Jacob, Alexander, Dawson; and daughter-in-law Leanna Costello. Claire was one of the most generous people, donating thousands to organizations and causes both locally and abroad. We feel honored and blessed to have been a part of her long life story that was filled with excitement, adventure, mystery and great love. Claire will be greatly missed.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Anthony Joseph Lane
// from the San Francisco Chronicle Aug 31, 2008 // Anthony Joseph Lane Born January 14, 1923 and attended both public schools and St. Peter's. Tony enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1940. He was blown off the USS Helena at Pearl Harbor. After she was repaired, he served on the Helena, a light cruiser, until she was sunk at the Battle of Kula Gulf. Surviving both incidents Tony served in the US Coast Guard for nine years. He served in the San Francisco White Squadron of the VFW for many years as post commander and treasurer. He was an active member of the painter's union and worked on most of the commercial buildings in SF until he retired in 1980. He is survived by his wife Hortensia Lane; sister, Ann Marie Simpson; daughter, Patricia Isabel Brown, her children Shane and Nicole, and son Steven. His family and friends were at his side when he peacefully passed on to the spiritual realm on July 28th at 1:30 PM.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Leslie Mullins
Leslie Mullins 1918 - 2008 beloved husband, father and grandfather passed gently on Sept. 18, 2008, his great and immeasurably kind heart coming to rest just 26 days shy of his 90th birthday. Les was a native San Franciscan and graduate of Mission High School where he quarterbacked their football team to the 1936 City Championship prior to attending the University of San Francisco. In 1941, he married the love of his life, Eleanor Dorsett, and their 67-year marriage serves as an inspiration to all who know them. Les adored his three children, Patricia (Clarence), Tim (Judy) and Michael (Laura), as well as his three grandchildren, Doug (Elizabeth), Tim and Eliana. He also leaves behind his brother Donald (Sharlene). He loved to tell us hilarious 'sea stories' of his days in the U.S. Coast Guard where he served as a physical education instructor alongside world heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. He also loved to dispense his famous 'cure' for hiccups, a skill he would sometimes share with total strangers. His 'behind-the-scenes' tours of his beloved San Francisco were legendary and unforgettable. Les was a creative and successful advertising executive for more than 40 years, leading such accounts as Schlitz and Burgermeister beers, Pepsi Cola and Dole Pineapple. He had a passion for his work but also enjoyed 20 years of retirement which included lots of golf, travels with 'Ellie' and a full measure of time with his family. Les was a devoted 49er and Giants fan and enjoyed sharing his Niner season tickets with his family and friends. We celebrate the life of this wonderful man and will miss his love, guidance and bountiful good humor. We are all blessed and better off for having had him in our lives.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
R.E. 'Bill' Saleme
R.E. Bill Saleme April 1926 - September 2008 Our dear husband, pop, daddy, papa, friend and colleague, R.E. 'Bill' Saleme fought a courageous battle with lymphoma, passing in his family's arms on September 19th. Bill was a self-made successful general engineering contractor in all phases of construction in the Bay Area. He was born in San Mateo in 1926 to immigrants from Italy and Lebanon, Nilda and R.E. Saleme Sr, owner of White Cat shoe polish factory in S. San Francisco. During the Depression, Bill supported his parents by selling apples on the steps of SF General Hospital. At 15, he ran services stations in the Mission District and managed parking at Union Square and Cow Palace. At 22, he was a quantity survey estimator and became the contractor for the Broadway Tunnel Repairs, San Rafael and Potrero Hill Tunnel Collapse, high rise apartments in Pacific Heights, and settlement repairs for the Great Highway Sewer Expansion Project. He built the landing for the Hover Craft, when he brashly kissed Princess Margaret, which pleased her and dismayed security. Bill served in the US Coast Guard and US Marines during WWII from 1943-45, with his dog Gizmo (whose pups made the Stars & Stripes), discharged as a reservist in 1949 as a radioman and electrician. Bill earned several California state licensed general contractor license classifications. He owned and successfully managed several construction companies as an individual and with his wife and sons. Always learning, he published articles and earned credentials from technical courses at CSM, UCLA, and USC. Two days before he passed on, he checked his email. By age 82, he was a deeply experienced and respected industry expert witness for California's State Contractor License Board, doing investigations for the State Attorney General's office. His imprint is left on many Bay Area buildings, including retrofit and landslide retainment structures following the storms of '55-56 and '81-'83, the Loma Prieta '89 Earthquake in Santa Cruz, Portola Valley, Los Trancos and the Oakland Hills fire. He served as senior vice president and corporate real estate division manager for Bay View Federal Savings and Loan from 1971-1983. In 2006, he received CA Governor honors for 50 years of general engineering construction. He was a loved colleague, an advocate against unlicensed contractors, and an expert in his field. He planned and built our homes, and rode his Harley until age 79. When he whistled, we came running. Bill is survived by his beautiful, doting wife Barbara of 35 years. Bill was a complete mate, lover and confidant, dedicating his life to loving her, Cisco Dog, and raising his family. He leaves also beloved Sister De, best mates Bob and Donna and their sons, adoring sister-in-law Lesley, son William and wife Lucie and grandchildren Shawn and Charissa, with Bill's sister Lori; daughter Kelly with husband David and grandchildren Ryan, Austin and Cole; son Matthew with wife Kimberly and grandchildren Gabriel and Jacob; youngest daughter Daviya; and British cousins Bronwyn and Neil; and his surrogate son Mel, and neighbor little Laura. He joins and leaves many friends and colleagues. Throughout his life Bill was a giving man with a BIG heart. He mentored many, and gave us a good time, and offered many tools, money and presents. Proud, forgiving and strong, he truly is the rock, compass and north star of our lives.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Warren 'Wink' Smith
Warren 'Wink' Smith September 23, 1919 - October 7, 2008, and Jean Alice Smith September 8, 1919 - June 3, 2008 'Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you did not do than by the things that you did do. So throw off the bow lines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.' -Mark Twain. Warren Collier (Wink) Smith was born in Mill Valley, California on September 23, 1919. The son of Arthur and Hilda Smith. Wink was the last surviving sibling of four: brother, Douglas Smith, wife, Rosemary; sister, Marnie Tobriner, husband, Walter, children, Toby and Connie; sister, Enid Newton, husband, Gaylord, children, Doug and Keith. Also many great nieces and great nephews. At the age of ten years old Wink learned to sail on San Francisco Bay from an old salt named Cappy. Wink was enlisted in the United States Coast Guard-Merchant Marines as a lieutenant throughout World War II. After returning from military duty, his entire joys in life were his family, and the sea, always with his first mate, Jeannie, at his side. Wink became a member of the San Francisco Yacht Club in 1964 where he moored his boat 'Montara.' Sailing San Francisco Bay and spending summers aboard 'Montara' on the Sacramento River Delta were some of the happiest moments of his life. Wink also crewed on a Transback Race and the Tahiti Race was a member of the National Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots of America and the CCA. As well as sailing practically every inch of water upon the planet, he also joined his great friends, Jerry & Sue Knect several times on their circumnavigation around the globe. At the end of the war Wink returned home to take over 'Hall and Smith,' his father's San Francisco based printing and stationary business ,where he continued to work until his 80th birthday. Jean Alice Smith was born in Melbourne, Australia, September 8, 1919. Jean was the only child of Percival and Margaret Smith. Jean Alice Smith attended Melborne's Preparatory College for women, where she became an accomplished sailor and a championship high board diver. During the war she enlisted as an ambulance driver and wartime correspondent. Jean worked as a staff writer for what was called the 'Marin Journal Newspaper.' The paper eventually became known as the 'Marin Independent Journal.' Her kindness, generosity and spirit were legendary. Volunteer work, political involvement and always available for friends and loved ones in need were the things that defined her. Wink met and married Jean while Wink was stationed with the United States Coast Guard in Sydney, Australia. Their three week wartime romance lasted for 63 years. Wink and Jean are survived by two children, Lynnette Sands, husband Chris and grandson Spencer of Los Gatos, CA; his son Douglas and granddaughter Jacklyn of Carmichael, CA, and best friends Chet and Lucy Noyes of Belvedere, CA. We hope your sails are full and the sun is always at your back. We all love you. A burial at sea and a memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2008 aboard a Hornblower Yacht. (Reminiscent of the old paddle wheel River Boats).
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Edwin Chan
Edwin Chan Passed peacefully at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco on October 13, 2008, at the age of 88. A self-made man of extraordinary business acumen, intelligence and vitality, 'Ed' was a native of San Francisco's Chinatown, having been born there on March 8, 1920. After serving with the US Coast Guard during WWII, he founded National Auto Supply, Inc., in 1954. Between 1968 and 1981, he was the Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of General Auto Parts Distributor, an independent warehouse which specialized in distributing 'hard' (i.e., engine and chassis) auto parts and supplies throughout Northern CA. During the 1980s, he was a member of the National Advisory Council of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Ed was a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, and he was twice-appointed to serve on the state Small Business Advisory Council under two governors. Ed was preceded in death by Phyllis Soohoo Chan, his loving and devoted wife of 47 years and travel partner to the world's continents. He leaves his two daughters, Kathleen Chan-Bragg of Avondale, AZ, and Audrey Chin of Rockville, MD; and his three sons, Michael A. Chan, Douglas S. Chan, and Bruce E. Chan, all of San Francisco. Additionally, he is survived by 12 grandchildren. Ed is also mourned by a large extended family of sisters, nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. His keen insights, hard-earned wisdom and resolute spirit will be remembered and cherished forever by his family and the many other relatives, business colleagues and friends of so many years. Out of respect of his wishes, there will be no service. A private celebration of his life will be held by his family.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Hobert W. Burns
October 13, 1925 - October 14, 2008 Hobert Warren Burns, former university professor, Academic Vice President and Acting President of San Jose State University and former Interim President of Sonoma State University, died on October 14 in his home in Los Gatos after a short battle with cancer. Bert, as everyone called him, said the turning point in his life was in middle school when the principal referred him to renowned Lowell High School in San Francisco. He claimed that this rich educational experience made him see potentials in life he had not seen before. He graduated high school in the middle of World War II and joined the Coast Guard. He rarely spoke about his war experience, but proudly wore his Purple Heart lapel pin. When his long time friends learned that Bert was awarded the Navy Cross, his reference to the medal was, 'I was just a dumb kid.' The G.I. Bill enabled him to earn an A.A in 1948 from Menlo College, where he was student body president. His B.A. and M.A. degrees in political science from Stanford University followed in 1950 and 1951, and an Ed.D. in 1957. At Stanford, he met and married Patricia Rowe. Bert held college teaching and administrative assignments in New Jersey and New York from 1957 to 1966. He was a Fulbright scholar in Chile from 1959-1960. He joined Syracuse University in 1960 as chair of the Department of Cultural Foundations. In 1963 he was named the first Dean of the College of Education of Hofstra University in New York. Bert and Francis Villemain established the Studies in Philosophy and Education in the 1960s. In 1966, SJSU President Robert Clark invited Bert to return to the West Coast to hold the new post of Academic Vice President. He immediately began strengthening the general education program, the role of school deans and acted as a strong voice for the administration in the Academic Senate. The entire CSU system adopted the model for general education he created. Bert was Acting President of SJSU during 1969-1970, coinciding with the protests against the Vietnam War. He was credited with forging a student-faculty-community coalition that helped spare the campus the tumultuous unrest other schools experienced. Bert regularly voiced his personal anti-war views, yet resigned on principle as Acting President in May 1970, after the faculty voted to relax academic requirements to give students time to protest the Vietnam War. He and then Governor Reagan did not always see eye to eye, but developed a friendship based on mutual respect. Bert returned to administrative and teaching posts from 1970 to 1983. In 1979 he received the faculty honor society's first Exemplar Scholar Award recognizing outstanding teaching. Bert was an early supporter of women's sports, Title IX, and athletics in general. Bert's well-composed memos to various administrators and faculty members were legendary. They could be frank, thoughtful, humorous, supportive, and sometimes biting. He devoted special attention and effort to the Spartan Foundation. In 1983 CSU Chancellor Ann Reynolds appointed him interim president at Sonoma State University. Retiring in 1984, he and Patricia devoted time to the golf course, a longtime passion. Bert also took great pleasure in civil war and genealogic research and his buddies in the 'Over the Hill Gang.' Bert's lifelong commitment to educational reform was reflected in his publication of 9 books and 99 scholarly articles. Even during his administrative career he always taught classes. He once wrote, 'A wonderful school experience at Lowell High led me to want to be a teacher. I've never regretted that conclusion and the life to which it led.' He and Patricia were strong supporters of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, funding an annuity for a Special Collections Endowment. Recently, Patricia made a donation for a California history collection. Ruth Kifer, university library dean said, 'Both Bert and Patricia have been such strong supporters of the library from its initial opening because, as Bert told me, 'I just love libraries.'' Bert is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia, daughters Carol and Janifer, son and daughter-in-law Charles Burns and Annie. Other survivors include grandchildren Donna, Monica, Ryan, and Clare, god-daughter Cecily, brothers- and sisters-in-law Charles and Merle Burns and Katharine and James Bower. Bert loved his cat and dog family, especially OJ, Wilbur, Aqui, Alla, and Poco. A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 pm in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library on the corner of San Fernando and Fourth Streets in San Jose.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
CPO Emil A. DeOcampo
Born: September 1, 1907 Died: October 13, 2008 Emil DeOcampo, Sr., loving father and generous grandfather, who celebrated his 101st birthday on September 1, 2008. The Coast Guard honored him for his 25 years of service and being the oldest living enlisted retiree. Emil was called home to be with Our Lord on Monday, October 13, 2008 at 6:32 pm. The USCG Command Master Chief, Charles Bowen made a personal visit from Washington, D.C., to join in his birthday celebration. He received a USCG Coin from Admiral Thad Allen and Command Master Chief. From his days as a kid growing up as the second of nine in Santa Cruz, Illocos Sur, Philippines, Emil came to the U.S. in 1923 at age 16. He was following his older brother, Vincent, with whom he'd remain close until Vincent died in 1989 at age 84. Emil worked laying track in Washington State for the Pacific Railroad and then in a fish cannery in Alaska. For six years on the East Coast, Emil worked in New York and New Jersey until the Great Depression hit and he enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1930. In 1945, off Okinawa, Emil was the ship's steward aboard the USCGC Campbell and took care of the infamous 'Sinbad' the stow-away dog who later became the ship's mascot. After he retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1955, Emil worked part-time at the Admiral Nimitz Club, Naval Base Treasure Island in San Francisco. Emil actively played a role in raising all of his grandchildren and was a resident of the Bay Area for over the last 50 years. Emil was the last living of the nine DeOcampo siblings. Father of five children, Irene, Emil, Jr., Richard, Michael and Melissa, husband of 60 years to Fedie Monje DeOcampo, loving Grandpa to Sally Ann, Tina, Brian, Vincent, Isaac, Susan, Jena, and Alena, and great-grandpa to Chris, Alexa and Dylan Emil. Stewards Mate Chief Petty Officer Emil DeOcampo, Sr. received numerous decorations and medals, just received from Washington D.C. on Oct 16, 2008 which included the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal (Seventh Award), China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation Medal with Asia Clasp, Navy Combat Action Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal, Korean War Medal.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Clent Valton 'Val' Sanders
Clent Valton 'Val' Sanders Of San Francisco passed away on November 10, 2008 at the age of 83. Born in Gainesville, TX, on May 2, 1925 Val was a friend to many people and will be greatly missed. He was always willing to help his friends and enjoyed a full and happy life. Val served in the US Coast Guard from 1943-1946 and worked at Nabisco Brands for 38 years, retiring as director of financial operations. Val volunteered with the Veterans Administration and was an active member of the Pine Terrace Homeowners Association, where he served several terms on the Board. Thank you to his friends and neighbors at Pine Terrace for their friendship and support throughout the years and a special thank you to Dr. Diana Lam and the Staff of Saint Francis Hospital for all their care and support during his time of illness.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Walter Fanning
// from the San Francisco Chronicle, Dec 12, 2008 // Walter Fanning, the third generation of his family to work at Bay Area lighthouses and a key member of the group that restored the facility on East Brother Island, died Dec. 5 at a Moraga convalescent home. He was 99. Mr. Fanning was born in 1909 in the lighthouse keepers' quarters on Yerba Buena Island, where his immigrant Danish grandparents served as lighthouse keepers. His mother, who lived with her parents at the lighthouse, met his father there while he was serving as a lighthouse radio operator for the U.S. Coast Guard.
After his grandparents were transferred to the East Brother Island lighthouse, Mr. Fanning spent much of his childhood there, fishing for rock cod off the dock, skating around the cistern and blowing the old diaphone foghorn.
'East Brother and Yerba Buena islands were the loves of his life,' said his daughter, Susan Montague of Oakland. 'He loved the history of them. They were very dear to his heart.' When he was in his 70s, Mr. Fanning became lighthouse keeper at the East Brother Island facility.
Mr. Fanning graduated from UC Berkeley in 1934 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and joined the Navy. While in the service, he met Jane Dempsey in Hawaii and the couple married in 1938. They settled in Oakland's Crocker Highlands neighborhood, where he lived for the next 68 years.
For years, Mr. Fanning operated the Oakland Machine Works, which opened in 1953 and still makes parts for ships, rockets, bridges and other military and government projects.
After he retired, Mr. Fanning devoted much of his time to lighthouses, including the East Brother Island lighthouse, which had fallen into disrepair after the Coast Guard automated the foghorn and light in the 1970s. When he became its keeper in the '80s, he helped restore it, devoting countless hours restoring the ornate Victorian woodwork, fixing the old foghorn and doing other chores. He also served on the nonprofit board that now runs the lighthouse.
'He was a mainstay of the whole restoration process,' said Richmond City Councilman Tom Butt, who serves as the East Brother board president. 'He was a sweet, humble guy, but he couldn't stand people who wouldn't jump in and do whatever needed to be done. Because that's the way he always did things.'
Mr. Fanning also helped restore the Coast Guard lightship Relief, now anchored at Jack London Square in Oakland, and served as an officer with the U.S. Lighthouse Society.
In addition to Montague, Mr. Fanning is survived by his daughter Nancy Fanning and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of Oakland.
A memorial service will be held Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. at Lakeside Temple of Practical Christianity, 144 Athol Ave., Oakland.
Donations can be sent to the Walter Fanning Memorial Fund, East Brother Light Station Restoration, 117 Park Place, Point Richmond, CA 94801.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
John 'Jack' Farnham
// from the San Francisco Chronicle // John 'Jack' Farnham At 4 AM on December 20th 2008, holding the hand of his loving wife (Ginny) of 66 years and surrounded by his children, Jack, 'Old 88' Farnham crossed the goal line for the final time and celebrated in the arms of our Lord. Jack and Ginny moved to the San Francisco Sunset District and St. Gabriel's Parish 62 years ago. There they raised their five children: Sandy, Mike, Jim, Tim and Tom. Over the years, the family grew to include their spouses: Vicky, Louise and Laura; their 13 grandchildren: PJ, Kevin, Shannon, Sean, Jessica, Melissa, Tiffany, Sara, Jaron, Dominic, Monica, Vanessa, and Kaitlin, and their spouses: Brigette, Chuck, Sarah and Bridget. Finally and certainly not the least, the seven great-grandchildren: Mikaela, Markus, Elle, Rhyen, Jack, Morgan and Braydon. Jack is also survived by his 104 year old stepmother Esther Petersen; and two brothers Jerry (Stella) and Don (Lorraine) Peterson of Tacoma, WA, and their families; niece Patty Colen; nephew Russ Hampton; and former foster home brother and life long friend Alex 'Sandy' Vucetich. Jack is a retired sergeant of the San Francisco Police Department where he served for over 31 years. During his tenure Jack received three Medals of Valor. Of all the things he did during his years of service, being a foot beat cop is what brought him the most joy. He enjoyed being among the citizens of the city he loved. Prior to joining SFPD he served in the US Coast Guard where his athletic ability on the football field gained him the starting tailback position on the Coast Guard service team traveling and raising money for the war effort. Jack attended Polytechnic (Poly) high school were he excelled in track and field, swimming, diving and his beloved football. His accomplishment earned him a place into the Poly Sports Hall of Fame alongside his 'last tag' and lifelong friend Mark Rivero. Jack will always be remembered for his smile and involvement with the youth of San Francisco. He was one of the founding fathers of the PAL football program, coaching the first PAL Pop Warner team the Seahawks and later the Mariners. He was a former president of the Lincoln High School Mustang Association and one of the first CYO program coaches at St Gabriel's School. The entire family would like to thank Christine White and her support team for the excellent and loving care they provided over the past year. Rosary and Visitation will be held at DUGGAN'S SERRA MORTUARY at 500 Westlake Ave, Daly City on Sunday, December 28th at 4 PM, with Funeral Mass being celebrated at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, 2559 40th Ave, San Francisco, on Monday December 29th at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 1060 S. Avenida St., Mountain View, CA 94043, or the San Francisco PAL sport program, Police Academy Bldg., 350 Amber Drive, P.O. Box 31114, San Francisco, CA 94131.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Thomas James Haley
// from the San Francisco Chronicle // Following three different bouts with cancer over a nine year period, Tom died on December 20th, 2008 at his home in Concord, CA. Tom, born July 19th, 1934, was the oldest of the four children of John J., and Alice Mers Haley. He was a third generation San Franciscan and a third generation law enforcement officer. He graduated from St. Peter's Grammar School and St. Ignatius High School, then attended the University of San Francisco. He served four years in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War. He served over thirty years on the Berkeley Police Department, retiring as Lieutenant. He co-founded the unit which became the Barricaded Subject/Hostage Negotiation Team and was field commander for over a decade. He received dozens of commendations and was awarded the Berkeley Police Association Medal of Honor. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, John P. Haley, retired San Francisco Police Department; and mother, Alice Mers Haley, retired San Francisco Sheriff's Department. Two of his sons presently serve with the Berkeley and Piedmont Police Departments respectively. He was predeceased by his parents and his three siblings, brother Jack and sisters Irene Arroyo Wells (Ron) and Marilyn Bowe (Jim). His son Eugene (Geno) died in 2001. He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Louise Ann Banfield Haley. He leaves behind his son Mike (Terrie) of San Jose, daughter Teresa Bergum (John) of Concord, and son Brian (Rogna) of Antioch. He was the loving 'Grumpy' to his seven grandchildren: Beth Bergum of Cuernavaca, Mexico, Amanda Bergum of New Jersey, Patrick and Anna Haley of Sonoma, Molly and Jake Haley of Antioch, and Lindsay Ward of Massachusetts. He is also remembered by his uncle, Lincoln Mers of Rossmoor. He leaves a host of cousins, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. His passing sorrows friends throughout the United States. Any memorials might be directed to the American Cancer Society or to the Hospice of the East Bay. Arrangements by the Neptune Society. L-3 is 10-10.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Senator Claiborne Pell
// from the San Francisco Chronicle, Jan 2, 2009 // Claiborne Pell, the quirky blueblood who represented blue-collar Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate for 36 years and was the force behind a grant program that has helped tens of millions of Americans attend college, died Thursday after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 90. Sen. Pell, a Democrat, died at his Newport home just after midnight, according to his former assistant, Jan Demers. He was first elected to the Senate in 1960. He disclosed he had Parkinson's in 1995 and left office in January 1997 after his sixth term. When asked his greatest achievement, Sen. Pell always was quick to answer, 'Pell Grants.' He sponsored legislation creating the Basic Educational Opportunity Grants, which passed in 1972 and provided direct aid to college students. The awards were renamed 'Pell Grants' in 1980. By the time Sen. Pell retired, they had aided more than 54 million low- and middle-income Americans. Sen. Pell also shared a strong interest in the arts, and was chief Senate sponsor of a 1965 law establishing the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Born in 1918, Sen. Pell came from a political family and was a descendant of early New York landowners who lived among the old-money families in Newport. Five family members served in the House or Senate. Sen. Pell graduated from Princeton in 1940, and served in the Coast Guard during World War II. He participated in the 1945 San Francisco conference that drafted the U.N. charter and was a staunch defender of the institution throughout his life. He served in the foreign service for seven years, holding diplomatic posts in Czechoslovakia and Italy, then returned to Rhode Island in the 1950s. He was elected to the Senate in 1960 after defeating two former governors in the Democratic primary. He and his wife married in 1944, and had four children. Their daughter Julia died of lung cancer in 2006 at age 52.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Albert Charles Williams
// from the San Francisco Chronicle // Albert Charles Williams September 10, 1920-January 9, 2009 He preferred 'Al' rather than Albert and in high school sported the nickname of Lefty, but truth be told wife Shirley gave him his favorite nickname of Alleycat. He called her Shirleybird and for 61 years they enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage. He is survived by his Shirleybird and three daughters; Cheryl Williams, partner Mindy Hatt; Robin Williams Hood, husband Lonnie Hood; and Lori Williams. Two grandchildren Katherine Whittemore and John Whittemore, Jr. His brother William E. Williams preceded him in death. A third generation Californian, he was humbled by the fact that his grandparents were part of the mining history in Dutch Flat, CA. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, he attended Commerce High School class of 1937. Duty called and he registered to serve in the US Coast Guard in 1942. The majority of his service was spent as a Third Class Signalman in a 20ft by 20ft pill box dug into the side of Hawaii's Diamond Head. Trained to challenge incoming ships using 'blinker lights' (Morse code) to affirm it was either friend or foe. One of his buddies who shared this pill box experience with him, William H. Edwards later became a fellow work associate at A.M. Castle Steel in San Francisco, Ca. Al began his 37 year career answering the phones at AM Castle Steel in 1946 and after completing a Dale Carnegie course became one of their best salesmen, making and keeping life long friends, Roy Joyce, Gardner Gray and Ed Jacobi. Another group of friends from the Greatest Generation referred to themselves as T.O.G.O.M. (that 'old gang of mine) and completed 60 New Year's Eve celebrations together. Now that accomplishment should be noted in The Guinness Book of World Records! After retiring in 1983 he enjoyed traveling with his wife Shirley to Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, and 47 of the United States in search of the toughest golf courses on the planet. As a member of the National Lefty Golf Association he brought home many trophies, maintained a single digit handicap and accomplished three holes in one, the last one coming at the age of 75. Recently a grateful neighbor stated that Al should have been a role model for what determines a citizen of the year. A man, who adored his wife, taught his children valuable lessons, helped out his community and enjoyed a long retirement creating more great memories. Al's family invites you make a donation in his name to the: VA Hospice Center. (Address: VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Ave., 100-4A Palo Alto, CA 94304) The world-class care, compassion and hospice competence he received during his short stay with them was truly a blessing.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Paul Duncan McConnell
// from the San Francisco Chronicle // Paul Duncan McConnell, April 18, 1934-January 16, 2009. Paul Duncan McConnell died peacefully on Fri. Jan. 16, at his apartment in SF. He was born in New Brighton, PA, April 18, 1934, and attended the Coast Guard Academy, and the Universities of Mississippi and Alabama before graduating from Cal State-Hayward in 1962. He had a life-long love of sailing. He was deeply involved in the civil rights struggle in Alabama, Mississippi, and the D.C. area in the late 50's and early 60's, and spent four weeks in jail in Mississippi with other SF Bay Area Freedom Riders in June 1961. Duncan was seriously disabled and spent his last 45 years in San Francisco. He had a gifted mind, read widely, and never lost the ability to draw new friends to himself. The world is a better place because of his keen sense of justice. He leaves two daughters, Tarin Vincent of Great Falls, MT, and Kennan Salinero of Livermore, CA, as well as four grandchildren. There will be a memorial service at 11:00 AM Friday at the Mission Creek Senior Community, 225 Berry St. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 3:30 PM at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1668 Bush St The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations large or small be made to the Mission Creek Senior Community care of Mercy Housing, 225 Berry Street, SF 94158-1629, phone 415-896-2025. In accordance with his wishes, Duncan will be cremated followed by the scattering of his ashes at sea.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Emmert T. Long
// from the San Francisco Chronicle // Emmert T. Long Of Highlands Ranch, CO, passed Jan. 15, 2009, at his residence. Mr. Long was born Jan. 3, 1919 to Charles and Sylvia Long in Kinross, IA. He soon moved to Detroit, MI where he lived until joining the Coast Guard in Aug. 1940. Participated in 'Battle of Midway.' Honorably discharged Sept. 1945 in San Francisco. While in San Francisco, he worked as an upholsterer at Brown's. He opened his own business 'Attard & Long Mfg.' serving many decorators in the Bay Area. He retired to Redding, CA, and eventually moved to CO. He loved people, dancing, and bowling. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne; brothers, Earl and Gale. Survivors include sons, Emmert Dennis, James Emmert, and Emmert Theodore Jr.; daughter, Patricia; brother, Wayne; sister, Lucille; and six grandchildren. Inurnment will be at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Shannon Moffat
// from the San Francisco Chronicle // Shannon Moffat, Born in Pittsburgh, PA on August 23, 1927, she died peacefully in Palo Alto on January 23, 2009. A loving friend and parent, she had a notable 56-year career as a technical writer and editor. Raised in New York City and Lafayette, IN, Shannon attended Deerfield Academy (Class of 1945), served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-46 and attended the U.S. Naval Academy from 1946 to 1948. She graduated from Amherst College in 1950 and worked as the assistant science editor for the publishing company, Henry Holt and Company, in New York City from 1950 to 1952. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard (1952-54), she moved to Ventura, CA to work for the Star-Free Press as a reporter and as the author of a weekly book column. She moved to Palo Alto in 1955 to work for the Palo Alto Times, initially as a general reporter, then as the education and science reporter. Her articles for the Times won several awards, including the First Prize from the Education Writers Association. In 1958-59 she was a Sloan-Rockefeller Fellow in the Advanced Science Writing Program of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She left the Palo Alto Times in 1959 to work as Information Officer for the Stanford Medical Center, where she worked until 1966. At that time, Shannon embarked on a free-lance career that lasted fifteen years, writing and editing books and articles, primarily about scientific subjects for lay and technical audiences. In 1981 she returned to Stanford University, preparing printed and online documents for users of Stanford's computer systems and editing the award-winning Graphics & Printing Bulletin. She worked from 1989-97 as a medical writer for Syntex. From 1997-2006, she was an assistant to Stanford Professor Emeritus, Dr. Carl Djerrasi. An lover of art, music, theatre and dance, Shannon also volunteered for many organizations, including TheatreWorks, Foothills Park, and the Stanford Library Associates. Shannon is survived by her sons Bruce and Ben, step-daughter Carrie Hickman, and grandchildren Valeria Moffat, and Court and Alex Hickman. A memorial service will be held on Friday Jan. 30 from 4 to 5:30 pm at Webster House on 401 Webster St. in Palo Alto. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to some of Shannon's favorite organizations: TheatreWorks, Berkeley Rep, and The National Women's Museum of the Arts.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Bernie C. Webber
// from the San Francisco Chronicle, Sunday Feb 1, 2009 // Strapping himself to the wheel of a 36-foot motorized lifeboat, wind and snow whipping his face, Bernie Webber steered through Chatham Harbor's rough waves early on the evening of Feb. 18, 1952. Ahead in the swirling storm floated part of the Pendleton, an oil tanker that had split apart in a northeaster. No one knew if there were any survivors when Mr. Webber and three fellow Coast Guardsmen motored out into waves that would tower 60 feet. As they crossed the Chatham Bar, the shifting shoals that make getting in and out of the harbor perilous even in good weather, a wave tossed their wooden boat sideways into the air. The windshield smashed, the compass washed overboard, and the crew's confidence ebbed.
'It was half a miracle, if you think about it,' said Mr. Webber's wife, Miriam. 'He told me, 'I never thought I'd be back.' '
But more than two hours later, Mr. Webber guided the CG-36500 back to Chatham's piers, laden with 32 crewmen from the Pendleton.
Mr. Webber, who along with his crew was awarded the U.S. Treasury's Gold Lifesaving Medal for heroism, died of a heart attack Saturday in his Melbourne, Fla., home. He was 80.
The Pendleton was one of two tankers that broke apart off Cape Cod earlier that day. A search plane spotted the Pendleton while flying near the foundering Fort Mercer. Two daring rescue operations saved 70 lives, generating banner headlines, but 14 men died in the wrecks, nine of 41 on the Pendleton, five of 43 on the Fort Mercer.
'I said, 'If I fail, what a tragic thing. How can you ever live it down if all these people get killed?' The responsibility - you feel it, it's on your mind,' Mr. Webber told a radio station 15 years later.
One by one, 32 men safely boarded the lifeboat, until the last man fell, disappeared into the waves and perished.
The youngest of four brothers, Bernard C. Webber grew up in Milton, Mass., the son of a Baptist minister. His father wanted him to enter the ministry, but Mr. Webber joined the merchant marine at 16 and volunteered for the Coast Guard two years later.
After the rescue, Mr. Webber stayed in the Coast Guard into the mid-1960s, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam. He retired from the Coast Guard and lived on Cape Cod, moved to Maine for about a decade, then to Florida, ending up in Melbourne in the mid-1980s.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Leo Giorgetti
// from the San Francisco Chronicle // Leo Giorgetti December 11, 1920 - February 15, 2009. 88, died Sunday of natural causes. Giorgetti previously owned the Iron Horse (San Francisco) and Woodlake Joe's (San Mateo) restaurants. Giorgetti was born in Half Moon Bay, graduated from Half Moon Bay High School and joined the Coast Guard in 1941, becoming a decorated WWII veteran. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Pearsol Giorgetti; sons Rick (Terry) of San Jose and Bob of Half Moon Bay; grandchildren Tracy, Jason, Alison, Sarah and Dante, three great-grandchildren; and stepchildren Howie (Candy) and Paula Pearsol. Services will be held Feb. 23, 2009 at Our Lady of the Pillar Church in Half Moon Bay, viewing at 5pm and service at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leo Giorgetti Scholarship Fund, St. Ignatius College Prep, 2001 37th Ave. San Francisco CA 94116, Rainbow Acres, P.O. Box 1290, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, or charity of choice.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Albert F. Bosanach
// from the San Francisco Chronicle // Albert F. Bosanach July 19, 1922 - February 28, 2009 Resident of San Francisco Entered into rest on February 28, 2009 at the age of 86. Beloved brother to Ann Bober of PA. Dear uncle to Mary Reese of Fremont, and Joan Pantaleo of PA. Also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews. Born July 19, 1922 in Aliquippa, PA, Albert served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII, and was stationed in San Francisco. He was a part owner of Hayward Catering for many years and then was maitre d' at Trader Vic's for many years. He was president and vice president of the Golden Gate Kennel Club. His show dogs included a Kerry Blue Terrier and a Boxer. At Albert's request no services will be held. The family prefers donations be made in Albert's memory to the Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 39899 Balentine Drive, Newark, CA 94560. Fremont Chapel of the Roses (510) 797-1900
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Gene C. Valla
// from the San Francisco Chronicle // Gene passed away suddenly on March 9, 2009. He was born in San Francisco on September 3, 1925 to Eugene A. Valla, an outfielder with the San Francisco Seals, and Irene Dolan. He is survived by Bobbi, his wife and the 'the love of his life'; his daughter Debbie Hawkins and grandchildren Michael and Stephanie; sisters-in-law Gloria Barbieri and Lydia Mazzoni; nephews Ralph, Tayte, Dan, Daniel and Bob; nieces Annette and Christina; god-daughter Marcia Houck (and husband Bob); special friends Stu and Brenda Young; and many wonderful friends. A veteran of World War II, he served with the Coast Guard in the Pacific. Upon his return, Gene was scouted by the New York Yankees. Starting in 'D' ball,' he rapidly advanced to 'A' ball where he was voted most valuable player in the league. Gene was with the Yankee organization for five years where he played short-stop and third base. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at San Francisco Polytechnic. Gene owned the land-mark Blue Gum Restaurant and Motel in Willows, where he was known as 'Duke,' and also the Papertree Hallmark stores in Sacramento with two dear friends. Gene was a longtime member of the Cameron Park Country Club, where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf with his 'buddies', remembering every hole he played. He enjoyed traveling and to his beloved wife's delight became an excellent cook. A consummate gentleman, Gene extended a hand to everyone and was loved by all who knew him. Friends are invited to a celebration of Gene's life on April 4th from 2 to 5 PM at Cameron Park Country Club (3201 Royal Dr., Cameron Park, CA). In lieu of flowers, remembrances in his honor may be made to the Giants Community Fund, AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA, 94107 or www.jrgiants.org. The Giants Community Fund serves at-risk youths and communities in need.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Ernest A. Lantz
//from the San Francisco Chronicle// Ernest A. Lantz 1928 - 2009 Ernest Lantz passed away March 12, 2009 at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto, having been born in San Francisco on January 1, 1928 and living in Redwood City for many years. Ernie was known as the best antique clock repair expert in Northern California, for his musical talents and for his devotion to the bay area Swedish community. An accomplished pianist and accordion player, he was in demand to perform at the many local Swedish functions, including SWEA, and was a recipient of many awards. The void Ernie leaves is deep. He will be missed by his family, friends and fellow Swedes, though his spirit lives on in those who loved him. Ernie will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, compassion and eagerness to help others. He served in the Coast Guard at Five Fingers Lighthouse in Alaska, and worked at Hunter's Point Shipyard in San Francisco. A career mechanical engineer, he worked at SRI for over 30 years. Ernie was a 50-year Mason with the Columbia Brotherhood Lodge, as well as an active member of the VASA Lindbergh Lodge, Valhalla Lodge, accordion and clock clubs, NAWCC and SRI Alumni Association. Ernie and his loving wife, Malle, attended the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. In addition to his wife, Malle, Ernie is survived by his sons, Steve (Jannette) and David (Diane); grandaughters, Linnea and April; brother, Stone Lantz; nephews, Buddy and Bobby; and stepsons, Vince and Tony; as well as many cousins and friends in Sweden. He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara, and his daughter, Sonya. In accordance with Ernie's wishes there will be no memorial service. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Please remember Ernie with donations to the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society, the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America, or Doctors Without Borders.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
Joseph Patrick Connolly
Joseph Patrick Connolly Passed away on March 26, 2009 in Richmond, CA. He is survived by his loving wife, Florence, to whom he was married for 62 years. He also leaves behind loving children Kathleen Connolly Perkins, Karen Connolly Smith, and Joseph Patrick Connolly III. Grandchildren: David and Christopher Perkins, Coleman and Elisa Connolly, Amy Wright and Great-Grandson Derek Wood. His brother Jack, and wife Virginia, his cousin Bernard Cummins and wife Myra and sister-in-law Ynez Boiteux. Joe was predeceased by sisters Agnes and Rita Connolly. Joe was born in Butte, MT, to Joseph P. Connolly Sr. and Anna Sullivan. He was raised in Oakland, CA, and proud of his Irish heritage. Joe enlisted in the Coast Guard before World War II was declared. He then attended Northwestern University in Officers' Training and served as a lieutenant on a Navy transport ship serving in the South Pacific Islands. After the war he received orders to proceed to Yokohama, Japan, and then returned to the United States where he was honorably discharged. Thereafter, he attended University of San Francisco Law School and practiced law in Contra Costa County for 50 years. Joe enjoyed his summers at his cabin with family and friends in Summer Home Park on the Russian River. Joe was a longtime member of St. David of Wales Catholic Church and West Contra Costa County Serra Club. Family and friends are invited to attend Visitation from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Civic Center Chapel of Wilson & Kratzer Mortuaries, 455 - 24th Street, Richmond. Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at St. David of Wales Catholic Church, 5641 Esmond Avenue, Richmond. Committal will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 2560 Church Lane, San Pablo.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
James Demerin
LT Frank Kratochvil
LT Frank Kratochvil was a mentor to many of us, he passed away last week. He will be missed by all that knew him. I first worked with him 20 years ago when he was a BM2 at Station Rio Vista. Fair winds Frank.
03/31/09 Submitted by:
Jon Gagnon
Marie Stiewig
Wife of CWO4 Foy Stiewig passed away in January of this year. Foy passed away in June of 2000. Foy was in the Coast Guard over 26 years, most of his stations were boats in alaska, Texas, and the west coast. It's the end of an era, Marie was the original Coast Guard Wife of the Year!
03/07/09 Submitted by:
William Turnbull
Clarence ( Harvey) Fenton
I'm sad to report that my friend MKCM Clarence (Harvey) Fenton crossed the Bar Feb 23, 2009 I'll miss him Bill Cote
02/25/09 Submitted by:
William Cote
Peter Hahn
Just received word from Mary Hahn, that Peter Hahn has crossed over the bar on February 2, 2009. Peter was station on the CGC Rockaway W-377 way back
02/17/09 Submitted by:
Frank B. Carlsson
Joseph Burns
Joe was stationed with the Coast Guard out in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 50's. He passed away from inoperable colon cancer in Pittburgh Pennsylania last week.
02/13/09 Submitted by:
James H. Jones
Edmund Lee Burbage, BMCM, USCG Ret
Chief Burbage, 78, of Millville, Del., passed away Thursday, Jan.29, 2009, at Christiana Hospital, Newark Delaware.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deloris Burbage, a son, Gregory Burbage, two sisters and a brother.
Lee retired from the Coast Guard in 1970 as an E-9 after 21 years of service.He was a 32-nd degree Mason and a member of Sinepuxent Lodge 193, editor and member of the Delmarva Limited Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in Parksley. He was a member of the Girdletree Historical Society, past member of the Millville Fire Company and past member of the Lord Baltimore Lions Club. He was retired from Bob's Marine and I.W. Long. Lee was a railroad collector and buff, and a loving father and husband.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Febr 4th at Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Md. Friends may call from 6-8 Tuesday evening at the funeral home, where a Masonic service will be held and an hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Buckingham Cemetery in Berlin.
Flowers will be accepted and contributions may be made in Lee's memory to Girdletree Historical Society, c/o Sandra Hudson, Girdletree Post Office, Girdletree, Md. 21829
Arrangements are being handled by Burbage Funeral Home, Berlin, Md.
02/02/09 Submitted by:
Frank Meligan
BM1 Bernie Webber
R 282353Z JAN 09 ZUI ASN-A00028000023 ZYB FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-09// TO ALCOAST BT UNCLAS //N05360// ALCOAST 057/09 COMDTNOTE 5360
SUBJ: DEATH OF AN HONORED CG VETERAN
1. IT IS WITH DEEP REGRET THAT I ANNOUNCE THE PASSING OF BERNARD C. WEBBER, A COAST GUARD VETERAN WHO LED ONE OF THE TOP TEN COAST GUARD RESCUES AND EARNED THE GOLD LIFESAVING MEDAL FOR HIS HEROIC EFFORTS.
2. BORN MAY 9TH, 1928, BERNARD WEBBER WAS SWORN INTO THE COAST GUARD IN 1946. AS A BOATSWAINS MATE FIRST CLASS AND COXSWAIN, HE WAS ASSIGNED TO COAST GUARD STATION CHATHAM, MASSACHUSETTS.
3. ON THE NIGHT OF FEBRUARY 18, 1952, THE SS PENDLETON, A 503 FOOT TANKER, BROKE IN TWO WITH 33 MEN ON BOARD OFF OF CAPE COD. THEN
BM1 WEBBER WAS THE COXSWAIN OF CG36500 AND WAS CALLED UPON TO RESCUE THE SURVIVORS IN 60 FOOT SEAS AND 70 KNOT WINDS. WHILE ENROUTE TO THE SS PENDLETON, THE HEAVY WEATHER SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD AND COMPASS OF CG36500. BM1 WEBBER COURAGEOUSLY POSITIONED CG36500 BENEATH THE STERN OF SS PENDLETON AS IT TOSSED IN THE HEAVY SEAS. BM1 WEBBER TIMED THE RISE AND FALL OF THE WAVES AND ONE BY ONE RESCUED THE MEN AS THEY CLIMBED DOWN A JACOBS LADDER AND JUMPED INTO THE WATER. ALL BUT ONE ABOARD SS PENDLETON WERE SAVED IN THE RESCUE EFFORT. WITH NO RADAR OR COMPASS TO GUIDE THEM HOME, BM1 WEBBER RELIED ON EXPERT SEAMANSHIP AND INSTINCT TO NAVIGATE CG36500 SAFELY BACK TO ITS MOORING WITH THE 32 SURVIVORS HUDDLED ON BOARD.
4. BERNARD WEBBERS BRAVERY AND SEAMANSHIP ARE AN INSPIRATION FOR ALL GUARDIANS. HE REMAINS A COAST GUARD HERO AND WILL FOREVER BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR COAST GUARD HERITAGE. HIS PASSING IS A GREAT LOSS FOR ALL OF US AND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO HIS FAMILY.
5. SERVICES ARE ANTICIPATED AT CAPE COD, MA, AT A TIME AND DATE TIME TO BE DETERMINED IN THE SPRING.
6. INTERESTED READER CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT BERNARD WEBBER AND THIS HISTORIC RESCUE IN TWO BOOKS, BOTH ON THE COMMANDANTS READING LIST:
'THE PENDLETON DISASTER OFF CAPE COD,' (2ND EDITION) BY THERESA BARBO AND 'TWO TANKERS DOWN,' BY ROBERT FRUMP. ADDITIONAL MEMORIES AND REFLECTIONS ABOUT BERNARD WEBBER ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN A RECENT POSTING ON THE COMMANDANTS BLOG AT WWW.USCG.MIL/COMDT/BLOG.
7. VADM VIVIEN S. CREA, VICE COMMANDANT, SENDS.
8. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
BT
NNNN
02/02/09 Submitted by:
Dena Mourtos
RMC Dan McClung (Ret)
Daniel L. McClung Jr., 68, of Mashpee, died at home on Jan. 28, 2009. He was the husband of Donna L. (Stanley) McClung.
Mr. McClung was born and raised in West Virginia. He served withthe Coast Guard during Vietnam and retired as chief radio officer after more than 20 years of service. After his Coast Guard career, he worked 18 years for ComElectric out of the Plymouth office.
He enjoyed being outside and playing golf while in the Coast Guard. However, the last 10 years, he enjoyed gardening and reading. But what made him the happiest was being available to be with his grandchildren and helping them with their activities.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his son, Daniel McClung of Maine; daughter, Debra Goward of Sagamore Beach; grandchildren, Matthew and Alexander Goward, and Daniel, Michael, and Zachary McClung; and sisters, Mary Champe of Roanoke, Va., and Jo Kilgore of Sonocco, N.M.
Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 74 Algonquin Ave., at Route 151, Mashpee. A service in the funeral home will begin at 1 p.m., followed by burial in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.
For online guest book and directions, please visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com
Dan was a good friend, a good shipmate and a good guy.. Fair winds, Dan.
RMCM Bob Fraser (Ret).
01/31/09 Submitted by:
Robert (Bob) Fraser
MKCM Stan Hiller
IT IS WITH DEEP REGRET THAT I ANNOUNCE THAT MKCM STAN HILLER CROSSED THE BAR 11 JAN09. Stan spent 45 years in the Coast Guard, he was a true professional who loved his service. You could not find a better shipmate. Stan will be missed by all who knew him.
MCPO Jim Bridges
01/12/09 Submitted by:
Jim Bridges
Captain Jack Leatherwood
Captain Jack Leatherwood passed away in Nags Head, N.C. on 29 December 2008. His funeral was in Frisco, N.C. on 31 December
01/10/09 Submitted by:
Wayne Gray
John ( Jocko) Mahoney
Mahoney Jr., John P. View/Sign Guest Book
MAHONEY, John P. , Jr. (Jocko) Nov. 29th in Burlington formerly of Arlington, MA. Arlington Firefighter of 31 years, US Coast Guard Reserve Master Chief Boatson Mate. Beloved husband of Barbara Jean ( Mitchell). Loving father of Cathi Davis, Cyndi Ferrante, John P. III, Cheri, Carolyn, Tini DeProfio, Claire Parkhurst, Carin, Connie, Jim, Corinne Russo, Barbie Baum, Joe, Bev and Bill. John is also survived by his 24 grandchildren. Relatives and friends invited to visit in the De Vito-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 1145 Mass. Ave., ARLINGTON on Saturday Dec. 6th, 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Interment will be private
12/31/08 Submitted by:
Frank W. Larder
Mr. 'Jack' Campbell, CGCVA (PNP/LM)
I regret to inform you all of the passing of Mr. Jack Campbell of Long Branch NJ at the age of 83. Jack was fixture at Training Center Cape May's weekly graduations for many many years as the representative of the Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association. The CGCVA sponsors part of the recruit awards program and Jack was always there to help present.
Jack served his country of only a few short years during WWII as a GM3. But during that service he participated in the D-Day invasion on board an 83-foot Patrol Boat, just off the coast. He was part of the fleet that was assigned to pick-up survivors near the shore during the height of the invasion. And although he only served for one tour his love of our great service never faded. He was truly an outstanding example of 'The Greatest Generation That Ever Lived'.
He was a life member of the CGCVA, a past National President of the association and one one of the Coast Guard members invited by the Government of France to partake in the 50th anniversary celebration of D-Day. Almost one year ago to the day at the final graduation of 2007, Jack was advanced to Honorary Chief Petty Officer. Toady was out final graduation of 2008. He attended more graduations than he missed until being sidelined with cancer a few short months ago, losing his battle early this morning.
Jack's love for his country and the Coast Guard are an inspiration for us all and he will be missed. He will be missed each week but my life is better for having know him.
12/23/08 Submitted by:
Bruce Bradley
MCPO John Mospens
Twice retired, first while the CEA/D14, later reactivated and last retired aboard USCGC HEALY in 2005. Crewman aboard USCGC's MORGANTHAU and POLAR SEA. Coast Guard blue, through and through, after the last retirement, John was hired by a civilian consultant company to serve the Coast Guard. He was a familiar face often seen aboard the HEALY conducting engineering diagnostics and telling sea stories around the support facility. The mostly younger crew looked up to John, a natural leader, teacher, and as a beloved life coach. He and his wife of 34 years, Tori, ran a secluded, seaside B&B near Hilo, Hawaii - Kia'i Kai - Hawaiian for 'Guardian of the Sea', which his daughter Carrie will continue to run in her father's honor. Son Paul, a merchant marine officer sails between his home in Honolulu and mainland U.S. gave his father two beautiful grand daughter's, in whom was John's great delight. John lost a short, but valiant fight against a silent killer, prostate cancer, Sunday, December 14th, 2008. He will be buried with full military honors at the Veteran's Cemetary in Hilo, Hawaii. John was my dearest friend and sole fishing buddy. Smooth sailing, good friend.
12/15/08 Submitted by:
Terry Sherwood
Michael 'Joe' Leahy (Former PAC/D17)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Joe Leahy
Juneau Empire
http://juneauempire.com/stories/121408/obi_367458951.shtml
Former Juneau resident Michael Joseph 'Joe' Leahy died Dec. 6 at Providence Valdez Medical Center. He was 68.
Born Nov. 3, 1940, in Mason City, Wash., to Patrick and Clara Leahy, he graduated from Grand Coulee High School in 1958 and married Marilyn Mroz on Nov. 25, 1981, in Seattle.
He came to Alaska in 1976 while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard as chief journalist. After his discharge, he worked as the director of the Juneau Mining Museum, then as the director of the Juneau Centennial Museum.
In 1985, Joe and Marilyn moved to Valdez, where he served as the executive director of the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive. Upon retiring from that position, he returned to Juneau for four years at the request of Hoonah Heritage Foundation, serving as the development director of the foundation's proposed heritage center and museum.
His love of people led him to serve on numerous boards and associations such as Valdez United Way, Copper Valley Electric Association, the State Parks Commission, the Alaska Historical Society and the Museums Alaska Association. He was the unofficial town greeter for Valdez, prowling the docks, grocery store and post office and regaling visitors and residents alike with tidbits of history and a gentle wit.
'Joe's greatest enthusiasm was for his family,' relatives said.
He was astounded and delighted at the birth of his triplets - Patrick, Elise and Christopher - and then again with his bonus child, Marissa.
In retirement, he was an avid and talented photographer, loved to fish and was an enthusiastic rower, his family said.
He is survived by: his wife, Marilyn Leahy; sons, Patrick and Christopher Leahy; daughters, Elise and Marissa Leahy; and brothers, Bill Leahy and wife, Judy, and Gary Leahy.
12/14/08 Submitted by:
Thomas Gemmell
ET3 Jeremy Hoeger - Reservist
Jeremy John Hoeger, 27, of Charleston, SC, formerly of Dyersville and Dubuque, IA died Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at home after three years of living courageously with leukemia.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2008 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2008 at the Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road, where a parish scripture service and rosary will take place at 6:00 p.m.
Jeremy was born November 20, 1981 in Dyersville, the son of Mark and Donna Jo (Warren) Hoeger. He attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School in Dyersville and Hempstead High School in Dubuque. He was a 2000 graduate of Carolina Forest High School in Myrtle Beach, SC.
After high school he followed his love of the water and joined the United States Coast Guard in November 2000. Jeremy’s first assignment after Basic Training was aboard the CG Cutter Harriet Lane out of Portsmouth VA. Then upon his successful completion of Fire Control Technician Class “A” School, he was assigned aboard the CG Cutter Escanaba out of Boston MA. There he served as a Fire Control Technician 3rd Class. After completing four years of Honorable Active Duty service, he enlisted in the USCG Reserve in November 2004 and was assigned to Electronic Support Detachment Charleston SC. While in Charleston he also attended Trident Community College. Jeremy was employed by the USCG as a Civilian Electronic Mechanic up until the time of his death.
Jeremy was an avid lover of trivia games, bike riding, the water, the Cubs and Packers. He will be remembered as a young man full of love and compassion for others, who loved his family and would do anything for them. Even up until his last days, he was always concerned about the well-being of others.
From the time he was diagnosed, Jeremy was determined to beat his cancer and he maintained faith up until the end that he would be restored. Even though at times the pain was unbearable, Jeremy managed to be a good patient; to many, he was a shining example of patience and love. Through his long battle he touched so many peoples’ lives; his perseverance brought many people back to the Lord and our family is convinced that was his mission here on earth. In the end, he taught his family and countless others, pure dependence on God and that His timing is essential. Jeremy has finally been cured; he is home and whole again.
Surviving are his parents, Mark and Donna of Dubuque; two sisters, Melissa (Chuck) Tittle of Dubuque and their children Tia, Michael, Aislin, Hannah, and new baby in January; Malena (Marlowe) Valdeabella of St. Louis, MO and their son Isaiah, his Grandma Ivalyn Trucks of LaCrosse WI, many aunts, uncles, cousins and a very devoted and special woman, Diana Bert of Savannah, GA, who was the love of Jeremy’s life.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Connie Warren and his paternal grandparents Bernard and Catherine Hoeger.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to the University Hospital of Iowa City, Roper-St. Francis Hospital and the Medical University of South Carolina, Hospice of Charleston and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Jeremy Hoeger Leukemia Fund at Racom Credit Union in Dyersville, IA.
12/12/08 Submitted by:
Robert Glassman
MKC Jerry Rawlings
Jerry crossed the bar this past Sunday. I will remember him as a wizard when it came to engineering problems. A good friend and a fine Chief Petty Officer. He will be missed by all who knew him.
12/09/08 Submitted by:
Gary Keen
Carlos Deon Buford
In memory of Carlos Deon Buford, FN USCG, crewmember at Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral. While on leave in Canton, MS visiting his brother and grandmother over the Thanksgiving Holiday, Carlos was tragically murdered on November 30, 2008 in Clarksdale, MS. He is survived by his grandmother, Ms. Rachel (Harris) and his brother, Kenny Buford. Carlos honorably served this great country his entire adult life serving 9 years in the U.S. Navy, after earning an honorable discharge as a BM2 he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he served at the station for the last year and a half of his short life, and had orders to SK “A” school. Carlos was an outstanding shipmate and friend who will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Michael J. Locke, BOSN3, CO Sta Port Canaveral.
12/08/08 Submitted by:
Michael J. Locke
Dale Long
Have only just learned, that Lt. Dale Long (former QMC) lost his battle with mesophelioma, on 11/23. Dale was my OCS classmate. He was a good sailor, and a good shipmate. He will be missed.
12/03/08 Submitted by:
Jerry Echols
Dale Lone
Have only just learned, that Lt. Dale Long (former QMC) lost his battle with mesophelioma, on 11/23. Dale was my OCS classmate. He was a good sailor, and a good shipmate. He will be missed.
12/03/08 Submitted by:
Jerry Echols
SCPO Malcolm G. Libby
Malcolm G. Libby
Juneau Empire
Longtime Juneau resident Malcolm Gary Libby died of lung cancer on Nov. 20, 2008, at his home. He was 67.
Born in 1941 to Malcolm B. Libby and Gwendolyn Libby (deceased), of Long Beach, Calif., he graduated from high school in Long Beach and attended Long Beach City College and the U.S. Coast Guard Center in Groton, Conn.
He served two tours in Vietnam and retired from the Coast Guard in 1982 at the rank of senior chief petty officer.
In 1983, he went to work at the U.S. Post Office and retired in 1998.
Anyone who knew him knew he was a very patriotic man, and his love for his family, the U.S. Coast Guard and his country was strong, his family said.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Libby; one son, Kim Libby; granddaughters, Heather Engen and husband, Jeremiah, and Shawna Libby, all of Juneau; great-granddaughter, Aubrie Engen, of Juneau; and sister, Sharilyn Buckelew and husband, Tony, and their daughter, Lisa, of Long Beach, Calif.
He will be laid to rest with full military honors in the spring at Riverside Memorial Park. Donations may be made in his name to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301. http://juneauempire.com/stories/120308/obi_363100621.shtml
12/03/08 Submitted by:
Thomas Gemmell
Clay E. Moffatt
Clay E. Moffatt, 82, of Sissonville,WV went home to be with the Lord November 28, 2008, at home, after a short illness.
Clay was retired from the U.S. Coast Guard and was a World War II Navy veteran. He was also retired from Hasting Manufacturing, a former employee of Farrell Hardware and was a dedicated employee of Long and Fisher Funeral Home. He was a member and deacon of Pocatalico Community Church for 45 years.
Clay is survived by his loving wife, Norma Tignor Moffatt; his daughters, Joyce McFarland and her husband Orville of Sissonville and Narketta Beckner and her husband Jack, also of Sissonville; grandchildren, Wade Hampton, Dana McFarland and his wife Michelle; great-granddaughter, Alexis McFarland; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
11/30/08 Submitted by:
William J James II
Bobby Burns
CAPT Bobby Burns, USCG (Ret.) crossed over the bar on November 12, 2008 while hospitalized in Indianapolis, Indiana as a result of several serious medical problems. He is survived by his loving wife, Sally, five children, six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and two brothers. One son and one grandson preceded him in death as did his first wife and the mother of his children, Delores (Dee). At his request, he will be cremated in his Coast Guard uniform. A memorial service will be held in Huntington, West Virginia during the first week in December. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301. Condolences to the family may be sent to Mrs. Sally Burns, 8055 Camellia Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46219. (E-mail: indylady377@aol.com).
Bobby enlisted in the Coast Guard at Age 19 and quickly rose to the rating of E-6. He then attended Officers Candidate School at the Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, graduating near the top of his class in 1956. He had various duty stations over the years, afloat and ashore. As an officer, his career specialty was Merchant Marine Safety. His senior assignments in that field included: Officer-In-Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), and Captain of the Port (COTP) in both the Huntington, West Virginia, and Honolulu, Hawaii Inspection Zones. He also served as Chief, Marine Safety Division, 14th Coast Guard District in the early 1980's, with administrative oversight of the entire marine safety program for the l4th Coast Guard District. His last assignment was Deputy Chief, Office of Merchant Marine Safety, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC. That was the second highest position in the Coast Guard's Merchant Marine Safety Program, with oversight and management of the entire program. He retired from the Coast Guard as an 0-6 (CAPT) in 1985.
Following his retirement from the Coast Guard, Bobby became a successful real estate agent in Huntington, West Virginia. He and Sally had just recently moved to Indianapolis and were just settled in when his terrible, final illness took him from us. Those of us who were privileged to know him quickly grew to respect and love him. He has a special place in Heaven and we know that he is getting things ready ("Semper Paratus") for a glorious reunion one day with the love of his life, his Sally.
Fair winds and following seas, old friend. We miss you greatly!
11/27/08 Submitted by:
Dan Baumbaugh (dbaumbaugh@verizon.net) and Bob Janecek (captbobj@cox.net).
Francis Matthew Pisarich
Francis Matthew Pisarich, 90, of Biloxi passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2008 in Biloxi.
Francis was born in Biloxi where he remained a lifelong resident. He graduated valedictorian from Sacred Heart Academy in 1936. Francis was a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard. He led a wave of assault infantry men onto Omaha Beach on D-Day for which he was awarded a letter of commendation for his leadership under fire. Francis was a master plumber. He owned and operated Francis Pisarich Plumbing in Biloxi. He and his wife traveled extensively and enjoyed theater and the arts. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church from its inception.
11/21/08 Submitted by:
R. Patrick Byrd
William P. Penney
To commemorate my former shipmate (USCGC SEBAGO), CDR William Penney USCG (Ret.), who passed over the bar on June 6th of this year. He was eighty-four years old.
Bill Penney was a former merchant mariner who accepted a direct commission in the Coast Guard and spent his Coast Guard career in marine inspection. I was fortunate enough to know him on the SEBAGO as he served the year of sea duty that the direct commission program then required.
11/12/08 Submitted by:
George T. Cassidy