Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Don W. Randle
January 26, 1931 - April 22, 2003
On Tuesday, April 22, 2003, Retired USAF Major, Donald W. Randle passed away while doing what he liked best: working on his cars and enjoying his day. Born January 26, 1931 in Long Beach, California Don is survived by his loving wife Chu Thi Viet Randle, his daughters Susan Wright, Gwen Beckwith, Han Mackintosh, Sheri Randle, Lien Randle and Donna Randle, his son Jack Randle, their spouses and children, and his brother and sister, Paul Randle and Shirley Keenan. Don developed a passion for all things fast building and racing roadsters as a teenager in 1940's Long Beach. He joined the Air Force in 1951 and served our country as a fighter pilot until 1971. He then returned to his native southern California and his career in the elevator industry began shortly thereafter. In 1974 he moved his family to San Rafael and became owner of the Atlas Elevator Company in 1978. He served as President of the Northern California Elevator Industry Group and was a director for the National Association of Elevator Contractors. Upon retirement he and Viet enjoyed traveling, spending time with their many grandchildren, Monique, Randy, Mike, Doni, Alexandra, James, Mitchell, Michaelyn, Nelson, Alan and Harro, and driving around the country visiting their many friends. Don loved life and lived it to the fullest -- fast cars, faster airplanes, good friends and a family that loved him and more importantly, that he loved back. Don was the father everyone wished they had; the friend they were grateful to know. Don was preceded in death by his parents Muriel and Wilbert Randle and many dear friends and we thank the Lord that he has taken him to a place where so many loved ones are waiting. The value of his friendship is immeasurable and the space he leaves empty in his parting can never be filled. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, May 1, 2003 at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 220 North San Pedro Road in San Rafael. For years Don lived with the pain of arthritis yet he unexpectedly died from massive heart failure. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Heart Disease Research Foundation or the Arthritis National Research Foundation. Thanks to all who have offered condolences, support and prayers. KEATON'S REDWOOD CHAPEL 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato 415-897-1151
Pauline Frances Abruzzo
Pauline Frances Abruzzo died peacefully on April 27, 2003 at the age of 82. She was born in Berkeley, CA on March 21, 1921, the youngest of six children. She lived in the Bay Area her entire life, most of the time in San Francisco, finally settling in Novato ten years ago. She marriage her beloved husband Mario and together they raised their family of seven children. Her family was very precious to her; she enjoyed cooking for them and creating crafts, especially the teddy bears she would sell at Christmastime. In addition to being a loving mother she found the time to have a career in the retail industry that spanned more than 20 years. Pauline was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years Mario, and sons Joseph and Albert Abruzzo. She is survived by her sons Richard (Nancy), Joseph, Fred, Mario Jr. (Hope) and her daughter Roseann (Larry) George. She was the adoring grandmother of: Roxanne Abruzzo, Fred Abruzzo Jr., Kelly Niess, Christine Gillis, Deon Abruzzo, Rico Abruzzo, Melinda Abruzzo, Ricky Abruzzo, Megan Abruzzo, Joey George, Mario Abruzzo III, Alberto Foraci and six great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Keaton's Redwood Chapel. A Vigil will follow at 7:00 PM. A Mass will be held at Our Lady of Loretto Church, 1806 Novato Blvd., on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 10:30 AM. Burial at Valley Memorial Park. Memorial Contributions are preferred to the Alzheimer's Association, North Bay Chapter, 4340 Redwood Highway, San Rafael, CA. KEATON'S REDWOOD CHAPEL 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato 415-897-1151
Philip Brodzinsky
Passed away at home in San Rafael, Sunday, April 27, 2003 at age 87. Born February 1, 1916 in the city of Buffalo, New York, he was one of five sons, preceded in death by his brothers Milton and Jacob, and survived by brothers Albert and Michael. A devoted and loving husband and father, he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rena; daughter Hannah, son Richard and daughter-in-law Jacquelyn Bazley. He was an adoring grandfather to Cheryl and Laurel Brodzinsky and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, continuing to serve with the U.S. Air Force until his retirement in 1961, as a Lt. Col. He served with honor and distinction in Panama, Athens, the Pentagon, the Philippines and Tokyo. In 1951, Phil was awarded the Order of King George by King Phillip of Greece for his contributions during the Greek Communist Uprising. After retiring from the military, he moved his family to San Rafael in 1963. He went on to serve as Assistant Director of Public Health for the State of California. As a member of the Boy Scouts he reached the rank of Life Scout, and later became active with the Marin Council of the Boy Scouts; he was extremely proud when his son obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. Phil's other volunteer activities included driving cancer patients for the American Cancer Society, Secretary/Treasurer for the Peralta Cancer Research Institute and serving for many years in different capacities with Temple Emanu-El in San Francisco. His love for animals also led him to volunteer for the Marin Humane Society. He will be missed by the many people whose lives were touched by him. Services will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at 11:00 a.m., at the Chapel at Home of Peace Cemetery, Colma. The family requests no flowers. Contributions in Philip's memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders, the Marin Humane Society, or the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund at Temple Emanu-El.
Dennis Duane Comstock
Dennis Comstock passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in Marin on Sunday, April 20th, 2003 at the age of 57. Dennis is survived by his two daughters, Joelle Cecelia, age 23 and Corrin Marie, age 20. He will also be missed by his nephew Christian Comstock of Washington. He was raised in Wenatchee Washington with his brother Kenny by his parents Raymond and Cecelia, all of whom preceded him in death. Dennis moved to the Bay Area 30 years ago and resided in Marin for his last 25 years, having a very fulfilled life. Dennis lived his life for his children. He was always involved in their lives, coaching their softball teams, helping them to succeed and encouraging them to achieve their goals. He was an avid golfer, usually spending one day a week on the golf course with his friends. Dennis was very outgoing, had an uplifting personality, a courageous and strong soul and will be greatly missed by many. Friends are invited to attend Dennis' Memorial Service, Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Anselm's Catholic Church, 97 Shady Lane, Ross, CA. Private arrangements made by Mount Tamalpais Mortuary and Cemetery, 2500 5th Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901.
Clare Hofmann Farrell Ely
A longtime resident of Marin County, passed away on April 18th, 2003 at her residence in Greenbrae, CA. She was 98. Born in Heidelberg, Germany in 1904, Mrs. Ely immigrated to the United States at the age of three with her mother. As a young girl she lived in Southern California, and then in Santa Rosa. She resided in San Francisco from 1926 until 1955 when she moved to Mill Valley. In 1984 she moved to the Tamalpais Retirement Community located in Greenbrae. Following a very successful career in investment banking, she retired from the Commonwealth Corporation. After her retirement, she included traveling, bridge and golf on her list of favorite pastimes. Her first husband, John Leonard Farrell whom she marriage in 1936, preceded her in death in 1970. She marriage Isaac J. Ely in 1992. Mr. Ely passed away in February of this year. Her Grand Nieces, Dianne Garcia of Mill Valley and Tracy Anselmi of Houston, Texas, and her Grand Nephew Neele Johnston, of Honolulu, HI, survive her. At her request, no services will be held. Contributions may be made in her name to the Tamalpais Fund, at NCPHS Foundation, 1525 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94109.
George J. Figone
Of San Rafael passed away April 25, 2003 in Petaluma. He was 93 years old. George was the beloved husband of the late Sylvia Figone; father of Ray Figone of Rohnert Park and Joanne Figone of Petaluma; also survived by grandchildren Geoffrey and David Tange of Petaluma. Friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass Service on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 12 noon at St. Raphael's Church, San Rafael, CA. A Vigil Service will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 7:00 PM at Monte's Chapel of the Hills, 330 Redhill Avenue, San Anselmo, CA. Visitation will begin Tuesday at the funeral home at 6:00 PM. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorial gifts to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran Street, Petaluma, CA 94952 preferred. Monte's Chapel of the Hills Family Owned and Operated San Anselmo - 415-453-8440
Barbara S. Garatti
Barbara Garatti passed away suddenly on April 25, 2003 at her Rohnert Park residence at the age of 58. She was the beloved wife of Larry Garatti. Loving mother of "Scooter" Garatti and his wife Kim of Petaluma and Mike Garatti and his wife Amy of Rohnert Park. Devoted grandmother of Anthony, Austin and "Drew". Caring sister of Sheryl Kern and her husband Roy of Roseville, Frank Hovanec and his wife Lynda of Yreka, and David Hovanec and his wife Joan of Forest Hill, CA. Dear daughter-in-law of Marjorie Garatti of San Rafael. Also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Barbara was born in Kentfield, CA to the late Vandy and Lynne Hovanec, and has resided in Sonoma County for 38 years. She worked for the Petaluma City School District for 27 years as the Cafeteria Manager at both Kenilworth and Petaluma Junior High Schools. Barbara enjoyed camping, gardening and the time she could spend with her grandsons. Friends and family are invited to attend a Funeral Liturgy on Thursday, May 1, 2003 at 11:00 AM at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Magnolia Avenue and Keokuk Street, Petaluma, CA. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at the Mortuary from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran Street, Petaluma, CA 94952.
John Wilcox
John (Shorty) Wilcox, 92, long time resident of Novato passed away April 24, 2003 in Hanford California. He was born September 26, 1910 in Rockford, Illinois. John served our country in World War II from March 1941 through April 1946 in the 755th Tank Battalion of the 5th U. S. Army, serving in North Africa and Northern Italy. While in Italy, he met and marriage his wife Livia. They returned to Novato, where they raised three sons. John worked in construction as a heavy equipment mechanic. John’s love other than his work and his family was traveling. He claimed to have driven more than a million miles crisscrossing the United States since retiring in 1975. Three sons survive John: Carlo Wilcox of Corcoran, California, Bob Wilcox of Bay Point, California and Frank Wilcox of Novato; and two grandsons: Tony and Patrick Wilcox of Corcoran. A Memorial Service and Burial will be held Friday, May 2nd, at Valley Memorial Park in Novato at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Corcoran Hospital Foundation Trust, P.O. Box 758, Corcoran, CA 93212.
Remo Joseph Zaro
Passed away quietly on April 25, 2003 at San Rafael Convalescent Hospital. Remo was a lifetime resident of San Rafael. He graduated from San Rafael High School in 1932 and attended Healds Bookkeeping College. Remo belonged to Local 38 Plumbers Union and worked four years at the Shipyard in Sausalito. Remo's hobby was growing bonsai trees. He was a member of many bonsai clubs in the Bar Area. His final years were spent working as a maintenance gardener. Remo is survived by his brother Charles J. Zaro, two cousins Ellen Zaro Childs and Doris Zaro Richmond of San Rafael. Private Inurnment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Mount Tamalpais Mortuary 2500 5th Avenue, San Rafael 415-459-2500
Edith C. Milani
Born December 31st, 1919, in San Rafael to Joseph and Agnes Bottini, also natives of San Rafael. She passed away peacefully at home, with her family at her side, at the age of 83. Edith was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Anthony "Babe" Milani. She was the sister of the late twin brothers, Patrick and Joseph Bottini, and also of the late Dorothy Eberwein. She was the beloved mother of Charlene, Judith and James; grandmother of Stephanie, Jason and Tony, and great grandmother of Chase, Riely, Cole, Jacob and Shae. She was a graduate of San Rafael High School, class of 1938, where she met her high school sweetheart, Anthony. Delayed due to Anthony's WWII combat service, their marriage took place in 1945. During World War II, Edith contributed extensive time as a USO volunteer. A lifetime resident of San Rafael, our Mom trained and worked as a beautician for five years prior to her marriage. Her elegant home and colorful garden are a tribute to her flair and creativity. She created many beautiful floral arrangements for Sunday services, while active in St. Sylvester's Altar Society. Her family's early pioneer history was a great source of pride of Edith. Her maternal grandfather, Patrick McDermott, immigrated to San Rafael in the 1870s and her paternal grandfather, Giuseppi Bottini, in the 1880s. Mom and Dad's home was the center of many happy family gatherings. She will be missed greatly, but remembered with profound love by all. A private Funeral Mass was celebrated on April 25th at St. Raphael's Chapel in San Rafael followed by same-day Interment at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in San Rafael. Contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of choice. KEATON MORTUARY 1022 E Street, San Rafael 415-453-0571
Carl K. Schieck
Passed away peacefully on April 25, 2003 in San Rafael at the age of 95. Born in San Francisco and lifetime resident of San Rafael. Graduate of Mt. Tamalpais Military Academy. Began his banking career in 1925. Worked with Pacific National Bank from 1929 to 1969 where he rose from bank messenger to president. He orchestrated the bank's merger to form Security Pacific National Bank where he retired as Executive Vice President in 1972. Married to the late Blanche Kirner Schieck for 50 years. Loving father of Nancy Schieck Banfield (Bob Banfield); cherished grandfather of Jeanne Banfield Hawkins and Don Banfield. Survived by longtime care givers Lucille Lavine and Rose Matlock and many nieces, nephews, and great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by five siblings. Past Exalted Ruler San Rafael Elks Lodge, Past District Deputy of the Grand Lodge, Founding Member and Past President of Marin Country Club. Member of the Bohemian Club and the First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael. Enjoyed golfing and travelling. Contact Chapel of the Hills Mortuary, San Anselmo (415) 453-8440 for service arrangements. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Hospice of Marin, or your favorite charity.
Philip Hahn, DMA, AAGO
(b 25 August 1935) passed away on Sunday, April 13th, 2003 from complications of myelofibrosis, a disease of the bone marrow. He received the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Michigan where he studied with Marilyn Mason and Robert Noehren. He earned the Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition and Organ Performance from Chicago's American Conservatory of Music studying with Stella Roberts and Robert Lodine. He received Certificates in Organ, Composition, and Solfeggio from the Conservatoire Americain, Fontainebleau, France where he studied with Nadia Boulanger and Andre Marchal. His earlier training included piano study with Charles Rousseau, a student of Claude Debussy, and with Frances Clark. During his professional career he was an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Northern Iowa where he oversaw the installation of a large four- manual organ built by Robert Noehren. While in Iowa he was Director of Music at Waterloo's First Unified Methodist Church. After moving to California, Dr. Hahn served as Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Palo Alto for several years before being appointed Artistic Director of the San Francisco Boys Chorus. His tenure with the Boys Chorus was highlighted by several concert tours which included concerts at Westminister Abbey, Chester Cathedral, Tivoli Garden, Notre Dame Cathedral among many outstanding venues. During his solo organ concert tours Hahn enjoyed the great privilege of playing some of the world's great instruments including those at St. Thomas Church and the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, both in New York City; the Frederikshirken in Copenhagen; Coventry Cathedral; Washington National Cathedral; St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco; Pasadena Presbyterian Church. He was a featured recitalist, workshop leader, and adjudicator at many conventions of the American Guild of Organists. A favorite memory for Dr. Hahn was the 1984 AGO National Convention Workshop he shared with Virgil Thomson during which the two men reminisced about studying with Nadia Boulanger, Thomson being one of her first American students and Hahn being one of the last. From 1990 until his death, Hahn served as Organist/Choirmaster at St. John's Episcopal Church in Ross, California where he was also the Executive Director of the Friends of Music Concert Series. It was at this church that the Aeolian-Skinner Organ from 1962 was enlarged in 2001 by the Allen Organ Company resulting in a magnificent instrument of great tonal variety from beautiful string choirs, to strong principal choruses, thrilling solo stops, and fiery reed choruses. From 1992-2002 Dr. Hahn was a member of the National Council of the American Guild of Organists and served as its National President from 1998-2002. Dr. Hahn's compositions include many sacred anthems, several pieces for trumpet and organ including The Trumpet Sings Thanksgiving; Spiritual; Fanfare for Five Trumpets and Organ; two large concerted works: Fantasy for Orchestra and Acclamations!, A Fanfare for Concert Band. For the organ, Hahn wrote several short hymn- based compositions plus larger works including the Sonata for Organ; Songs from the Forest, a Suite for Organ and Synthesizer; Suite for Organ Celesta, Vibraharp, and Timpani. His Sonata for Violin and Piano was the recipient of a Sigma Alpha Iota Prize. His short ballet The Dance in the Desert was fully staged at both the First Presbyterian Church in Palo Alto, and at St. John's Episcopal Church in Ross. Philip Hahn loved food and was a professional chef holding the position of sous chef at the Clift Hotel in San Francisco, later running his own restaurant, Fanny's, in San Francisco. The latter was housed in a Victorian building in which the dining rooms were upstairs in what were the bedrooms of the home. The kitchen was downstairs in what was the sitting room, and the area that had served as the residence's garage was transformed into a lounge and cabaret. For several years Hahn ran the restaurant and served as organist at the First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo, returning exclusively to church music in 1980. Philip Hahn is survived by his partner of 29 years Norman Nagao. Preceded in death by his brother Manley Hahn, Philip is further survived by two sisters, Thelma Copeland of Adrian, Michigan and Jean Redman of Dallas, Texas, plus a number of nephews and nieces. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 4th at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lagunitas at Shady Lane, Ross. The American Guild of Organists has established a scholarship fund in Philip's name. Contributions to the Philip Hahn Scholarship fund may be sent to the AGO National Headquarters, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260, New York, NY 10115-1260.
Ruth Ann Johnson
March 1, 1901 - April 24, 2003
Resident of Mill Valley passed away peacefully at the Redwoods Retirement Home. She was an artist and a musician who taught painting and played the piano and organ for many years at the Redwoods in Mill Valley. During her long life she had many careers including accounting, photography, and mural painting at the World's Fair on Treasure Island in 1939. In addition, she and her late husband, Albert, owned an office building and operated an answering service school on Market Street in San Francisco. She was a loving mother of Robert L. Johnson, M.D., and his wife Barbara C. Johnson; was preceded in death by her son, Charles, and daughter, Ruth; was cherished grandmother of Douglas, Stephanie, Bridget, Bruce, Sandra, Theresa, and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, to the Redwoods Retirement Home, 40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941. RUSSELL & GOOCH FUNERAL CHAPEL 270 Miller Ave., Mill Valley 388-1573
