Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!John Robert Burns
July 23, 1959 to June 12, 2003
John Burns, a master shipwright much-loved on the Sausalito waterfront, died at home after a courageous battle with Leukemia. He is survived by his loving wife Mary van Kriedt and their young son Owen. A Memorial Service will be held June 28, 2003, 10:30 AM, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 3 Oakdale, Mill Valley. Contributions for his son’s education to The Owen Burns Educational Trust, PO Box 2728, San Anselmo CA 94979.
Douglas Brackin Campbell
Died at his home in Novato on June 2, 2003 at the age of 81. He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on February 24, 1922. Douglas attended Parma High School and Michigan State University. He was a glider pilot instructor for the military. He went on to become a pilot for United Airlines, retiring in 1982 after 40 years, having been the first pilot in the world to fly a 747. He belonged to Loch Lomond Yacht Club and Marin Yacht Club. He loved cruising the Delta, Bay and Ocean in his Trawler accompanied by his wife, Jan and Standard Poodle, Chelsea. He also enjoyed club cruises and activities, and playing golf regularly with good friends at Peacock Gap Golf Course. Douglas is survived by his wife Jan of Novato, CA; daughter Kimberly Krieger of Lake Oswego, CA; son Dr. David Campbell of West Linn, OR; stepdaughters: Jamie, Julie, Jennifer and Jacquie; and grandchildren: Kelly, Christopher, Scott, Nicholas, Samantha, Jessica, Lindsay, Laurel and Justin. Services were held in Parma, Michigan. Memorial donations are preferred to Hospice of Marin, 21 Tamal Vista, Suite 101, Corte Madera, CA 94925. KEATON'S REDWOOD CHAPEL 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato 415-897-1151
J. Mario Cotruvo
Columnist for the Commuter Times is survived by his wife Margaret, children Cathe, Richard, Paul, Anne Marie and five grandchildren. Contributions to American Heart Association are welcome.
Peter Francis Cunningham
Died peacefully at The Redwoods Community in Mill Valley, CA on June 6th, 2003. Peter was born and grew up in Rochester, NY. An alumnus of the Harley School in Rochester and of the Brooks School in Andover, Mass., he graduated in 1939 from Harvard University. During World War II he served in the US Navy and in the Air Transport Command in Leopoldville, Belgian Congo (present day Kinshasa, Republic of Congo.). An administrator for Pan American Airways after the war, he returned to Rochester in 1945 to work for his family's business, James Cunningham Son & Co., serving as the company's president from 1955 until its sale to Gleason Works in 1968. He was Chairman of the Board of the Hochstein School of Music in the '60s. Upon retirement, Peter became active in promoting population control, a cleaner environment, nuclear disarmament and prison reform. He moved to California in 1972, residing first in San Rafael and then in Sausalito. In 1984 he established the Siloé Project, a charitable foundation whose programs in orthopedic medicine, special education and vocational training continue to benefit hundreds of handicapped children in southwestern Haiti. He was a volunteer at Laguna Honda Hospice in San Francisco for six years and a frequent visitor to the Green Gulch Zen Center. He is survived by his wife, Margot Mignon; sons John, James and Martin; daughters Anne, Mary and Louisa; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Always ready with an infectious smile and a beguiling story, he was a lover of travel, art, literature, music, pottery making, sailing, and bird watching; he was everyone's love and best friend. Memorial donations may be sent to the Siloé Project, P.O. Box 2258, Sausalito, CA 94966 (www.siloe.org). Siloé is a non-profit, 501(c)3 foundation, and donations are tax-deductible.
Joyce Aileen D'Ambra
June 3, 1931 - June 10, 2003
Joyce died at home on June 10, 2003 at the age of 72. Originally from Oklahoma, she recently resided in Lincoln, CA, after living for more than 60 years in San Rafael. Joyce is survived by her husband Ray; children Bruce (Granite Bay), Denise (Vancouver, WA), Steve (San Francisco), Cyndie (Novato) and Terry (Truckee); eleven grandchildren; brother Art Watkins; sisters-in-law Bev Watkins and Shirley Watkins; aunt Maxine Profit and many friends. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Joyce's life to be held June 21, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Raphael's Church in San Rafael. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Sutter Hospice Roseville, 1836 Sierra Gardens Drive, Suite 130, Roseville, CA 95661; (916) 781-2666.
Gregory J. Girolami
Age 47, passed away Tuesday, June 3rd, 2003 peacefully without pain at their home in Rio Nido CA in the arms of his Life Partner of 15 years Gene Tygielski, his parents Ann and Jerry Girolami of Loomis CA with his dog Skipper at his side. He is also survived by his brother Jeffery from San Diego CA and numerous other loving friends and relatives who were with him during his battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Greg, a San Francisco native was the long time business owner of Greg's of Larkspur, a landmark barbershop in historic Larkspur. A Memorial Service will be held at their home: 15316 Mt. Jackson Trail, Rio Nido at Noon on Sunday June 22nd. Contact Gene Tygielski at 415-601-9104 or sfgene@aol.com for details.
Irma Rossini (Soldavini)
With heartfelt sadness but joy that she is at peace with God, Irma Rossini (Soldavini) came to rest on June 13, 2003 at the age of 79. Wife of 56 years to Andrew Rossini; cherished mother to Sharon Foster and Richard Rossini; loving mother-in-law to Barbara Rossini and the late Clay Foster ; devoted grandmother to Lori Foster , John and Shannon Foster , Garry and Tracey Stone, Jody and Corey Fielding; loving great-grandmother to Jason, Joshua, Andrew, Justin and Caleb. Irma was a devoted mother and wife. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her. Family and friends are invited to attend a Rosary Service on Monday, June 16, 2003 at 7:30 PM at Greer Family Mortuary, 2694 Blanding Ave., Alameda with visitation starting at 2 PM. The Funeral Mass will take place Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 11 AM at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 1427 6th St., Alameda. Burial will take place Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 11 AM at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in San Rafael. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the charity of your choice. For further information please call Greer Family Mortuary 510-865-3755
George M. Osborn
WWII Veteran, General Contractor
Jan. 21, 1925-June 4, 2003
Memorial services for family and friends Sunday June 22, 2003 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery Chapel, 2500 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. George was born, the seventh of eight children, to Charles and Mary (Farley) Osborn in Cottonwood, AZ. In 1928, his family moved to a farm near Rainier, OR. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. His company helped liberate the Rhineland of Germany, he was awarded a Purple Heart, and celebrated VE Day in Paris. He graduated from Oregon State in 1949 with a degree in Business and Industry. He marriage Norma M. Oaks on June 8, 1952 in San Francisco. He was a residential remodeling contractor in Marin County for 30 years, and counted many of his customers as friends. He loved his family, camping, bicycling, hiking, and the trails of Mt. Tamalpais. His wife Norma died in 1997. He is survived by his daughters: Cathy Edger of Novato, Carol Mosbacher of Grass Valley, Maggie Hendricks of Los Osos; grandchildren: Jennifer, Laura and Christopher Mosbacher, and Samuel Hendricks; sisters: Marjorie Suit of Springfield, OR, and Betty Medlen of Longview, WA. Memorial donations may be made to Whistlestop Wheels or Satellite Dialysis.
Robert "Bob" Victor
Age 65 of Corte Madera passed away suddenly on June 8, 2003. He was born on March 2, 1938, the oldest of three children. He moved to Marin County with his parents, Ed and Louise Victor in 1948 and graduated from Drake High School in 1956. He entered the export business directly out of high school, with a brief hiatus as a co-owner of a service station in Sausalito. Before starting his own export enterprises in 1989, Bob spent many years working in the Ferry Building, as Vice President of PJ Rhodes & Co., and made innumerable bay crossings on the Larkspur Ferry. On a whim, Bob and his wife took the boat to the city to see the marvelous renovation of the old Ferry Building just two days before his untimely passing. Bob was an avid reader, an excellent cook and a latent artist. He was articulate, witty, generous and a man of integrity. He also had a keen interest in all things mechanical. He loved old cars and much to his wife's chagrin, zealously maintained an extensive collection of spare parts for just about everything. His 1936 Ford Coupe survives him. Bob was blessed with a beautiful speaking voice that will live on in the minds and hearts of all who knew him. He leaves his wife of 22 years, Donna Briggs, his four children and their families: Nicole Victor; Scott and wife Yvonne Victor and granddaughter Laurie; Kirk Victor and his son Dylan; Melanie Victor-Smith and her husband Jeff, and granddaughters Sydney and Georgia. He also leaves his sister and brother-in-law, Claudia and Bob Keast and nephews John and Michael; his former wife, Sylvia Victor; his oldest and dearest friend Jim Folger; and three devoted Norwich Terriers. His brother, Douglas preceded him in death. A Memorial gathering will take place on Thursday, June 19th, 2003 at the Marin Art and Garden Center at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the Marin Humane Society.
Marjorie Lois (nee) Heintzleman Angeli
Long time Petaluma resident, a native of Olympia Washington, died June 11 2003. She had been in poor health for some time. Marjorie was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Louis J. Angeli (August 11,1998). She is survived by children Michael, Rebecca, Henry, their spouses Karen, Randy, grandchildren, Bob, Lisa, Melissa and Michele. She also has many cousins in Washington State. Marjorie was active all her life in the Presbyterian Church. She was employed by San Rafael City Schools for many years. After retiring in 1980 she and Lou traveled with the Marin Amblers Trailer Club. Marjorie enjoyed her volunteer work with the Petaluma Valley Hospital Auxiliary. She will be missed by scores of family and friends. A Service for Marjorie will be held on Wednesday, June 18th at First Presbyterian Church, 939 B Street, Petaluma, CA at 11:AM. The Family requests donations be made to: Student Support, San Francisco Theological Seminary, 2 Kensington Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960.
Peter C. Forni
Of Fairfax died Monday, June 9, 2003 after a long illness. He was 83. Husband of Dolores Ghiringhelli Forni. Father of Peter J. and Jim Forni. Father-in-law of Leslie and Jan Forni. He was the proud grandfather of Peter M., Louisa, James, Jill and Chris Forni. Peter was born in San Francisco to the late Charles and Lucia Forni. He was the son-in-law of the late Joseph and Antoinette Ghiringhelli. He was the cousin of Louise Carson of Fairfax and Piera Ponti Tarabella of Angera, Italy. Peter was a member of the Carpenters Local #35 for 57 years and belonged to the Marin Rod and Gun Club. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the Pacific from January 1941 until September 1945. He was an avid athlete and his first love was baseball. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Peter's Life on Monday, June 16, 2003 at 12:00 Noon at Deer Park Villa in Fairfax. Inurnment private. Thanks and appreciation to the staff of Kaiser Hospital, Terra Linda and to the staff of Rafael Convalescent Hospital for the excellent care Peter received. KEATON'S MORTUARY 1022 E Street, San Rafael, CA 415-453-0571
Robert Kreft
Born July 19, 1932 in Bristol, CT. Resident of the Bay Area for 44 years, Bob died in San Rafael on June 9th, 2003 of cancer. Bob graduated in the late '50s from the University of Michigan with a degree in architecture and worked in San Francisco, plus several years in Carmel, in various positions in firms for architectural design and construction management. Hawaii was his favorite vacation haunt, breeding and showing champion American shorthair cats his fervent hobby. He is survived by a sister, Beverly J. Kreft of Plainfield, CT, and various relatives across the states, as well as his personal friends, all of whom will miss him in his very special place in their lives. His ashes will be scattered off Maui, as he requested. Donations in his name to Hospice of Marin, 150 Nellen Ave. Corte Madera, CA 94925, and/or The Cat Fancier's Association will be much appreciated.
Wilbur "Mat" Mathewson
Age 95, beloved father of Giselle and Michelle, and grandfather of Ariana, Ian and Emma, passed away on June 12, 2003 peacefully in his sleep. Wilbur, a resident of Marin County, was born in San Jose, CA on December 15, 1907 and was the youngest of seven children. He received a degree in law from UC Berkeley and practiced law in San Francisco for a good part of his life. His wife of 33 years, Jacqueline, passed away in 1986. Wilbur treasured his family, and simple pleasures such as panning for gold and digging for obsidian arrowheads in the Napa Valley. He was a lifetime member of the International Footprint Association and enjoyed many friendships in this organization. His humor, classical music, and profound wisdom carried him through the last years of his life, as a well as the love and grace that he instilled in us all. May his dear soul dance peacefully and shine upon us with golden light. Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Service on Monday, June 16, 2003 at 10:00 AM at Monte's Chapel of the Hills, 330 Redhill Ave., San Anselmo, CA. Visitation Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Interment Cypress Lawn Cemetery, Colma, CA. If desired, donations may be made to Marin Home Care in San Rafael. Monte's Chapel of the Hills Family Owned & Operated San Anselmo 453-8440
M. Joan Newton
Passed away in San Rafael on June 12, 2003 at age 79. Beloved mother of Fredric Henry, Adam Zachary and Scott Jonas Newton; devoted grandmother of Joshua David, Rebecca Anne, Zachary Todd and Jacob Benjamin Newton. Loved sister of Stephanie Reiser. Intellectual, community activist, advocate for social justice, former Trustee of the Reed Union School District. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, June 15th, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kol Shalom Cemetery Section of Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery, San Rafael. Contributions to Jewish Family & Children's Services, 5th St., San Rafael, CA 94901 or Cong. Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Dr., Tiburon, CA 94920. Sinai Memorial Chapel.
