Gerald Gabriel Garofalo,
Gerald Gabriel Garofalo, longtime Ojai Valley resident, best known to all of his family, friends and loved ones as Jerry, passed away quietly in the company of his wife, Mickey, and family members on Saturday morning, May 10, 2003.
Jerry was born in Rome, New York, to Frank and Sophia Rego Garofalo. He attended Columbus Grammar School and graduated from Rome Free Academy as class president, where he was active in school activities and functions, including school soloist and a number of musical engagements. Following graduation from high school, Jerry was employed at the W.T. Grant store. Jerry continued to share his beautiful tenor voice with family and friends, often serving as soloist at weddings and other special occasions.
In 1950, Jerry left Rome, N.Y., to come out to California to join his brother, Ernie, in Ojai. He fell in love with the valley and decided to make California his home state. He had been in Ojai for some six months, working at the Sears, Roebuck store in Ventura, when the Korean War broke out in 1951. He answered the call to serve his beloved country and after completing basic training at Camp Roberts in California, he was sent to Korea and served with Company E 9th Infantry Regiment. While there, he sustained serious injuries from shrapnel spray, including severe injuries to both of his eyes.
Jerry returned to the states and was sent to Brooke Army Hospital in Fort Sam Houston, Texas for initial treatment of his injuries and later sent to the Hines Rehabilitation Center in Hines, Illinois, where he received special training to assist him in adjusting to life without his physical sight. Jerry was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and a recipient of the Purple Heart.
On Oct. 4, 1952 in St. John The Baptist Church in Rome, N.Y., Jerry and Domenica M. Recchio were united in marriage. After their honeymoon, Mr. and Mrs. Garofalo returned to make their new life as a married couple in the Ojai Valley. Jerry enrolled at Ventura Community College at this time and went on to earn his Associate in Arts degree.
They became members of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, where Jerry was actively involved in the church choir and music ministry for several years. Later he served as choir director for more than 30 years, during which time he also served as director and coordinator of music ministry for all church functions and special liturgical and other services.
He also served as a catalyst for the formation of a special choir, comprised of members from the various local church congregations throughout the Ojai Valley. During the '60s and '70s the Ojai Valley Ecumenical Choir offered a number of beautiful and inspiring programs and presentations with the several local church families sharing the role of host for each of the presentations. Jerry also taught vocal arts and singing classes at St. Thomas Aquinas School for more than 10 years, working with the grammar and high school students. For 23 years he was also a moderator for a Friday evening ecumenical prayer meeting and prayer ministry.
Jerry was always first and foremost a family man who loved and treasured his wife, his children and all of his loved ones. At many family occasions he would offer this simple toast, which was handed down through the family by his grandfather, Rego: "To those who love us and show it." Virtually everyone who met Jerry and knew him for even a brief period of time came to know a deeper meaning of love, friendship and kindness by being in his presence.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mickey Garofalo, of Ojai, Calif.; son Gerald Gary Garofalo and wife, Dale, of Oak View, Calif., and son Gregory Steven Garofalo and wife, Heidi, of Ocala, Fla.; sister Genevieve Garofalo, Ventura, Calif.; and brother William Garofalo, Ventura, Calif.; sisters-in-law Mary Garofalo, Rome, N.Y., Yolanda Garofalo, Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Evelyn Garofalo, Ventura, Calif.; several nieces and nephews, other family members and many friends and loved ones remain in both California and New York.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Frank and Sophia Garofalo; sister Agnes Garofalo Donadio; brothers Alexander Garofalo, Albert Garofalo, Arthur Garofalo, Ernest Garofalo, and Lewis Garofalo.
Per Jerry's request, his remains were cremated and his ashes were interred at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura in the Garden of Memories family plot.
Jerry will be dearly missed by his loving family and many friends.
Gone, but not forgotten - although we are apart, your spirit lives within us, forever in our hearts.
There will be a Memorial Mass for Jerry on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, with a reception following at Aquinas Center.
Funeral arrangements made by the Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
David Robles
David Robles, 74, of Ojai, Monday, August 25, 2003 after a lengthy illness. He was born February 17, 1929 in Ojai, where he resided his entire life and raised his family.
Mr. Robles was known as the "Hostess Cake Man," serving 25 years including the Ojai schools.
He served in the U.S. Cavalry and was stationed in Trieste, Italy during World War II.
Mr. Robles served the Ojai community as president of the Mexican Fiesta for four years. In addition, he served as Boy Scout master of Troop 502.
He is survived by his former wife of 37 years, Joan Robles, of Ojai; son Mark Robles of Ojai; daughters Juanita Robles, Lisa Robles Anderson, and Connie and husband Evan Olivas, all of Ojai; sisters Jane Nye and Mira Osmus of Santa Barbara; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by eldest son David T. Robles.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003 at 10 a.m. at Nordhoff Cemetery in Ojai.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Leon V. Beauchemin
Leon V. Beauchemin, 68, of Ojai, died in his sleep early in the morning on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003, attended by his family. He was born Nov. 10, 1934 in Cathlamet, Wash., and had been a resident of Ojai for one year.
Mr. Beauchemin was a professional free-lance photographer. He was also a volunteer teacher of photography with the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation.
He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Yvonne and Heidi Noelle Beauchemin, both of Ojai; and his former wife, Nancy K. Kornegay, also of Ojai.
Services were held Thursday, Sept. 4, at 2 p.m. at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.
Arrangements were under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.
Trinidad Castro
Trinidad Castro, 90, of Ventura, died peacefully Thursday, Aug. 28, 2003 at her daughter's home. She was born May 17, 1913 in Chanute, Kans., to Juan and Atanacia (Pelajio) Ramirez, and had been a Ventura resident for almost 90 years.
She attended Holy Cross School. She worked for Unique Cleaners for 52 years and retired at the age of 82. Her interests included cooking, eating out, and taking trips to Las Vegas.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Stella Marquez-Jaramillo and David; brothers Joe and John Ramirez; one grandson; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandson, Alex G. "Wally" Marquez; her sisters, Remedios Rutia and Mary Garcia; and brother Louis Ramirez.
The family wishes to express thanks to Loving Care Hospice.
Visitation was held from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, at Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home, Ventura. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 8:45 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2, at San Buenaventura Mission. Interment
followed at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Joseph Reardon Funeral Home, Ventura.
Thomas Scott Schneider
Thomas Scott Schneider, 69, of Ojai, died Monday, Sept. 8, 2003 at Ojai Valley Community Hospital after a brief illness. He was born Oct. 25, 1934 in Chicago, Ill.
He resided in West Los Angeles for many years, but anticipating his retirement from window covering sales, he moved to Ojai in 1993, where golf would be available on a daily basis. Mr. Schneider graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with a bachelor's degree in business and over the years valued his fraternity friendships.
He is survived by his wife, Clella "Sam," of Ojai; and their adopted son, Jeff Freedman, wife Shari, and their daughters, of Simi Valley, Calif.
Family and friends will gather at the Soule Park Golf Course Clubhouse for remembering and celebrating his life. The date is still being determined. Memorial contributions may be made to Ojai Valley Community Hospital Foundation, 1202-A Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA 93023.
Arrangements were under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.
Steven Tremaine Knapp
Steven Tremaine Knapp, 55, passed away in his sleep, the morning of September 13, 2003, the result of a heart attack. He was a Southern California native who moved to Ojai with his wife and their son in 1994.
Steve was Transportation Manager for Pictsweet Mushroom Farm in Ventura the last five years, but was in transportation management over 30 years, holding positions that included personnel and safety director, as well as hazardous materials specialist. He was very active in the California Trucking Association, and currently chaired the Tri-County Unit.
Steve, was an outgoing and very humorous "problem solver" whose advice was sought by co-workers, relatives, colleagues and friends. He was a dynamo whose cell phone never stopped ringing. He even received calls from strangers who had been referred to him. And, Knapp's BBQ Catering, his part-time business, was famous for feeding thousands of trucking company employees at various company picnics over the years.
In addition to his full-time position, his part-time BBQ business, and his involvement with CTA, he was President of the Homeowners' Association where he lived, and an active advocate and fundraiser for two very special charities.
Steve and Cathie's son, Daniel, died five years ago from complications of Cystic Fibrosis at 16 years of age. In Dan's memory, Steve founded "Dan's Room", (www.dansroom.org) an organization dedicated to providing computers to critically ill children. He was also responsible for bringing the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's "Great Strides" fundraiser to the Ojai Valley. Great Strides Ojai not only benefited from Steve's organizing and fund raising, but Steve donated and cooked BBQ for all participants.
This loving, caring man, who was so full of life, will be sorely missed by all who knew him, most especially by: His loving wife, Cathie; daughter, Angie; oldest son, Mike and his wife, Michelle; grandchildren, Hannah and Danny; sister, Charlene; brothers, David and Larry, and their families;
along with his in-laws, Dante and Faye Carnessale.
A memorial service for Steven will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 27, at the Mira Valle Community Clubhouse, 1202 Loma Drive, Ojai, CA 93023. Following the service, guests are invited to join the family in a BBQ lunch, cooked by Mike Knapp and friends, in his father's honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Steven's memory, to Great Strides Ojai or to Dan's Room, c/o 1975 Maricopa Hwy #46, Ojai, CA 93023.
Martha E. Foy Chamness
Martha E. Foy Chamness, 85, of Ojai, died Monday, Sept. 8, 2003 of natural causes. She was born May 14, 1918 in Pittsburgh, Pa., and had lived in Ojai for six years, coming from San Diego, Calif., where she had lived for many years.
She graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College in upstate New York, and Greenville College in Illinois. She was invited back and given the honor of Woman of the Year for her interest in the School of Sociology. She was a professor at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Institute of Technology. She also taught in Northern California in her early years. She served in the Navy for seven years. She established a halfway house for women ex-offenders, called the New Entra Casa, in San Diego, and had also written a book, "The House on Front Street," about her experiences. Mrs. Chamness actively participated in San Diego city politics and public service.
She is survived by her sister, Ruth Foy Carlson, of Warm Beach Senior Community in Stanwood, Wash.; brother Clarence Arthur Foy of Monterey, Calif.; and her nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Chamness.
Private family services were held in Ojai, and a memorial service will be held in San Diego at a later date. Contact Kathy and Craig Orange for details. Private interment
will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in San Diego.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai.
Wilburn Paul Akins
Wilburn Paul Akins, 82, died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2003 at Washoe Medical Center in Reno, Nev. He was born Feb. 14, 1921 in Oklahoma to Thomas and Beulah Mann Akins, and had lived in Fallon, Nev. for two months, coming from Mesa, Ariz. He had also lived in Ojai for many years.
Mr. Akins was a horse trainer and ferrier. He was also a veteran, having served in the Navy during World War II.
He is survived by his wife, Alene, and daughter Cheryl Shoenfeldt, both of Fallon; son Ron Reed of Los Angeles; and daughter Paula Lankau of Durango, Colo.; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held Saturdy, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m. at the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel, 505 Rio Vista Dr., Fallon. Burial will follow at the Fallon Cemetery.
Memorial Service
A memorial service for Jack Lucas Robertson will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, at 3 p.m. at Little House, 111 W. Santa Ana St., Ojai. He died peacefully in his home on Aug. 14, 2003.
He was a longtime Ojai resident, builder and cabinetmaker. All are welcome to come share memories and celebrate Mr. Robertson's life with his family and friends.
Ronald M. Jumbeck
Ronald M. Jumbeck, 62, of Meiners Oaks, died Monday, Sept. 15, 2003 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born July 12, 1941 in Chicago, Ill. He and his wife, Sharon, moved to California in the early '70s, and they have been Ojai Valley residents for more than 30 years.
Mr. Jumbeck was a member of the Painters Local No. 52 in Ventura, as a high structure and commercial painter. His interests included fishing at Lake Casitas, bowling in several leagues in Ojai, and telling stories at the Donut Hole in Meiners Oaks.
The family expresses thanks to all who showed kindness and offered help as Mr. Jumbeck continued on with his daily routines staying active until the end.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sharon Jumbeck; brothers Al and Ralph Jumbeck, and sister Evelyn Reinhardt, all of Chicago; nieces Dennice Farrar of Ojai, and Jackie Turpin of Washington; nephew Ronald Kubiak; and several great nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a private memorial gathering at Lake Casitas.
Catherine Lena Buckley
Catherine Lena Buckley, 88, of Ojai, died Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2003 at Ojai Valley Community Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born Nov. 22, 1914 in Los Angeles. She had lived in Ojai for 30 years and 44 years in Ventura County, coming from Bakersfield.
Mrs. Buckley had been a store manager.
She is survived by her son, Hal Moore, of Ojai; sister Viola Morton of Canyon City, Colo.; and two grandchildren, Hal and Catherine Moore, both of Ojai.
Services were held Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Clausen Funeral Home in Ojai, with Pastor Scott Harrell officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements were under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
Donald A. Chapman
Donald A. Chapman, 72, of Ojai, died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003 after a sudden illness. He was born in Portland, Ore., and entered the military in 1950. He served in Alaska as a mapping specialist and in the radar unit. Upon discharge, he entered Lewis and Clark College in 1953.
After that, he joined his parents in Ojai and worked for Ventura Coastal Lemon as a chemist for many years. The Mr. Chapman moved to the San Joaquin Valley to assist in opening a juice plant in Lindsay, Calif.
When he retired, Mr. Chapman resumed his interest in flying ultralights, and was a participating member and editor of the Ultralight News of the Ventura County Ultralight Association out of Camarillo.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Chapman, of Ojai; son David Chapman of Rhode Island; grandson Jason Chapman of San Diego; brother Kent Chapman of France; and three stepchildren, Lissa Einspenner of Ventura, David Pedreira of Haywood, and Paul Pedreira of Corralitos.
A memorial celebration of his life will be held Nov. 8 at 12:30 p.m. at the Ultralight Field at the Camarillo Airport.
L.F. "Buzz" Ivanhoe
L.F. "Buzz" Ivanhoe, 82, of Ojai, was found by his daughter, Cheryl Townsend, on Monday, Sept. 29, 2003. The cause of death has not yet been determined. He was born Dec. 18, 1920 in Klamath Falls, Ore., and became well-known in the oil industry as a well-published contradictor concerning world oil resources.
After spending much of his working life in foreign countries, Mr. Ivanhoe retired to Ojai in 1994.
He will be interred in Santa Barbara Cemetery. At his request, no memorial will be held.
Donations may be made to the Ojai Library, where he spent many comfortable and friendly hours.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDermott-Crockett Mortuary in Santa Barbara.
Marjorie Lynn Field
Marjorie Lynn Field, 54, of Abingdon, Md., died suddenly on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003. She was born April 28, 1949 in Washington, D.C.
Ms. Field was a 1967 graduate of Gaithersburg High School, Gaithersburg, Md. She moved with her family to the West Coast where she obtained a bachelor of science degree from Oregon State University, and a master of science degree from the University of Oregon.
A longtime resident of Ojai, she taught middle school music in Santa Barbara for 20 years. In 1992 she obtained her law degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara, passed the bar, and opened a law office in Ojai. She practiced law in Ojai for 10 years before moving back to Maryland.
Ms. Field is survived by her brother Robert and his two children, Robert and Margaret; and her brother Richard, his wife Betty Ann, and their daughter Erin.
The family will conduct a private memorial service for Ms. Field and she will rest with her father and mother in Maryland. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in her name be made to the American Cancer Society.
Peggy York Lischez
Peggy York Lischez, 88, of Ojai, died Saturday, Oct. 4, 2003 at home. She was born Oct. 2, 1915 in Coalinga, Calif., to Edward and Frances O'Neal, the youngest of four sisters.
She married George "Blackie" York in 1933. They moved around Southern California, settling in the Ojai Valley in 1943. They had one son, John.
She worked as a school secretary for Ojai Elementary and Mira Monte Elementary Schools for more than 40 years. She was involved in many organizations including Eastern Star, California School Employees Association (CSEA) and PERS (Public Employee Retired System).
In 1976, she married Frank Lischez, after the death of her first husband in 1971.
She is survived by her sisters, Lena Hittson of Arizona, and Pauline Daniels of Ojai; her son and daughter-in-law, John and Cheryle York; stepdaughters Sandie Null and husband Johnny, Eilleen Jessee and husband Ray, and Marianne Barnes and husband Rick; seven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, George "Blackie" York, in 1971; her sister Pearl Elliot in 1978; and her second husband, Frank Lischez in 1999.
The family would like to thank all those who helped make her final wishes a reality, including Ora Lee, Sandie, George, Marie, Kelley, the Crawford Family, the McNee Family, Nancy, Nora, Dr. Gilmore, Dr. Bob Gonzales, Ojai Village Pharmacy and many others.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. at Clausen Funeral Home with Pastor Ron Triggs officiating. Private interment
will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Little House of Ojai.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clausen Funeral Home, Ojai.
