Donald Stanley Larson
Feb. 11, 1941 - Dec. 20, 2024
Meridian, Idaho

Don Larson of Emmett, Idaho and long-time resident of Pleasanton, California passed away peacefully in Boise on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the age of 83 following a brief stay in the hospital. Born in Oakland, California on February 11, 1941, he was the only child of Stanley Emil Larson and Geraldine Francis Hickey. Don was raised in Oakland. He enjoyed participating in the Boy Scouts of America with his Scout Master father. As a young man, he served as an altar boy in the Catholic church and later graduated from Bishop O’Dowd High School in 1959 where he played catcher on the baseball team. He attended the University of San Francisco and California State University in Hayward. Don worked 38 years for AC Transit (1961 – 1999) in the Scheduling and Planning Department before retiring to create his own personal HO Scale railroad metropolis. As an adult, he became an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served as an Aaronic Priesthood leader and Wood badge-trained Scout Master for a whole generation of young men in Pleasanton, then later as an 11-year-old Scout Leader in Emmett, Idaho. Don served in multiple priesthood leaders...

Anthony Michael Echavia
April 4, 1965 - Dec. 11, 2024
Pleasanton, California

Anthony “Coach Tony” Echavia was a lifelong Pleasanton resident who was most often pictured with a sunglasses tan, standing at third base, waving someone in to score with a big smile on his face. The only thing to eclipse his love for coaching was his love for his wife Ann, son Michael, daughters Kathryn and Christina, son-in-law Zane, daughter-in-law Katie, and dog Mysti. Coach Tony passed away surrounded by family on December 11, 2024 after a battle with ALS. Tony was an active and mischievous kid and could be found riding bikes with his friends in the Highland Oaks neighborhood and “white water rafting” during storms in Pleasanton’s creek. He was a lifelong athlete who graduated from Foothill High in 1983 where he played football, wrestling, and ran track & field as a sprinter and pole-vaulter. His passion for sports continued into college where he ran track & field for Delta College while attending University of the Pacific. There, he met the love of his life and wife of 34 years, Ann. He enjoyed building elaborate structures like multi-story slides with his Omega Phi Alpha brothers and his lifelong curiosity for how things work led him to pursue dual Electr...

Norene Marie Mirande
Jan. 29, 1940 - Dec. 8, 2024
Pleasanton, California

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Norene Mirande, beloved wife of George Mirande and devoted mother to Simonette and Anthony Mirande and loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. Norene was a remarkable woman, known for her unwavering faith, her generosity, and her lifelong commitment to serving others. A gifted architect, Norene designed homes and a commercial building that won the prestigious title of Best Building in Alameda County. Her creative talents also shone through in her work as a graphic designer, photographer, and artist, where she created beautiful paintings and drawings for her loved ones. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Norene was a devoted businesswoman, always giving her time and energy to her family, friends, and the causes she believed in. Her leadership was felt across many organizations. She served as President of the Host Lions Club, the Lioness Club, and the Canine Companions for Independence, an organization she supported with her heart and soul. More recently, Norene was an active member of the Amador Lion Club, where she worked tirelessly to raise funds for charitable causes. Her commitment to community service was also ...

Larry Lindsey
Dec. 5, 1939 - Dec. 8, 2024
Brentwood, California

Larry Lindsey, 85, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024, after enjoying the 49ers' win over the Bears. Born on December 5, 1939, Larry lived a full and vibrant life from beginning to end and touched the lives of many people along the way. As the loving patriarch of his family as well as the chief planner, master logistician, and trusted advisor (sometimes unsolicited ;), Larry will be dearly missed. After graduating from San Leandro High in 1958, Larry proudly served his country as an Army Reservist at Fort Ord. He graduated from San Jose State University in 1963 and then met the love of his life, Sharron. They married in 1965 and enjoyed 50+ years living in Pleasanton, raising their children, and serving the community. During his decades-long career in banking and finance, including getting The Bank of Pleasanton off the ground in 1984, Larry was also an entrepreneur. He started, partnered with, and invested in several successful businesses in the Pleasanton area. The 1980s was a time of critical growth for the city of Pleasanton. Larry was integral in guiding the rural town on the edge of the East Bay into a city of “Planned Progress.” He enjoyed his years w...

Dolores Fox Ciardelli
June 25, 1946 - Dec. 6, 2024
Mission Viejo, California

Resident of Mission Viejo, Dolores Fox Ciardelli died peacefully nearly 3 years after a diagnosis of breast and brain cancer. Her daughter Zoe held her hand one last time shortly before she died. She will be missed and remembered for her kindness, charm, elegance, and her motto “it’s a good life if you don’t weaken”. She loved writing, reading, travelling, her family, and staying in touch with a huge circle of friends throughout California and the world. Dolores was born and raised in San Jose. At the age of 18, she met the love of her life, James (Jim) Ciardelli, with whom she was married for 47 years. She graduated from San Jose State University, where she earned a BA in Journalism. While Jim was in the Air Force from 1968-1972, they lived in New Mexico, Texas, and Marysville, California. From 1975-1978, they lived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; then from 1987-92, in Bangkok, Thailand. From 1980 until Jim’s death in 2014, the family home was in Walnut Creek. While in Bangkok, Dolores started writing for the American Women’s Club magazine Sawaddi and the Bangkok Post, as well as publishing short stories. Upon the family’s return to the United States, she became a ful...

James F. Minardi
Sept. 22, 1940 - Dec. 3, 2024
Pleasanton, California

James F. Minardi, born September 22, 1940, in St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away on December 3, 2024, at the age of 84. Jim moved to California in 1958 and attended Willow Glen High School, where he met the love of his life, Donna Gagliardi. They were married for 64 years. He is survived by his wife, Donna Minardi; his brother, Tony Minardi; his daughters, Kimberly Minardi-Brady and Debbie Minardi; and his bonus daughter, Christine Bramer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Gertrude Minardi; his sisters, Ann Radasevich and Sandy Gerlach; and his daughter, Lori Minardi Lecco. Jim also leaves behind seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Jim worked as an Operating Engineer for 40 years and was known for his passion for home improvement projects. He was an active member of the Cam N’ Coilers Car Club (San Jose) and the Big Devils Jeep Club (Milpitas), where he made lifelong friendships and shared his love of cars and adventure. A service will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Graham-Hitch Mortuary, 4167 First Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research ...

John F. Dowling
March 20, 1933 - Nov. 28, 2024
Pleasanton, California

John F. Dowling, age 91, of Pleasanton, CA passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024. He will always be remembered as a faithful servant of God, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and avid sports fan. John was born on March 20, 1933 to John and Marie Dowling of Drexel Hill, PA. He attended West Catholic all boys high school and later attended Lasalle University where he earned a degree in Industrial Business.  Between his sophomore and junior year, John was called to enlist in the army where he served for 2 years. After losing his father at a young age, John quickly became the man of the house looking out for his mother and his sister.  He worked during his years in high school and college as a golf caddy at Aronimink Golf Club for 8 years.  After college, he started his career at Transo Paper Company based in Jersey City, NJ where he met the love of his life and wife of 63 years, Dorothy Dwulet.  He later joined Sperry Univac where he worked in production control. He had an unwavering work ethic and a career spanning 40 years. In 1976, he accepted a transfer to Silicon Valley and settled his family in San Jose, CA. While San Jose has been home for 47 years, J...

Howard Allen Scott
Dec. 9, 1954 - Nov. 25, 2024
Pleasanton, California

Howard died a few weeks shy of his 70th birthday, with his family by his side, from complications arising from the 4th heart surgery of his life. He had still been working actively in multiple fields of physics at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, from atomic physics to hydrodynamics and radiative properties. Howard was born to Harold and Naomi Scott, and raised in Cleveland, OH, one of 4 brothers. He graduated in 1975 from Dartmouth College, majoring in math and physics, and was awarded Phi Beta Kappa membership. In addition, Howard was a talented bassoonist, studying for a term at the Austro-American Institute. A member of Phi Tau fraternity, he maintained life-long connections with friends there. He thoroughly enjoyed his college life; in extracurricular activities, he excelled as a bridge player and became an avid backpacker and skier. As a recipient of the prestigious Churchill Scholarship, he studied astrophysics for one year at Cambridge University, before his graduate program at Cornell University. Howard received his PhD degree in astrophysics in 1982. It was at Cornell that Howard met Elizabeth (Liz) Sufit. They quickly became partners in backpacking, folk da...

Ron Morrow
Sept. 28, 1938 - Nov. 21, 2024
Pleasanton, California

Ronald C Morrow, son of Virgil and Hazel Morrow, was born in Rockport, Illinois on September 28, 1938. He was raised on a farm, the youngest of six children. Ron began his working career in St. Louis Missouri at McDonnell Aircraft as a technician. At the age of 20, wanting more than farm life, he and his oldest brother rode motorcycles to the West Coast. Once he discovered California, he made it his permanant home. Ron worked at Lockheed for 13 years, working his way up from a technician into production management. In 1972, Ron made a career change and moved into the mortgage business, eventually becoming a partner in a mortgage brokerage that would lead to a very long and successful career up until his retirement in 2022. Ron loved the community of Pleasanton and was a long-time member of the Castlewood Country Club and the Pleasanton Men's Club. He was a huge sports fan, especially of his beloved St. Louis Cardinals, as well as a prolific gardener. His days on the farm must have rubbed off as no one grew better tomotoes. Ron is preceded in death by three sisters, two brothers and his son (Phillip Morrow of Sacramento, CA). He is survived by his daughter Dawn Morrow (Capi...

John Miller
July 12, 1945 - Nov. 21, 2024
Pleasanton, California

John (Jack) Miller, age 79, was called to heaven on Thursday, November 21, 2024. He was born on July 12, 1945, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to John and Pauline (Cashman) Miller. As a Bay Area native he and his wife moved to Pleasanton where he resided for 52 years. Jack is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patty Miller, his children, Amy (Dave) Statham, Matthew (Lisa) Miller, his grandchildren Austin & Hannah Statham, and Gianna & Niko Miller. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, Papa, uncle, brother and friend. The third eldest of 10 children, Jack is survived by Karen Boyd, Peggy Fraser, Chuck Miller, Marya Cambra, Monica Miller, and Ron Miller. Jack was preceded in death by his siblings, Bill Miller, Keneth Miller, Paul Miller, in-laws Roy & Mary Lee, Ray Valladao, & Burke Webb. Jack was a reservist with the United States Marine Corp for six years. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant (E-5) on November 21, 1972. His military service prepared him for his leadership role with the Alameda Fire Department. His career was one of his loves and it’s here that he formed lasting friendships and grew in his faith. He retired after a long rewarding career as a Capt...

Volney Ayers Spalding
Dec. 14, 1959 - Nov. 20, 2024
Kennebunkport, United States

Volney Ayers Spalding Jr. passed away on November 20, 2024. He was born on December 14, 1959, in Fontana, California, to Diana Spalding and Volney Ayers Spalding. Volney is survived by his sister, Laura; his wife, Ellen; and his children, Jessie Taylor, Katy, Volney Ayers III, and Brett. As a young child, Volney moved with his family to Vashon Island, Washington, where he spent his formative years in a warm and close-knit community. Growing up on a small farm, he nurtured a deep love for animals and an appreciation for the island's natural beauty and the surrounding ocean. Volney formed lifelong bonds with childhood friends, sharing countless adventures and remaining close to them well beyond his years on the island. He later left Vashon to attend and graduate from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. After graduating, Volney returned to California, settling in the Bay Area where he built an extensive career in technology sales education and operations for Fortune 500 software companies. Known for his expertise and mentorship, he contributed to educational courses, social media groups, and publications, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Vol...

Ryan Michael Walsworth
May 6, 1991 - Nov. 20, 2024
Oakdale, California

On November 20th, 2024, our loving, beautiful son Ryan Michael Walsworth passed away. He was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Gatos, California on May 6th,1991, to his loving parents Ronald and Desiree, and was also raised by his loving stepmother Mariella Walsworth. He grew up in Pleasanton, California and graduated from Foothill High School. Ryan was not only a devoted son but a loving brother to Raelyn, Kyle, Alexis, Erica, Ricky, and Josh, who he loved to tease and spend endless hours hanging out with. He was a grandson to Richard and Nancy Walsworth, Verna Smee, and Ron Begin. He was a fun-loving uncle to Julian, Davey, Jesse, and Zoey. His accomplishments were in High School Football making All-League several years in a row and his career in Precision Manufacturing where he put his heart into his love for Metal Fabrication. His passions were his family, World War history, football, politics and delicious Italian food. Our son is at peace and free now but will live in our hearts forever....

Janice Chapman Treuhaft
May 25, 1936 - Nov. 18, 2024
Pleasanton, California

Janice Chapman Treuhaft, who was born May 25, 1936 in Bluewater, NM, passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 18, 2024 in Pleasanton, CA at the age of 88. Janice was a loving mother of 6 children, 25 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She was a kind, caring and cherished neighbor and friend and loved by all. Janice found her sweetheart and husband, Robert Eugene Treuhaft in 1956 in Southgate, California. "Bob" lived next door to her twin friends Meryl and Myrna and she asked him to take her for a ride in the sky (knowing he had his pilot's license). The following year they were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple and spent the next 44 years together raising their six children, serving tirelessly in their many church callings, supporting and attending school and sports activities along with traveling around the country visiting their extended family until Bob passed away in 2001. Janice was a dedicated "Scout Mom" and was determined that each of her sons would become Eagle Scouts, which they did. She wanted this accomplishment for them, not for herself, to prepare them to be the best they could be. She also taught her only daug...

Thomas Treto
Oct. 3, 1933 - Nov. 18, 2024
Pleasanton, California

Thomas Treto passed away November 18, 2024, at the age of 91. Tom touched many lives with his outgoing personality. His fun, caring spirit will be missed by all who knew him. Tom was born in Sonora, CA, and graduated from Sonora High School. After serving four years in the Navy, Tom enjoyed a 24-year career with the Bank of America. He moved to Pleasanton with his wife, Barbara, in 1969 and started his own business, Dependable Home Warranty. Tom finished his career with Land Planning Consultants. Tom was active in many community and business organizations, including the Lions Club, California Association of School Business Officials, the Pleasanton-Tulancingo Sister City Association, and Sons in Retirement (SIR). He also served several years on the Pleasanton Housing Commission. Tom also enjoyed barbecuing, fishing, camping, golfing, basketball, football, and spending time with family. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Treto; children, Tom Treto, Jr., Lisa (David) Pontes, Todd Treto, and Troy (Robin) Treto; grandchildren, Tim Treto, Jeanine Pontes-Boelter, Kristen Pontes-Christian, Jessie Pontes-Self, Stephanie Treto, Jessie Scott, Taylor Treto, and Tanner Tret...

Barbara Jean Davis
March 31, 1946 - Nov. 15, 2024
Manteca, California

Barbara Jean Davis, 78, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on November 15, 2024, in Manteca, CA. Barbara was born March 31, 1946, in Berkeley, CA, to parents, Donald and Angeline Willmes. When Barbara was a young child, her family moved to California and eventually made the Central Valley her home. She was a resident of Danville, Tracy, and Manteca for the past 49 years. When Barbara’s children were young, she and her husband, Eddie, enjoyed camping with the family at Lake Camanche, Orwood and Oakwood Lake, they would spend the entire summer enjoying the outdoors. In her free time, she was a volunteer at the SRVGAL snack shack for 10 years. Barbara was blessed to have retired from The Valley Times newspaper in Livermore. She was also her mother’s caregiver in her final days before her passing in 2011. Barbara loved going on road trips with the grandkids, she loved her grandchildren more than her own kids!! Barbara’s daughter, Kara, had the pleasure of caring for her mother in her final years as well. For those who knew Barbara, knew she loved dancing around the firepit in the backyard. Barbara’s free spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Barbara i...

Jack Bras
Sept. 26, 1929 - Nov. 9, 2024
Pleasanton, California

J. Jack Bras, a resident of Pleasanton for 60 years, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on November 9, 2024. Jack was born outside Okema Oklahoma on the eve of the 1929 Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression. His parents brought him and his younger twin brothers to California in 1936, where they worked picking cotton and grapes. He frequently mentioned that his childhood was straight out of "Grapes of Wrath." He was thrilled when he and his brother Charlie were interviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle for their April 20, 2014 front-page story on the 75 year anniversary of the publication of "Grapes of Wrath." After graduating high school in Fresno, CA, he received his BA in Architecture from Cal Berkeley in 1952 and continued to attend Cal/Stanford games for many years thereafter. He was tickled pink to receive a section of the bleachers from Memorial Stadium when it was renovated in 2010. He was drafted during the Korean War and stationed in Germany. Upon his return to civilian life, he settled in the Bay Area, working for an architectural firm in Oakland. At the First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, he met Florence Brichford and found himself smitten,...

Joyce E Shapiro
Jan. 12, 1942 - Nov. 2, 2024
Pleasanton, California

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Joyce Shapiro, 82, on November 2, 2024, at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, California, from complications of a stroke. Joyce passed peacefully with her family by her side. She was born in Rochester, New York, on January 12, 1942, to the late Frank Raymond Young and Ethelyn Isabelle Young (Jones). Joyce was the fifth generation of her family from Glens Falls in upstate New York. Early on, Joyce was active in sports, clubs, dramatics, cheerleading, and student government. She fostered her love for the outdoors by spending summers on Lake George, NY. Joyce moved to Menlo Park, California, with her sister Denyse and mother when her father joined Menlo Park–based Raychem Corporation. Joyce graduated from Menlo Atherton High School and later pursued commercial art and merchandising studies at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Returning to Menlo Park, Joyce worked for SRI International, where she met her first husband, Gerald (Jerry) K. Getty. With her parents having moved to Pleasanton and looking for a “more affordable place to live” they moved into their Kot...

Roy Anthony Abbanat
July 27, 1940 - Oct. 31, 2024
Lincoln, California

Obituary for Roy Anthony Abbanat, MD July 27, 1940 – October 31, 2024 Roy Abbanat was born on July 27, 1940, in Biwabik, Minnesota. At age seven, his family moved to California, seeking greater opportunities for him and his older brother, Jerry. The brothers shared a close bond, spending their youth attending operas by bus, working at a local pharmacy during high school, and helping at home, often preparing dinner before their mother returned from work. Roy graduated as valedictorian from El Camino High School in Sacramento in 1958, excelling in a class of 680 students. Recognized for his academic achievements in science and math, Roy received scholarships from the Bank of America and earned a full scholarship to Dartmouth College in NH, where he graduated cum laude in 1962. He completed his Bachelor of Medical Science at Dartmouth Medical School in 1963 and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of California in San Francisco in 1965. During his internship at Dartmouth, Roy met his future wife, Carol, a student nurse at the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital (MHMH) where he completed his clinical training. He then completed his two-year residency at ...

Ronald Otvos
June 25, 1946 - Oct. 14, 2024
Pleasanton, California, US

Ron Otvos, passed away on October 14, 2024, in Pleasanton, CA. He was born on June 25, 1946, in Syracuse, New York, and later moved to Pleasant Hill, CA, where he graduated from College Park High School and Diablo Valley College. Ron went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army. It was during high school that he met Kathy Cooper, the love of his life, and they recently celebrated 54 years of marriage. Ron was a man of deep faith who loved the Lord and cherished time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed fly fishing with his son Scott, spending time in Lake Tahoe, playing cards and games, traveling both locally and abroad, and cheering on his beloved San Francisco Giants and 49ers. Ron is survived by his wife, Kathy, daughter Sheila (Brendan), son Scott (Allison); grandchildren Zachary and Curtis Otvos, Jenson and Lilah Sohr, his siblings Jay Otvos, Mike Otvos, Judy Merrill, MaryPat Patrick and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by his sister Josepha Otvos.  Ron’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched with his kindness, warmth, and love. He will always be remembered for his generosity of t...

Edward August Heuer III
Feb. 26, 1951 - Oct. 14, 2024
Pleasanton, California/United States

Edward August Heuer III passed away on October 14, 2024 in Pleasanton, California, after a long battle with cancer. He was born on February 26, 1951, in Yankton, South Dakota. His family moved to Downey California in 1961, where he grew up, met and married his high school sweetheart. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Holly, 3 children, Jennifer (Srouji), Paul and Christopher Heuer and 8 grandchildren, Mason, Gianna and Hudson Heuer, Aidan, Ella, Ashley Srouji and Sierra and Hunter Heuer. He also leaves behind his brother Kurt and sisters Karen and Karyl, a large extended family and countless friends. Ed joined the National Guard in 1971 and fulfilled his duties in 1976. He then started his career in Los Angeles county, in waste water treatment. In 1980 he moved his family to Pleasanton, CA, along with a new job. During the next several years, he worked for Contra Costa Sanitary District, South Bayside System Authority and then retired from Oro Loma Sanitary District as Director of Water Quality Services in 2006. Upon retirement, Ed continued in his chosen field as a consultant for the Dublin San Ramon Services District and The City of Pleasanton Operation Servi...

Peter 'Pete' W Snyder
Dec. 9, 1934 - Oct. 13, 2024
Dublin, California

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our father, Peter (Pete) W. Snyder, on October 13, 2024. The family will honor Pete’s extraordinary life with a Celebration of Life on January 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Shannon Community Center, Dublin, California. Pete was born on December 9, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Claire and Ann Snyder. He was the youngest of three boys, joining older brothers Harlan and Craig. In the 1950s, Pete proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed overseas in Japan for 2½ years. On September 8, 1956, Pete married his life partner, Priscilla Edna Rich, and together they raised five children: Gary, Sheri, David, Jon, and Brian. Later in life, their family grew to include 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Pete and Priscilla cherished their travels, forging lasting friendships around the world. They lived for a time in Nerja, Spain, and welcomed many family and friends to visit. No matter where they were, family was always at the heart of their lives, and their passion for community service was ever-present. Pete worked more than 40 years in the automotive parts industry in Oakland and San Leandro supporting the growi...

Shirley Roehl
Nov. 5, 1928 - Oct. 8, 2024
Pleasanton, California

Shirley Roehl, 95, a long-time resident of Pleasanton passed on October 8, 2024. She was born in St. Louis and raised in Palo Alto. He long career in education provided opportunity to teach in classes all over Northern California, but her primary school was at Briar Elementary in Fremont. In her retirement she loved to golf and travel. She is survived by her son and daughter, and one grandson. She impacted many lives in a positive and lasting way. She is greatly missed....

Dan Stober
Sept. 23, 1949 - Oct. 7, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Dan Stober, journalist, backpacker, cyclist, family man, and adored father and husband passed away on Oct. 7, 2024, from Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. Dan was born Sept. 23, 1949, by the banks of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida to Mary and Julius Stober. He graduated from Riverside High School (named Robert E. Lee High School at the time) in 1967 and earned a degree in journalism from the University of Florida in 1973. Dan’s 30-year career in journalism started at a small newspaper in rural North Florida. He went on to write for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Bradenton Herald (1977-1985), before moving across the country to the Bay Area to become the Alameda County bureau chief for The San Jose Mercury News. After 20 years as a reporter and editor for “the Merc,” he left with a heavy heart, having foreseen “the death of newspapers.” Dan joined the Stanford News Service in 2007 as a science writer and then served as the director of news and media relations, sadly leaving Stanford in 2016 due the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Dan’s curiosity, energy, and love for a good story showed in everything he did. Professionally, he jugg...

Fred Weakley
July 1, 1921 - Oct. 5, 2024
Pleasanton, California

After a journey that lasted over 103 years, our beloved father, Fred Weakley, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024. Fred was born on July 1, 1921 in Burlingame, CA after his parents, Frederick and Laura, and brother, Robert, moved west from Pittsburgh. Soon after, the family moved to San Leandro, CA and his father started a business in Oakland that manufactured and sold men’s hats. In spite of opening the shop one month before the 1929 stock market crash and the start of the Great Depression, the family persevered and the hat shop, as it was simply known, survived and eventually thrived. While attending San Leandro High School, Fred met the love of his life, Grace Gale, and they were married on January 31, 1942. Fred was only 20 years old at the time, so he needed his parents’ permission, which they enthusiastically gave. A few weeks later, Fred was drafted into the Merchant Marines and sent to Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn for basic training. In an incredible stroke of luck, after he completed his training, Fred was assigned to a security detail at the US Maritime Service Officer Training School at Neptune Beach in Alameda, CA for the duration of his service. Adding to his g...

Sandra Manifesto
April 27, 1948 - Oct. 3, 2024
Dublin, California

“Super” Sandy Manifesto (Barstad) made her final transition at 5:15pm on October 3rd, 2024, succumbing to a 13 year battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. Surrounded by her loved ones she passed peacefully in Dublin, California at the age of 76. Sandy was born on April 27th, 1948, in Oakland, California, to Omar and Margie Barstad (Heier). Sandy started dancing and acrobats at the age 5 and shifted into roller-skating at age 13. She won four National Titles with many local and state titles. She attended James Monroe Middle School, John Muir Jr. High, Pacific High School, and obtained a 2 year AA in Secretarial at Chabot College. She started work in 1968 at the Alameda County Probation Department as a stenographer II from 1968-1977. During her work career, she married the love of her life, Joe M. Manifesto, of San Leandro. The High School sweethearts married on January 30th, 1971 at St. John’s Church. She loved water/snow skiing, biking, dancing, and roller skating (obviously). Sandy and Joe moved to Castro Valley in 1976 where they started to build their family, beginning with their son, Joe, in 1977 and then daughter, Michelle, in 1979. Sandy left her job to pursue ...