Freddie Leon Houston
Nov. 23, 1932 - Nov. 30, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Freddie Leon Houston, head football coach at Los Banos and San Ramon High Schools and later co-founder of Mission Hope Day Program passed away at the age of 91 on November 30, 2023 in Pleasanton surrounded by his family. We are grateful for the thoughts and prayers and will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever as a beloved Husband, Father, Coach and Friend. Fred Houston was born in Red Rock, Oklahoma on November 23, 1932 and spent his youth in Texas prior to his family moving to the Central Valley, California. Fred was a three- year letterman in football, basketball, and baseball at Shafter High School '51 and won all-conference honors in football and basketball. He attended Fresno State on an athletic scholarship and after graduation played football for the Special Services team of the United States Army. Stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey he met the love of his life, Dorothy McMinn, at a USO Dance in New York City. Fred was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army. Fred and Dorothy married in 1957 and settled in California. In 1958, Fred received his first teaching and coaching position at Los Banos High School. In his second year he le...

Norman Wallis Kester
Aug. 29, 1935 - Nov. 23, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Norman Wallis Kester passed away on November 23, 2023, at Pleasanton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at the age of 88. Norman was born August 29, 1935, at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, California to Clarence A. and Bernice K. (Lund) Kester. He spent his formative years in Alameda and Hayward California. He was a Chief Warrant Officer in the California Army National Guard when he retired in August 1995. He spent over 40 years in the military. On April 27, 1958, he married Suzann Kester in Karnak, Ill and they spent 65 years together 59 years of which were spent in Pleasanton, California where they were charter members of the Pleasanton Chapter of the United Methodist Church. Norman is survived by his lovely wife, Suzann, two sons, Jeffrey Wilson (Candy) of San Diego, California, Thomas Lund (Earl) of Pacific Grove, California and daughter Holly Ann (Del) Kjos of Pleasanton, California; granddaughter Kortney (Clarke) Powers of Auburn, California; two sisters-in-law Marcia Kester and Sharon Wilson; four nephews Michael (Shelia) Kester, Robert (Geraldine) Kester, Keith (Holly) Wilson, Garrett (Karen) Wilson and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. He was precede...

Joyce Robinson
July 30, 1924 - Nov. 5, 2023
Pleasanton, CA

Joyce A. Robinson, a long-time resident of Pleasanton, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at the age of 99. Joyce was born in London, England on July 30, 1924, to Henry William Brewer and Emily Louisa Brewer. She was evacuated to Cornwall along with her younger sister Vera at the start of WWII, later returning to London where she lived and worked during the Blitz of 1940 and 1941. She had a successful career as an Executive Secretary and taught typewriting and business skill classes at the Woolwich Polytechnic in London. After travelling in Europe during her twenties, her adventurous spirit led her to North America, where she worked her way across Canada for two years before coming to the United States and falling in love with San Francisco. She immigrated to the United States in 1958 and met Al Robinson on a Sierra Club outing. They married in 1959 and in 1961, their first daughter was born, followed by a second daughter in 1964. Joyce and Al raised their children in various locations across the San Francisco Bay Area, moving to Pleasanton in 1977. Joyce's gifts during this time were mostly channeled into homemaking, parenting, church, and community act...

Theresa Annette Lembi
May 2, 1947 - Oct. 25, 2023
Livermore, California

Theresa Annette Lembi (Haff) passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023 at the age of 76. A beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, she leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. Born in San Francisco, Terry was raised by her mother, Marie Haff, in Burlingame, California with twin sister, Kathy, and sister, Lee. She graduated from Burlingame High School in 1965 and then attended the College of San Mateo. Terry went on to join Pan Am airlines as a flight attendant and traveled the world sharing in many adventures with her twin sister by her side. She later married high school sweet-heart, Don Lembi. Together they raised their three daughters Nicole, Jackie and Danielle. Terry was extremely involved in PTA and school events, leading the charge to provide for her children and community. Later, when Don ran for city council and Mayor of Burlingame, Terry was instrumental in managing a successful campaign and standing by his side to support in every detail. In recent years, she's enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and watching her six grandchildren blossom and grow. Terry is survived by her sister, Mary Lee Mercer (Bob Sutter), th...

Frank Darrell Agamau
Nov. 21, 1958 - Oct. 24, 2023
Pleasanton, CA

Frank Darrell Agamau, born November 21, 1958, passed away on October 24, 2023 in Vallejo, California. Frank's memory will forever be cherished by his family and friends. Frank is survived by his mother, Violet Leverne Nourse, sister, Deborah Fleming, brother, Duane Agamau, son, Ryan Agamau, his daughter Megan Souza, and five grandchildren, nephew, Shaun Fleming, niece, Stephanie Moeller and three great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his father, Frank Agamau and niece, Violet (Campbell) Agamau. Frank attended Amador Valley High in Pleasanton and moved to Livermore, CA where he remained for the last 45 years. Frank was known for his straightforwardness to everyone he knew and kept people laughing with his look on life. He enjoyed fishing and motorcycle riding and never passed up a good deal. He will be deeply missed. A private service for the family will be held at Graham Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton and a Celebration of Life will be held at Pine Street Bar in Livermore on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 2pm for his friends and family to come together and share stories and honor his life....

John Phillip Scafetta
Dec. 3, 1927 - Oct. 22, 2023
Eagle, Idaho

John Phillip Scafetta, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family at the age of 95. John was born December 3, 1927 in Batavia, NY, where his parents settled after immigrating from Italy. He was the second oldest of 5 siblings, of which two still live in New York. He served in the US Navy from 1945-1947 and was proud to be a Veteran. He worked as a Manufacturing Engineer for Xerox Corporation, moved to Pleasanton, California in 1978 with his family and continued working for Xerox before transferring to Hexcel Corporation. John loved to golf, was a member of SIR’S and worked as a marshal at Castlewood Golf Course. He loved watching baseball and his favorite team was the New York Yankees. John also loved Jazz and Big Band music and you would always find him tapping his fingers to the beats! As a young man he learned to play the trumpet and picked it up again at the age of 90! John saw many changes in his 95 years and always embraced life. He was loved by all and had a way of making people around him laugh and feel at ease. He loved to garden and was handy with projects around the ho...

Jeffrey Raymond Manchester
May 9, 1944 - Oct. 15, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Jeff led a wonderfully diverse life which included: rodeo, packer and guide in the high Sierras, Navel officer, Bank manager, treatment center director, 28 years at Sandia Lab, soccer coach for 37 years, and docent on the USS Hornet. His true loves were his wife Ann, daughters Katherine and Andrea, and granddaughter Gabriella as well as his adopted grandchildren Kelsey, Nathan, and Erika. In addition he is survived by his brothers David and Bill, sister Nicoleann, niece Vanessa, and nephews Ivan and Michael as well as their children and countless cousins. His true joy was his 45 years of sobriety, the spiritual journey that resulted and the many he knew through AA. He especially cherished time with the newcomers who were beginning their own journey. Ann thanks the best neighbors on the planet who cared so selflessly for Jeff at the end.Mass of Resurrection will be at St. Augustine’s, Pleasanton on November 4, sharing of memories at 9:50, Mass 10:30....

Janet Lynn Harkness
Feb. 28, 1980 - Oct. 12, 2023
Dublin, California

Janet Lynn Harkness, born on February 28, 1980, in Atwater, California, passed away on October 12, 2023, in Dublin, California. Janet's memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends. Janet is survived by her mother Kathryn Harkness, father Ashley Harkness, Jr., sister Cynthia Dunnells (Paul), brother Daniel Harkness (Christy) and their children, aunt Sara Topcu (Ali), and cousin John Williams (Audrey) and their children. Janet attended Dublin High School, graduated from California State University Hayward with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, and earned a Master of Science degree from the California University of Pennsylvania. Janet's career included serving as a police officer in the East Bay Regional Park Police District in several roles, including patrol officer, detective, and trainer. Later, she joined the Offices of the District Attorney at Martinez and Richmond serving as a Case Preparation Assistant for Contra Costa County. Janet was a Reiki Master and Teacher. She described her life's calling as "energetic work with animals and their companions" as a Reiki practitioner. She enjoyed all sorts of creative activities including resin crafting, coo...

Lucy Morgan
Feb. 26, 1943 - Oct. 6, 2023
Pleasanton, California

1943-2023 Lucy Margaret Morgan passed away on October 6th in Pleasanton, CA at the age of 80. She was a remarkable woman who will be deeply missed. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Morgan, and her children John (Bonnie), Sharon, Christine (Jason), Annette (Hans) and her grandchildren, Elise, Kayleigh, Trevor, Jack and Ava, all of whom she was so very proud. She is also survived by her 12 siblings, Cecilia, Barbara (Roger), Theresa (Paul), Catherine (Bernie), Dolores, Rita (Bill), Bernard (Jamie), Gene (Kim), Leo (Jan), Marietta (John), Bernadette (Craig) and Jeanette (Bruce). She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Stella Zipp, and her infant brother Paul. Lucy, the third child was born on February 26, 1943 in Seattle, Washington and spent her entire childhood with all of her siblings in the home her father built. Lucy graduated from Holy Names Academy on Capitol Hill in 1961, and then went to the Cabrini School of Nursing where she graduated as an RN in 1964. She later graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Nursing. She started her career in Hospital Nursing in Seattle, WA and continued to Millbrae, CA, Syracuse, NY, Cleveland, OH, and San Jose, CA. H...

Richard L. Silla
Oct. 4, 1928 - Oct. 6, 2023
Danville, California

Richard L. Silla, Resident of Danville. October 4, 1928 - October 6, 2023. Rich passed peacefully at his home of 45 years, just two days after his 95th birthday. Born in San Jose, he attended Oakland schools, and upon graduation from Fremont High School, went to work for his father’s business, C.G. Silla Music Company. Two years later he joined the National Guard, and a year after that, he married Gail Killian, his high school sweetheart. Before being discharged from the Guard, Rich was sent overseas to serve a year in Korea. After that, he returned home to go back to work in what later became the family business, Silla Music Company. After their father (C.G.) retired, Rich, together with his brother Joe, ran the business until they both retired in 1991. Rich had a full life with Gail, his beloved wife of nearly 67 years. They were very active socially, until her passing in 2016. Rich greatly enjoyed boating and water skiing in the early years, but the latter half of his life was devoted to golf. An avid golfer for many years, he still met up with his golfing buddies for lunch on a regular basis. Beloved by his entire family, Rich was also preceded in death by both of his b...

Amelia Puricelli
April 21, 1941 - Oct. 4, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Amelia passed away on Oct 4th at home peacefully after a valiant battle with COPD with family and friends by her side. Amelia is survived by husband George Puricelli married for 64 years. Her daughter Debbie Puricelli of Livermore and Daughter Dorothy "Puricelli" Koons and her husband Jim Koons of Oceanside CA. She leaves behind 3 Grandchildren Ashley Vanderveen of Oceanside CA and husband Kyle Vanderveen, Trevor Koons of Oceanside and Kyle Puricelli of Livermore. She welcomed her first Great-Grandson George Vanderveen late last year and was thrilled to have him in their life. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Service to be held at Graham-Hitch in Pleasanton on Oct 13th @ 11:00AM. Final resting place will be at St. Johns Catholic cemetery in Escalon CA....

Diane Lois Scott
Dec. 11, 1941 - Oct. 4, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Diane Lois Scott passed away peacefully at her Pleasanton residence on October 3, 2023. She will be remembered as a kind, caring, generous and very special lady who loved her family and friends. She had the most infectious smile and always a very positive attitude. Diane loved life and did whatever she could to make everyone around her appreciate and love life too. Diane grew up in Hayward and graduated from Hayward High School. She attended San Jose City College and Chabot College with an emphasis on Early Childhood. Diane worked for Sunset Designs, Safeway and the Pleasanton School District. She also volunteered many many hours for the Pleasanton Recreation Department. She held a variety of leadership and coaching positions for Girls Softball, Soccer and Basketball. She was also the President of Pleasanton Little League and ran the snack bar and supervised umpires for many years. Diane loved to work with young kids as they always held a special place in her heart. Diane also ran a Daycare and spoiled her kids with her baking talents especially her Gingerbread Cookies. She treated her kids with so much love and care that they didn’t want to go home. Toys, books, movi...

Stephen (Steve) James Howell
Feb. 18, 1944 - Oct. 4, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Stephen (Steve) James Howell, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2023. A decades long member of the Pleasanton community, he was 79, and a resident of The Parkview Assisted Living Facility. He was born on February 18, 1944, in New York, New York, to James Goff Howell and Sarah Frances (Flowtree) Howell. He and his family then relocated to Nebraska for a few years before making California their permanent home. Steve attended San Leandro High school where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Pam (Davis) Howell. They were married for 59 years and raised three children together. Steve served as a firefighter for the city of Berkeley for many years before attending Cal State Hayward and earning a bachelor's degree in political science. He then proudly worked for the Internal Revenue Service for over 30 years. Steve had a real gift for the gab and could talk to anyone about anything. He will be fondly remembered for his contagious laugh and love of Queen Anne's Cherry Cordials. He spent many years involved in Job's Daughter, Bethel 14, Pleasanton, where he served as Associate Bethel Guardian from 1989 -...

Marilyn Joyce Slade
Jan. 9, 1930 - Oct. 3, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and aunt passed away peacefully in her home. Born in Milwaukee, WI, Marilyn attended the University of Wisconsin, earning a BS in Childhood Development and Education. Here she met and married John Slade. They raised five children, each born in a different state. She started her career as a librarian, and continued her education, earning a Masters Degree in Library Science at Rutgers University. Her professional career also included information management at AT&T. After living in nine states and fifteen residences, Marilyn and John retired in Pleasanton. They were married for 63 wonderful years. She loved writing poetry and short stories, reading books, and traveling extensively in the US and abroad. She was involved in many clubs and activities, including Friends of the Pleasanton Library, AAUW Wordsmith Writing Group, Tri Valley Writers Club, VIP Club at the Pleasanton Senior Center, and the Encore Luncheon Group. Marilyn is survived by her children, Scott Slade (Sara) of Sunnyvale, Holly Moen (Jim) of Davis, Nancy Kraemer of Pleasanton, Douglas Slade (Debbie) of Stafford, VA, and Carolyn McCarthy (Kevin) of Rumson, NJ. Also surv...

Joseph Albert Graziosa III
June 6, 1956 - Oct. 1, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Joseph Albert Graziosa III was of catholic faith, 30 year resident of Pleasanton, graduate of Cal Berkeley, investment advisor of 40 years. Enjoyed a Good A's baseball game and duck hunting season....

Ann Parnie Frobose
Aug. 9, 1936 - Sept. 25, 2023
Pleasanton, CA

Ann Frobose, a devoted follower of Jesus, went home to her Lord Sept. 25, 2023. She was 87. Ann’s lifelong love of learning was wide ranging. One expression of this was her extensive and deep study of Christian literature. Her sister, Pat Wahlen, said “She had a strong sense of God and Jesus and knew more about the Bible than anyone I knew.” Ann taught children’s Bible School for many years and led many Bible studies. She was a valued member in a variety of groups and communities. She maintained a lifelong bond with a group of classmates from Middlebury College. For years she and Rich participated in an Ignatian Companions group in Berkeley that focused on Catholic studies and community service. Ann’s passing will leave a hole in these and many other groups. Ann was a natural life coach. Her wisdom, kindness and love of people blessed those in her presence even when she was going through difficult times of her own. The eldest daughter of Elaine Helmer and Alexander David Parnie, Ann was born in Detroit and grew up in the suburb of Birmingham. Her dad routinely took the family on spring and summer road trips to see the United States. After graduating from B...

Howard Lee Mendenhall
Nov. 9, 1936 - Sept. 25, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Howard Lee Mendenhall, affectionally called Mendy, passed peacefully with family at his side on September 25, 2023, at the age of 86 in Pleasanton, California. Howard Mendenhall lived his life to serve others. His kind and caring nature extended to everyone he met, and he was active in his community as well as around the world. He was patient and kind, anticipating the needs of others and taking care of them without being asked. Born in Hurley, Missouri to Harry and Nellie Mendenhall, he was the youngest of 9 children with a 25-year span between oldest and youngest. Howard, the baby of the family, attended kindergarten with his nieces. He was raised in a farmhouse with a well and a pump in the kitchen and no electricity until he was 12 years old. Stone County is known for being rocky and Howard would joke to his children that his family's crop was rocks because they spent so much time each year clearing out the rocks in the pastures and fields. Howard joined the Air Force at the age of 18 after graduating from Hurley High School. He played basketball for the Air Force and traveled throughout Europe. After his tour of duty, he attended Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tul...

Patsy June Clark
June 6, 1930 - Sept. 21, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Our mother, Patsy June Clark (né Studebaker) passed away peacefully at age 93 on September 21, 2023. Pat was born and raised in Perry, OK and grew up surrounded by family, including an older sister, Peggy, and three younger brothers, Ralph, Don, and Ken as well as an extended network of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins remaining dear to her throughout her life. Pat was a proud member of the Studebaker clan, fascinated by the family history, in the '80s, she refurbished a 1960 Studebaker convertible to honor the family industry. Her interest further led her to travel to the birthplace of the Studebaker family in Germany, even meeting a few distant cousins along the way. After high school graduation in 1948, Pat left Perry, OK for the "big city", residing first in Oklahoma City, OK, and then Denver, CO, where she raised her daughters. She eventually settled in the San Francisco Bay Area for the next 50 years. Moving to California was a dream come true. She enjoyed a career as an executive assistant for NEA and Rossmore, finally retiring in 1995. Pat relished in all the best that San Francisco had to offer - fine dining, music, art, and close proximity to an i...

Stephen Lawrence Pinto
Dec. 7, 1952 - Sept. 14, 2023
Livermore, California

Steve Pinto was born as the second of six children to his parents Larry and Ruth on December 7, 1952. He grew up in Oakland and graduated from Skyline High School in 1971. As the son of a 35-year veteran of the Oakland Fire Department, Steve joined the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department (LPFD) in 1974. His younger brothers Mark and Chris would end up working as firefighters as well (Alameda County and Berkeley) to cement a Pinto family legacy committed to fire protection in the East Bay. On February 26, 1978, Steve would marry the love of his life (Stella), and would remain happily married for 45 years. They moved to Livermore and had two daughters (Stephanie and Kristina) who attended Livermore schools and would follow their mom’s lead by ultimately working as educators for LVJUSD. As a man of faith, Steve was generous with his time assisting on projects both big and small at the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Castro Valley. In his spare time, Steve loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter who also enjoyed fishing, water skiing, and playing golf. Additionally, Steve was an accomplished bass guitarist who played in various bands and loved listening to music (often on...

Beulah Annette Shark
Jan. 15, 1938 - Sept. 14, 2023
Livermore, California

Beulah Annette Shark also known as Nana, age 85, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2023 at her home in McDonough, GA. Annette was born on January 15, 1938 to Irene Christian and William Christian, Sr. in McKeesport, PA. She was the eldest of three brothers and two sisters. She graduated from McKeesport High School in 1955. She married Philemon Shark, Jr. in 1955 and their 19 year wedded union produced four children. They moved to California in 1966. She was a mail carrier and Shop Steward for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1992 after 25 years of service and later earned her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Annette enjoyed traveling, listening to music, taking care of children, watching football, going to church, celebrating birthdays and holidays, cooking, baking, and spending time with friends and family. She lived life to the fullest. Annette was preceded in death by her parents, William and Irene Christian, sister Ada Younger, brother Herbert Christian, and sons Alfred Shark and Philemon Shark III. Annette is survived by her sister LaRelda Christian, brothers William Christian, Jr. and Garey Christian, daughters Victoria Shark and...

James Hugh Walker
Jan. 20, 1943 - Aug. 31, 2023
Biloela, Queensland, Australia

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Jim Walker was the hardest of hard workers. Interested in everything and everyone, he was known for peppering new acquaintances with questions. It was impossible to embarrass him, as he didn't care what others thought or said about him. Generous and kind, he saw the good in people that others may have given up on. Jim's many friends and large family, both in Australia and the United States, mourn his passing on August 31, 2023, in Biloela, Queensland. His loving wife, Deirdree, was at his side. James Hugh "Jim" Walker was born in Livermore, California, on January 20, 1943, to Dr. Robert Hugh and Eugenia Marie O'Shea Walker of Pleasanton. "Bob" Walker was a veterinarian and rancher and "Genie" was a housewife and bookkeeper for their veterinary practice. Jim enjoyed assisting his dad with veterinary work and helping out at the Walker family cattle ranches. Following Bob Walker's premature death, Genie married John Edmands, then editor and publisher of The Pleasanton Times. For a short time, Jim worked at the newspaper. Jim attended St. Michael School in Livermore for eight years and spent two years at Amador Valley High School in...