Dante Marrocco, 78
VISTA - Dante Marrocco, 78, died Saturday, March 24, 2001, at his home.
Born July 23, 1922, in Casalvieri, Italy, he lived in Vista for one year and was formerly of Rancho Palos Verdes. He was a general contractor for 40 years.
Mr. Marrocco is survived by his sons Dante R. Marrocco of Hillsboro, Ore., and Robert D. Marrocco of Shelby Township, Mich.; daughter Rena Marrocco of Coppell, Texas; brother Aldo Marrocco of Clinton Township, Mich.; sister Felice d'Agostini of Vista; and seven grandchildren.
Visitation was scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. with rosary recited at 7 p.m. Monday, March 26, at Allen Bros. Mortuary Chapel.
A Mass will be celebrated today, March 27, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with the Rev. Patrick Mulcahy officiating. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside.
Allen Bros. Mortuary, Vista Chapel is handling arrangements.
Richard Martin, 44
VISTA - Richard Henry Martin, 44, died Sunday, March 25, 2001.
He was born Sept. 11, 1956, in Fontana.
Mr. Martin is survived by his parents, Henry and Marilyn Martin; brothers Anthony Martin, twin Robert Martin, Michael Martin and Gerald Martin; companion Lehan Laid, nieces and a nephew; aunts; uncles; and many cousins.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, at St. Mark's Catholic Church in San Marcos with the Rev. Burt Boudoin officiating. A private cremation is planned.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to the Leukemia Society, 4715 Viewridge Ave., Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92123.
William Edwards, 83
ESCONDIDO - William Henry Edwards, 83, died Thursday, March 22, 2001.
Born Aug. 14, 1917, in Bronxville, N.Y., he lived in Escondido for 20 years.
He was a maintenance manager for National Airlines. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
Mr. Edwards was preceded in death by his wife Mary Edwards and daughter Jane Edwards.
He is survived by his daughter Joan Barron of Escondido; and granddaughter Christina Edwards.
Visitation is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. today, March 27, at McLeod Mortuary Chapel. A graveside service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Oak Hill Memorial Park.
McLeod Mortuary is handling arrangements.
James McKissick, 59
OCEANSIDE - James L. McKissick, 59, died Saturday, March 24, 2001.
Born Nov. 19, 1941, in Toledo, Ohio, he lived in Oceanside for three years. He was a notary public. He was a retired paramedic for Los Angeles and a member of Doo-Wor Club of Southern California. He operated a web site for Doo Wor music because of his love for music. He served in the U.S. Air Force in Okinawa, Japan.
Mr. McKissick was preceded in death by his father, Norman McKissick, in 1977; and mother Ruthann McKissick in 1985. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Ellen McKissick of Oceanside; son Mark Mc Kissick of Westminster; and daughter Diana McKissick of Westminster.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at the family home. A private cremation is planned.
Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Carl Nielsen, 91
VISTA - Carl O. Nielsen, 91, died Saturday, March 24, 2001, in Oceanside.
Born June 22, 1909, in Denmark, he lived in Vista for four years. He was a mechanical engineer and a member of Viking Club.
Mr. Nielsen is survived by his companion, Diane Nielsen of Vista; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
A private cremation is planned.
Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Howard Steffen, 89
SAN MARCOS - Howard Rex Steffen, 89, died Saturday, March 24, 2001, at Village Square Nursing Center.
Born Sept. 12, 1911, at Cleveland, Ohio, he lived in San Marcos for 27 years.
He was a traffic manager for Coats & Clark Inc. for 35 years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Mr. Steffen is survived by his wife, Dorothea E. Steffen in San Marcos; sons Richard Steffen of Kingsport, Tenn., and Robert Steffen of Redondo Beach; and sister Eunice Hahner of Berea, Ohio.
No formal services are planned. A private cremation and burial at Fort Rosecrans National cemetery is planned.
Allen Bros. Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Melba (Sandburg) Peterson, 85
Melba Peterson was born Oct. 28, 1915, in Logan, Utah to John and Ethel Sandburg. Melba passed peacefully on March 21, 2001, at age 85, in Escondido. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Orin Sandburg, and first husband Harry Smith. Melba is survived by her loving husband Glade Peterson; daughter Joyce Cohan; grandson Steve Garot; stepchildren Chris, Neil (Nadine), Evalynn, Del Peterson, Anna Juarez, Elma Gillis, Maren (Warren) Schloeman, all of Sacramento; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Friends are invited to attend memorial services today, March 27, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3260 Bear Valley Parkway in Escondido.
George Berman
George Berman, loving and devoted husband and father, passed away Feb. 21, 2001, after a short illness at the age of 75. George and his wife Leah had recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.
George took pride in the accomplishments of his family and was adored by all who knew him. A close friend summed up most persons' opinions about George when he said, "There's one thing I didn't like about George: whenever we'd visit, my wife would say, "Why can't you be more like him?'"
During World War II, George served in the Pacific Theater with the US Navy. After the war he earned his BSEE degree from the University of Connecticut. He met and married
Leah Barron of Long Branch, New Jersey soon after and they had two sons, Steven and Alan.
George's primary employer was Hughes Aircraft Company, for whom he worked 29 years. He concluded his career as Marketing Planning Manager for the Electron Dynamics Division in Torrance. After retiring from Hughes, George and Leah moved from Palos Verdes to Oceanside.
George's favorite preoccupation in his retirement years was working with his computer and the Oceanside Macintosh Users Group (OMUG). He looked forward to the monthly OMUG meetings with childlike excitement. He is survived by his wife Leah Berman of Carlsbad; sons and daughters-in-law Steven and Marie Berman of San Jose, and Alan and Heidi Berman of Upland; brothers Alvin Berman of Massachusetts and Edward Berman of New Jersey; sister Leah Prince of New Jersey; and numerous nephews and nieces. He is remembered by countless others whose lives he touched with his gentleness and good will. We will always love him and miss him.
Accu-Care Cremation Center handled the arrangements.
With family members attending, the scattering of ashes at sea took place on March 3, 2001 with Captain Joe Cacciola of Sea Star Charters.
A memorial service will take place Sunday, May 6, 2001 at 1:30 p.m. at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave., Carlsbad.
Lorna Sharpe Leedy
Lorna Sharpe Leedy was born on the fourth of July, 1923, in Chamberlain, S.D. and passed away March 22 in Del Mar. The daughter of Emily Auld and Governor M.Q. Sharpe, she attended the university of South Dakota, pledging Alpha Phi and graduating in 1945. After working as a reporter for the Rapid City Journal, she married
Daniel C. Leedy and in 1946 they moved to Santa Monica.
Mrs. Leedy served as president of her chapter of the American Association of University Women and was an active member of the Assistance League of San Diego, North County. The Leedys made Rancho Santa Fe their home for 35 years and Lorna was an active member in her church and all the local organizations. The Rancho Santa Fe Republican Women, The Country Friends, League of Women Voters, the Rancho Santa Fe Library Guild, President of the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club, founder and president of Rancho Santa Fe Seniors, Inc. and held the honor of President Emeritus.
A former Miss University of South Dakota, Lorna always insisted (to inquiring granddaughters), that this honor was for service and had nothing to do with any beauty contest. But there are photographs. Her family and friends know she was beautiful in her graciousness and charity, her faith and great strength.
Mrs. Leedy is survived by her husband of 55 years, Daniel, her daughter Lisa Thomson, sons David, John and Tom and 10 grandchildren. Services are Wednesday, March 28, at 11 a.m. at Church of the Nativity on El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Rancho Santa Fe Seniors, PO Box 223, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067.
Donald Mitchell, 85
Monroe, Utah - Donald Stewart Mitchell, age 85, passed away Wednesday, March 21 from complications sustained in an automobile accident.
Don was born May 10, 1915, in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada to Beatrice Cassandra Inglis and George Frank Mitchell. He married
Ruth Alma George in 1936 on a dare, which lasted more than 30 years, until they divorced. In 1973 he married
Thelma Elouise Nail, who was his faithful companion until last September, when she passed away. Don spent a short time serving in the Navy during World War II. After his discharge he spent most of his life working as a carpenter, contractor, and as a heavy equipment operator. Later in life he was heard saying quite frequently that he would give anything to climb back on a "dozer" and move some dirt.
After his retirement Don and Thelma spent a few years living in LaPine, Ore., and La Mesa. He then moved to Dolan Springs, Ariz., where he met many wonderful friends and was active in many of the local auxiliaries. He loved volunteering to be their chef for all bar-b-ques and pancake breakfasts. Just recently he moved to Monroe, Utah to be near the help of his family.
Don's passions were hunting and golfing. He could still golf in the low 40s, even at age 83. He was an excellent welder and loved to create things and he would fix anything for anyone. He was very independent and loved to keep active and busy. He was a wonderful grandfather and would always sneak the kids chocolate or quarters to go buy some goodies.
He will be sincerely missed by his brother Harold F. and Pat Mitchell of Salome, Ariz.; his only son Jerry L. and Linda Mitchell of Monroe, Utah; his grandchildren Jim and (Laurie) Terry of Richfield, Utah; Bart and (Sherry) Hammond, of Gunnison, Utah; (Jerry Lee) and LaDonna Mitchell of Saint George, Utah; and (Don F. Mitchell) of Monroe, Utah; all 13 great grandchildren; and his little shadow Tiffy, his precious toy poodle. Cremation services were held in Las Vegas, Nev. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Funeral directors, Neal S. Magleby & Sons Mortuary, Richfield.
Elvira Tapia, 69
ESCONDIDO - Elvira G. Tapia, 69, died Saturday, March 24, 2001.
Born July 9, 1931, in Mexico, she lived in Escondido since 1978. She was a homemaker.
Mrs. Tapia was preceded in death by her husband, Francisco Tapia.
She is survived by sons Elias Tapia of Santa Cruz, Walter Tapia, Isaias Tapia and Juan Manuel Tapia, all of Escondido; daughters Maria Elena Miramontes, Maria Susie Clay and Cristina Casteneda, all of Escondido; brothers Gron So Lain, Roben and Pedro, all of Mexico; sisters Lupe, Baltazar and Juana, all of Mexico; grandchildren Joe Miramontes, Robert Miramontes, Susie Miramontes, Lorena Cardoso, Sylvia Cardoso, Joshua Cardoso, Justina Tapia, Todd Tapia, Rickey Tapia, Natasha Tapia, Joana Casteneda, Melissa Casteneda, Francisco Efrain Casteneda, and Kristen Dariana Casteneda.
Viewing is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. today, March 28, at Alhiser Comer Mortuary.
A funeral service is scheduled for noon, Thursday, March 29, at Alhiser Comer Mortuary with the Rev. Gonzalo Villa officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill cemetery with Villa officiating.
Alhiser Comer Mortuary is handling arrangements.
John Wilson Jr., 79
RAMONA - John Harrison Wilson Jr., 79, died Friday, March 23, 2001, at Palomar Hospital in Escondido.
Born Oct. 27, 1921, in Ramona, he lived in Ramona until 1952.
He moved to Los Angeles and worked for Douglas Aircraft Co. in Santa Monica. Starting as a parts salesman he worked his way up to director of commercial contracts for McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach. He retired in 1980 and returned to Ramona.
He was an outstanding scholar and athlete at Ramona High School. He was a star quarterback on Ramona's first football team and an outstanding guard on three league championship basketball teams.
He attended the University of Southern California and was a member of the football team and graduated in 1946 with a degree in commercial aviation.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was the co-pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber attached to the Second Air Division, Eighth Air Force, 389th Bomb Group, out of Hetel, England. He and crew flew 40 missions over Germany.
Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Sharon L. Wilson of Ramona; son John Harrison Wilson III of Carlsbad; daughters Jean Wilson Eckart of La Mirada, Lindy Wilson Johnston of Oregon and Kristin Wilson of Chino Hills; sister Gertrude Wilson Page of Ramona; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Dollars for Scholars, C/O Ramona High School, 1401 Hanson Lane, Ramona, CA 92065, or charity of choice.
Bonham Bros. & Lee Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Margaret Snuffin, 93
FALLBROOK - Margaret Ruth Snuffin, 93, died Sunday, March 25, 2001.
Born Sept. 6, 1907, in La Grange, Ill., she lived in Fallbrook for two years. She was a homemaker for 55 years and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Mrs. Snuffin was preceded in death by her husband Jack Snuffin, in 1977.
She is survived by son Michael Snuffin of Riverside; daughter Shirley Mohley of Fallbrook five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. today, March 28, at Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary with Dr. Dennis Ginoza officiating.
A private cremation is planned.
The family suggests memorial donations to Eye Care Institute, 655 Laguna Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Berry-Bell & Hall Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Irene Hamre, 88
RAMONA - Irene M. Hamre, 88, died Sunday, March 25, after a long illness.
Born March 5, 1913, in Havre, Mont., she lived in Ramona since 1950. She had worked as a cashier for Ervins Jewelry Store in Burbank. She was a member of the Ramona Lutheran Church, the Pioneer Historical Society, the Ramona Woman's Club, the Order of the Eastern Star and Santa Maria Chapter of the White Shrine. She was active at the Ramona Senior Center and played with their Rinky Dink Kitchen Band and sang with the Sweet Adelines. She enjoyed playing bridge and bowling. She and her husband had owned and operated the Ramona Cafe from 1950 to 1957.
Mrs. Hamre was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Eddie Hamre in December 1987. She is survived by her daughters Rosalind "Roz" Scott of Ramona and Marilyn Wiggs of Spring Valley, six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Viewing is scheduled for 10 a.m. with memorial service starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 29, at Bonham Bros. & Lee Chapel with the Rev. Warren Naegele of Ramona Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow at Nuevo Memory Gardens.
Bonham Bros. & Lee Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Martha Prout, 75
OCEANSIDE - Martha L. Prout, 75, died Sunday, March 18, 2001, at her home of cancer.
Born Jan. 4, 1926, in Springfield, Ill., she lived in Oceanside for six years. She was an artist.
Mrs. Prout was preceded in death by her grandsons David Prout in 1972, and Dustin Gutierrez in 1985. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Howard S. Prout of Oceanside; sons and daughters-in-law Randy and Rhonda Prout of Claremont and Bill and Carolina Prout of Granite Bay; daughters and sons-in-law Karen and Mike Vail of Temecula, Julie and Rudy Gutierrez of San Marcos and Candice and Don Mellor of Vista; sister Wilma Pritchard of Illinois; grandchildren Scott, Alison, Michelle, Mark, Christopher, Jessica, Jackie, Amber, Alexis, Leea and Dylan; and great-grandchildren Alysa and Dylan.
A memorial was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, at North Coast Church in Vista with nephew Greg Prout officiating. A private cremation took place at Eternal Hills with Prout officiating.
The family suggests memorial donations to San Diego Hospice, Attn: Tracy Richey, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92103 or Prout Family Trust, C/O John Scott Smith, 1761 Hotel Circle So., San Diego, CA 92108.
Humphrey Mortuary handled arrangements.
