Mercury News Obituaries

Frank Thomas Dirksen

gqlshare — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Frank Thomas Dirksen understood God’s love and dedicated his life to serving others. He loved God and the Blessed Mother with all his heart and showed this love through his words and good works. Frank was born in San Jose on October 12, 1943 and was surrounded by loved ones when he left for his heavenly home on February 13, 2024. Lovingly known as Uncle Frank by hundreds of kids and kids-at-heart, he left an impact on everyone he met, reminding us always to care for the weak, to give to the needy, to have Faith, to accept God’s will, and to not judge others. Frank attended Saint Francis High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business from Santa Clara University in 1966. From 1967 to 1969 he served in the U.S. Army, handling classified materials for the commander at CINCUSAEREUR in Germany. During this time he organized athletic programs for the company team and children of the soldiers. After leaving the army, he structured his life so he could spend his time serving others. He worked nights as a security guard, so he could focus on giving to others during the day. He drove seniors to church on Sundays, made daily visits to nursing homes (always with fresh fruit to give to the residents), and coached hundreds of youngsters in basketball. Frank always focused on making others happy and feel cared for. Basketball was his passion. He felt that sharing his love and knowledge of basketball with youth was also sharing in God’s love. Frank directed the athletic program at Saint Lawrence School and was the school’s head basketball coach. He coached the famous PeeWee basketball team that played during half-times at Wilcox High School, Santa Clara University, San Jose State University and University of the Pacific. After each game he would pile all 15 kids into his Barracuda and reward them with a meal at McDonald’s. Frank also directed a variety of programs and coached many other basketball teams. After he retired from coaching, he officiated thousands of games. His favorite game to referee was the Revs vs. Sems, with priests facing off against seminarians at Santa Clara University, even though he was often required to call fouls on his favorite priests.Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 10:30 AM with a Rosary beginning at 10:00 AM at Saint Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Parish, 1971 St. Lawrence Drive, Santa Clara 95051. A reception will follow at the Saint Lawrence Community Center.

William “Billy” Cristal

gqlshare — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

After a long, well-lived life, William “Billy” Cristal, with his children and wife by his side, passed away peacefully on November 12th, 2023 in Oakdale, California.Billy was born in St. Louis, MO, on October 19th, 1932. After high school, he joined the USAF and fought in the Korean War. He married while serving his country, was stationed in California, and had four children.He was a commanding figure, tall and handsome, not to mention a disarming smile and charm that likely didn’t curtail his entrepreneurial endeavors. Although Billy was highly successful in a variety of businesses, he was especially adept in real estate, always loving to find a good deal.He loved to tease and joke with all whom he encountered and certainly didn’t mind being the North Star in a night sky of people. But, more than anything, he loved being with his family. In the last years of his life, Billy met and married Sandina Mayberry Cristal, who was a perfect partner for his mischievous ways. Billy is also survived by his loving children: Les (Muna), Melissa (Mark), Robin (Jim), and Mark, all of whom he was incredibly proud of. He is survived by his brother Edward “Bud” (Gerda); and his sister Sarellen (Bruce). Billy leaves many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. All of us will forever miss him and there will be an unfilled void that wonderful memories will slowly fill.We invite you to join us to celebrate the life of William Cristal on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 at the History Club of Los Gatos, 123 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95030 at 10:30 am, Brunch will be served. In place of flowers, donations in Billy’s name to the charity of your choice. Kindly RSVP to billycristalcol@gmail.com

Kalman A.J. Cseuz, M.D.

gqlshare — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Born December 14, 1933, in Kunszentmarton, Hungary, second son of Dr. Kalman Cseuz, internist, and Charlotte Potor, concert violinist. W.W.II forced the family to flee their homeland and was eventually swept to Germany. During the turbulent postwar years, Kalman and his family encountered the harsh realities of life in numerous displaced persons’ camps. He was fourteen when his father died. As a result of the unsettled political climate, they were strongly advised not to return to Communist controlled Hungary.Consequently, the two boys and their widowed mother, signed a contract for field labor and emigrated to Canada in 1950. Living under primitive circumstances, nevertheless, when the seasonal work so allowed, Kalman and his brother, Anton, pursued their interrupted education and excelled academically. Kalman received the Governor General’s Medal and obtained his M.D. degree at the University of Alberta. Graduating with gold medals in Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology. He spent one year as a National Research Council Fellow. His work dealt with nerve regeneration and embryonal implants in paraplegia. After completing his M.S. in Surgery in 1962, he entered the neurosurgery program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Upon the advice of friends, he moved to San Jose, CA, and started his private practice in 1968. He had a close association with O’Connor Hospital. In 1980, he became the Chief of Department of Surgery. Two years later, he was elected President of the Medical Staff. Throughout the years, his professional life was characterized by his uncompromising devotion to the care of his patients, some of whom called him “Cool Kal, with the Magic Ten”.Kalman had a keen interest in sports, the arts, and gastronomy. He participated in a variety of competitive sports (Edmonton Olympic Track and Field Club, University of Alberta Golden Bears Volleyball, 1 DFC Soccer). He was an accomplished graphic artist. Kalman became the Commandeur and Bailli Provincial of the Pacific Northwest of the ChaŒne des R“tisseurs and enjoyed sharing the table with his friends. In addition to his many professional affiliations, he was a legacy member at the Sainte Claire Club in San Jose, CA. Kalman was predeceased by his wife of forty-four years, Judy, and is survived by his three children: Charles, Katherine, and Kristina.His motto in life was, “we all have one thing in common24 hours in a daydo the best you can do in that time”. He did. And, he will be missed. A memorial service will be held at Woodside Priory Chapel, Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 10:30am.In lieu of flowers, please donate to Woodside Priory, Hungarian Catholic Mission, 302 Portola Valley, CA 94028.

Betty Walsh

gqlshare — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Elizabeth (Betty) Walsh passed peacefully on February 19, 2024 at her home in Sunnyvale. She was born in Davyhulme Hospital in Manchester, England on February 12, 1930, the first child of Joseph and Elizabeth Gennings. She met Gerard Walsh in the Saint Teresa’s youth group, and they were married at Saint Teresa’s, Irlam, England in 1954. In 1956, they emigrated to Canada before coming to South San Francisco, where they welcomed their children, John and Maureen. In 1965, they settled in Sunnyvale where they remained for the rest of their lives.Betty worked at some of the premier tech firms in Silicon Valley, as well as opening her own Real Estate office before finishing her working life as a travel agent. She had an adventurous spirit and an innate curiosity about people and other parts of the world, which she satisfied by travelling extensively, visiting each continent except for South America and Antarctica. Her only regret was that she didn’t get to travel more.Betty is survived by her daughter Maureen, her son John, her daughter-in-law Traci, her granddaughters Jacqueline and Elizabeth, and countless nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gerard and her brother Joseph. Many heartfelt thanks go to Lani and Eugenie, along with the rest of the hospice team from Kaiser, who were unfailingly kind and compassionate. Finally, a special thanks to her niece, Marita Fogarty, who traveled from Ireland to be with Auntie Betty in her final days.Services will be held on Wednesday, February 28 at 2:00 PM at Saint Cyprians Catholic Church, 195 Leota Avenue, Sunnyvale CA 94086. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Saint Jude’s or Second Harvest Food Bank in Betty’s memory.

Dennis Dini

gqlshare — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Dennis Dini, 75, of Winchester, CA., passed away on 11/6/2023 of pancreatic cancer. He was predeceased by Dino and Dolores Dini. He left behind his wife Kathy, son Dennis, daughter Anny (Marcus), sister Claudia, and grandkids Dalton and Abby Bonar. He was loved and will be missed. He will be buried on April 5, 2024 at St. Michaels Cemetery, 3885 East Ave., Livermore, CA. Celebration of Life to follow at Casa Orozco, 325 So. L St., Livermore, CA.

Bonifacio L. Pineda

gqlshare — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Bonifacio Lagmay Pineda was born in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, on October 23, 1939, to his mother Petra Lagmay Pineda, and father Dionisio Pineda. He had six siblings, Theresa, Edina, Eduardo, Isabelita, Salvador and Corazon. He is survived by his wife, Nenita Pineda, his their children, Clyde, Edward, Janet, and their grandchildren, Alex, Kayne, Russell, Maikai, Amanda, and Hinalea. Bonifacio passed away on December 19, 2023, at the age of 84. He was surrounded by his family, who loved him dearly. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, who continue to cherish his memory.

Sue Shigemasa

gqlshare — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Sue Ellen Shigemasa (Nakasone) passed away peacefully at Regional Medical Center on February 11, 2024. Family and friends were with her while she was in the hospital and by her side throughout. Sue was born on May 20, 1945 in Ewa, Hawaii to Ellen Masako Nakasone-Mauricio and adopted by her grandparents Uta Oshiro and Shinyu Nakasone but always remained a part of the lives of her mom Ellen and her dad Severino Fernando Mauricio and siblings. She graduated from Waipahu High School in 1963 along with her high school sweetheart, Tom Shigemasa. Sue and Tom married on June 24, 1967 and made a life in San Jose with their two children and extended family. She is survived by her loving family: siblings Karen, Paula, Pamela and Mike; half-sisters Carmen and Connie; daughters Lei and Carie; grandchildren Cristina, Kenneth, Cynthia, and Zachary; nieces Sheryl, Shanie, Kristin, Lea and Tabitha; nephews Tom, Scott, Chad, Darryl, Alex and Reid; and many more close family and lifelong friends. Sue was predeceased by her grandparents Uta and Shinyu, her husband Tom, her mom Ellen, her father Severino and her aunt Midori.Sue lived a long and complete life. She had a strong and loving marriage that lasted over 50 years and built a home that was a cornerstone for her family and friends and the site of many happy get togethers. Sue worked at an insurance company for many years, and became a full-time caregiver for Tom, who became a quadriplegic for over 17 years until his passing on June 18, 2020. Her compassion, grace, and strength throughout was amazing to behold. Sue loved her trips with Tom to London and Japan (and many other places), but she was happy and present wherever she was, with regular Costco runs, sharing large meals for events, watching Korean soap operas, playing games, and talking with anyone and everyone. Time with her grandkids was especially cherished and she would do whatever she could to help them and be a wonderful role model. She was warm and welcoming to anyone she met, the true embodiment of an ideal grandma. Sue had an inquisitive mind and was always interested in what was going on in the world both locally and globally. She was incredibly bright and thoughtful, and she made every conversation better with her wisdom and humor. Her family and friends cherished the times that they shared together, and she will be forever held in their hearts and memories. She will be very greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Jose JACL or Yu-Ai Kai in memory of Sue. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

Lescher Dowling

gqlshare — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Lescher Dowling of Sunnyvale, California, a member of the Greatest Generation, passed away on February 13, 2024. He was 101 years old, though to meet him you’d have guessed he was much younger. Born and raised in Carpinteria, California, Lescher was the son of Julia [Lescher] Dowling and Walter Dowling. His siblings were Martha Rose (Dowling) Rodriquez, Kenneth Dowling, and half sisters, Dortha and Irene Dowling. Lescher met his future wife, Dorothy Eichelberger, at a school dance. He was immediately smitten and did his best to win her affection, but was was soon drafted into the Army when WWII started. He served in the China Burma India 7th Veterinary Corps, shipped overseas with a load of mules destined for troop support. Dorothy felt it was her patriotic duty to write to a serviceman, and it was this correspondence that caused their relationship to truly blossom. Home at the wars’ end, Lescher attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, on the G.I. Bill. He graduated with an Industrial Arts teaching credential, married Dorothy, moved to San Diego and taught for 3 years at the San Diego County Juvenile Hall. He often remarked that working at ‘Juvie’ gained more positive response from potential employers than the other skills listed in his resume. He landed a job at his old Alma Mater, Carpinteria High School, where he taught shop, printing, drafting & photography. During this time he and Dorothy had two children, Richard and Lela Ann. They enjoyed Dad’s summers off, when they would go explore the National Parks. After deciding to focus on photography, Lescher took classes at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. He was hired to head the Photography Department at Foothill Junior College in Los Altos Hills. ‘Mr. D’ was a popular and personable teacher, always willing to field questions during lunch hour in his office. He cited that working with students kept him young. Upon retirement in 1990, Lescher and Dorothy began educational travel and learning adventures through Elderhostel. He rekindled a model airplane hobby from his youth, joining SAM 21, the Society of Antique Modelers. He built and flew gas-powered remote controlled model airplanes, but mostly enjoyed collecting and repairing their vintage engines. Lescher was also on the founding committee for the Foothill-De Anza Community College Retirees Association. He and Dorothy also enjoyed taking memoir writing classes, but their greatest passion was involvement in the nationwide CBI Veterans Association. They attended monthly luncheons and national conventions with other CBI veterans, many of whom became great friends. Lescher served on the board of the San Francisco based chapter as Commander and several other positions, as membership declined with time. He wrote a book of his wartime adventures in the CBI, titled, ‘A Light Trail’, which will eventually be available on Amazon. Dorothy passed away in 2021, and Lescher is survived by his children; Richard Dowling and Lela [Dowling] Cirocco, grandchildren Sara & Skye, as well as 4 great-grandchildren. His wry humor, wisdom, helpful advice and stories from the old days, all will be greatly missed.

Mary Lou “Grandma Lou”, “LouLou”, “La La” (Teeple) Butera

gqlshare — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Mary Lou Butera, also known as Grandma Lou, LouLou, and La La, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024, in Santa Rosa, California, at the age of 95. She was born on May 16, 1928, in Ceres, California, to William Luther Teeple and Emma Delphia (Renfro) Teeple.Mary Lou was the beloved mother of Marie Lico (Michael Lico) and Christine Butera-Ortiz (Richard Ortiz). She was an adoring grandmother of five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Mary Lou is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Angelo (Andy) Butera. A family interment will take place April 19 at 12:30 PM at Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga, California. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM at the Saratoga Federated Church, located at 20390 Park Place, Saratoga, California, with a reception to follow in the church hall.Mary Lou will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family and her kind spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. We can all find peace in knowing that she has been reunited with the love of her life, Andy.

Lorene Marie Scott

gqlshare — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Lorene Marie Scott went to heaven on February 10, 2024, the month before her 80th birthday. Lorene was born on March 28, 1944 to Anthony Paul Sr. and Madalyn Kralyevich. She was born and raised in San Jose, CA. Lorene graduated from Notre Dame High School and then Heald Business College. After college she got a job at Contadina as a Personnel Manager.She met the love of her life Richard at John’s Drive In. They had an instant connection. But he had plans to leave for the Peace Corps., however soon returned because he could not live without her. They married on February 12, 1967. They had two daughters together and in 1976 moved to Morgan Hill and bought a farm. They both put in a lot of work and created a beautiful oasis and cherry orchard. Besides children she raised dogs, cats, sheep, chicken, rabbits, pigeons and much more.Just like her mother she was the jack of all trades and the master of all of them: bookkeeper, orchardist, poet, writer, chef, caregiver, counselor and the best story teller you could ever imagine. She had this way to keep you captivated and on the edge of your seat. She could make you laugh harder than anyone I know. Sometimes you would not even know why you were laughing; she definitely had the gift of giggles.She was also the Store Manager or some may say the Queen Bee for Andy’s Orchard for many years where she then retired from. There she created the Angel Kiss and Chocolate Cherry Fantasy to just name a few.Lorene is survived by her husband Richard Scott, her daughters Stacey Scott and Jennifer Scott McCarroll (Tom) and her grandson Mason Charles McCarroll.All services will be held at Oak Hill Funeral and Memorial Park “Chapel of the Roses” 300 Curtner Ave., San Jose, CA 95125 on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 12pm. Entombment to follow. After services all family and friends are invited to reception to honor Lorene. In lieu of flowers hug your loved ones every day, as you never know what the next day brings.