Obituaries - 1/15/05

By: North County Times and The Californian | Friday, January 14, 2005 10:37 PM PST ∞

56-year-old father, casino employee dies after struggle with cancer

ERIN SCHULTZ

Staff Writer

Jim Donnelly's three kids used to have to tiptoe around corners in their Oceanside home. They never knew when their dad was going to jump out and scare the heck out of them.

Donnelly, a jokester, a 27-year Oceanside resident and a loving father, died Monday of cancer at age 56.

Born in Pasadena, Donnelly attended Cal State Fullerton and majored in linguistics. He joined the Army and spent a few years as a radio operator in Vietnam before returning to California.

After serving in the war, he moved to North County in his 20s to work at the now-defunct Spanjains Sportswear in San Marcos, where he became a human resources manager.

A job wasn't all he found at Spanjains. One day, 20 years ago, he interviewed a young woman named Angie. She got the job. And four years later, she got his hand in marriage.

"We were parked up on a hill and looking out at the view when he asked me to marry him," Angie Donnelly said Friday.

The couple settled in Oceanside and had three children, Tyler, Caleb and Ethan. The children, who now range in age between 11 and 17, remembered Friday how their dad used to sneak up on them and play tricks.

"He kept everyone laughing," Donnelly said. "That's what we'll remember most."

He had a love for baseball, and ushered his sons through Little League in North County. In his younger years, he played shortstop on a recreational team sponsored by Spanjains.

"He was a star," Donnelly said. "And when it came to the kids, he was always cheering."

After leaving Spanjains, Donnelly became a human resources manager at the Pechanga Casino in Temecula, where he screened and hired casino workers. He wasn't much for gambling, his wife said, but the couple did manage to get away one weekend for a free stay at the hotel.

But behind the smiles and the getaways was a couple trying to be strong in the face of a number of illnesses. Donnelly struggled with Parkinson's Disease for almost the entire span of their marriage. A year and a half ago, he had brain surgery. And in November, just three months before he passed away, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

During his illnesses, the family received a lot of help from its church, the Calvary Chapel of Vista.

"He had great faith in God and was trusting in him," Donnelly said of her husband. "I think it was God's mercy that called him home."

The Vista congregation will hold a memorial for Donnelly today at 3 p.m. at the church, which is located at 885 E. Vista Way. The family suggests memorial donations to The Jim Donnelly Memorial Fund, care of the Calvary Chapel.

Edward Seidel, 78

CANYON LAKE ---- Edward Gerkin Seidel, 78, died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, at Anaheim Memorial Hospital in Anaheim.

He was born April 30, 1926, in Tujunga. He worked for the city of Glendale Police Department for 31 years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Mr. Seidel was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Pauline Chapman Seidel. He is survived by his wife, Ramona Packer Seidel; sons Gary Seidel and William Seidel; sisters Edith Massey and Shirley LaLiberte; brother, Richard Seidel; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. today, Jan. 15, at Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory in Sun City with Kirk Peterman officiating. Interment at Riverside National Cemetery is planned.

Miller-Jones is handling arrangements.

Roxy Rizzo, 75

SUN CITY ---- Roxy Ann Rizzo, 75, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005, at her daughter's home in Menifee.

She was born July 9, 1929, in Lynwood. She was a homemaker for 56 years. She was a member of St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Sun City.

Mrs. Rizzo was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Teresa Pinto Nitti. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Camille Rizzo of Sun City; daughter, Carmela Rizzo; sons Michael J. Rizzo and Luke J. Rizzo; sisters Isabella Guastella and Rosemary Moretta; brother, Michael Nitti; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Sun City with the Rev. Anthony Das Neves officiating. Private interment is planned.

Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory in Sun City is handling arrangements.

Frank Pangilinan, 63

TEMECULA ---- Frank R. Pangilinan, 63, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005.

Born Oct. 10, 1941, in Manica, Philippines, he lived in Temecula for one year. He retired in 1995 after 30 years as a carpenter in housing construction. He was a member of the Catholic faith.

Mr. Pangilinan is survived by his wife, Donata E. Pangilinan of Temecula; daughters Myrna, Myra, Mylene, Cristal, Josie, Celia, Delia, Dolina and Divina; sons Noel, Junior, Manni, Rogel, Hermit and Joel; brothers Ben Venido Pangilinan and Amable Pangilinan, both of the Philippines; sisters Josefa Gueco of Artesia and Regina Cruz of the Philippines; and seven grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled from noon to 8 p.m. and rosary recited at 7 p.m. today, Jan. 15, at Stout Family Funeral Home. Private inurnment is planned.

Stout Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Jose Gonzalez, 72

EL CAJON ---- Jose "Joe" Gonzalez, 72, died Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, of natural causes.

Born July 28, 1932, in San Diego, he lived in El Cajon for 41 years. He was an entrepreneur and owned a grocery business, frozen foods and Custom Truck Beds.

Mr. Gonzalez is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Campos-Gonzalez of El Cajon; son and daughter-in-law Joseph and Cecelia Gonzalez of Del Mar; daughters and sons-in-law Sylvia Gallardo of San Diego, Viviana and Steve Tennant of Murrieta, and Maria and Don Gastineau of El Cajon; sisters Elvira Daraah of San Diego and Beatrice Mora of Pine Valley; grandchildren Karina, Alexis, Joseph, Kelli, Steven, Gabriella, Sydney and Carli.

Visitation is scheduled for 9 a.m. and Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, at St. Kiernan's Catholic Church in El Cajon.

The family suggests donations to the Cardiac Unit at Children's Hospital, 3020 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123.

Poway Bernardo Mortuary in Poway is handling arrangements.

Betty Lundquist, 82

VALLEY CENTER ---- Betty Marie Lundquist, 82, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, in Escondido.

Born Oct. 18, 1922, in Minneapolis, she lived in Valley Center for 20 years. She was a homemaker and an Avon representative for 26 years. She was a member of the Light of the Valley Lutheran Church in Valley Center.

Mrs. Lundquist was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Lundquist; and son Dennis Lundquist. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Gaylen and Cheryl Lundquist of Valley Center, and Daryl and Lyne Lundquist of Palmer Lake; brothers Donald Enger of Minneapolis and Dale Enger of Norwalk; grandchildren Brody, Jessica, Danyel and Joey; and six great-grandchildren.

Private cremation is planned.

Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

James Donnelly, 56

OCEANSIDE ---- James Patrick Donnelly, 56, died Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, at Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla of cancer.

Born May 28, 1948, in Pasadena, he lived in Oceanside for 27 years. He worked at Pechanga Resort & Casino. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a radio operator. He attended the Calvary Chapel of Vista.

Mr. Donnelly is survived by his wife, Angela Elaine Donnelly of Oceanside; parents Julia and John Donnelly of Escondido; sons Tyler Donnelly, Caleb Donnelly and Ethan Donnelly, all of Oceanside; daughter Katherine Donnelly; brothers Mike Donnelly of Bishop, Tom Donnelly of Carbondale, Colo., Bob Donnelly of Marble, Colo., John Donnelly of Salt Lake City, and Patrick Donnelly of Temecula; and sisters and brother-in-law Judith Anne Coleman of Bishop and Mary and Mike Savenye of Escondido.

A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. today, Jan. 15, at the Calvary Chapel Vista, 885 E. Vista Way in Vista with the Rev. Rob Salvato officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Jim Donnelly Memorial Fund, c/o Calvary Chapel Vista, 885 E. Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084.

Accu-Care Cremation Center is handling arrangements.

Melissa Clark, 49

VISTA ---- Melissa Ann Clark, 49, died Monday, Jan. 10, 2005.

Born Feb. 28, 1955, in Long Beach, she lived in Vista for four years. She retired in 2002 from Target Stores. She was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Fallbrook.

Ms. Clark is survived by her mother, Darlene A. Calhoun of Vista; father Stanley R. Moore of Long Beach; sons Joseph Clark of Downey and Jason Barfoot of Vista; and brother Mitchell K. Moore of Lake Tahoe.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. today, Jan. 15, at Christ the King Lutheran Church with the Rev. Phil Tukua officiating. A private cremation is planned.

Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

Dean Archer, 82

SAN DIEGO ---- Dr. Dean Robbins Archer, 82, died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005.

He was born Feb. 18, 1922, in Omaha, Neb. He retired in 1993 as the Chief of Regional Mental Health Services for the county of San Diego. He served in the U.S. Army, the Coast Guard, and the National Guard. He participated in Project Enable in South East San Diego and the Imperial County Mental Health Services.

Dr. Archer is survived by his wife, Gladys Archer of San Diego; sons and daughter-in-law Jeffrey Archer and David and Susan Archer; brothers Donald Archer of Santa Barbara and Robert Archer of Amherst, Mass.; and grandson Clifford.

A memorial service is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at the San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Ave. in San Diego.

The family suggests donations to San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92103, or the San Diego Psychiatric Hospital Auxiliary, 3853 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA 92110.

Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

Dorothy Cotney, 81

ESCONDIDO ---- Dorothy Doris Cotney, 81, died Monday, Jan. 10, 2005.

Born March 10, 1923, in Washington, D.C., she lived in San Diego County for 20 years. She was a saleswoman for furniture and appliances for 40 years. She enjoyed gardening.

Mrs. Cotney was preceded in death by her husband, Byron Cotney, on June 2, 2004. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Ron and Elizabeth Cotney of Escondido and Byron "Bob" Jr. and Mary Cotney of Scripps Ranch; grandchildren Kristalynn and Jeremy; and one great-grandchild.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1:20 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nev.

McLeod Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Carol McKee, 68

CARLSBAD ---- Carol A. McKee, 68, died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005, at her home.

Born July 31, 1936, in El Paso, Texas, she lived in Carlsbad for 23 years. She was the owner and operator of the "Doll Doktor" in Carlsbad. She had master's degrees in education and administration. She was a painter, specializing in watercolor. She published a book on Lenci Dolls. She played the piano and taught second grade for many years.

Mrs. McKee was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Okla McKee. She is survived by her husband, Bonnie Lowry of Carlsbad; and brother and sister-in-law Terry and Johnelle McKee of Friendswood, Texas.

Visitation and viewing are scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. and rosary recited at 3 p.m. today, Jan. 15, at Oceanside Mortuary, 602 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside with the Rev. Peter Kerwin officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Rest Lawn Memorial Park in El Paso, Texas.

The family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, 2655 Camino del Rio North, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92103.

Oceanside Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Marylynn Sgarbossa, 63

SAN MARCOS ---- Marylynn Joyce Sgarbossa, 63, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, at her home of cancer.

Born Feb. 24, 1941, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she lived in San Marcos for 16 years.

Mrs. Sgarbossa is survived by her husband of 43 years, Guido Sgarbossa of San Marcos; sons and daughters-in-law Mark Ernesto and Dawn Marie Sgarbossa of San Diego and Roger Gurdo and Elease Sgarbossa of Carlsbad; daughter Noreena Lynn Sgarbossa of Carlsbad; brother and sister-in-law Robin and Michelle Purcell of Canada; sister Peggy Nancarrow of Canada; and grandchildren Conner, Ethan and Lucia.

Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

Wanda Lewycky, 90

OCEANSIDE ---- Wanda Lewycky, 90, died Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, at Tri-City Medical Center.

Born Nov. 15, 1914, in Brooklyn, N.Y., she lived in Oceanside for nine years. She worked at Bullock & Jones. She was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. She was a member of the Polish-American Club and enjoyed dance, music and the polka.

Mrs. Lewycky was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Lewycky; and brother Raymond Sarama. She is survived by her son, Richard Lewycky of Walnut Creek; daughter and son-in-law Victoria and Marc Bierbower of Oceanside; sisters and brother-in-law Jane Panico of Palm Beach, Fla., Regina and George Sito of Oceanside, Julia Diffin of Parlin, N.J., and Stephanie Bekman of Bayshore, N.Y.; grandchildren, Nicole, Rocky, Traci, Lisa and Laura; and one great-grandchild.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at 1 p.m. today, Jan. 15, at the Vista Christian Fellowship, 820 Williamston St., Vista with the Rev. Roger Friend officiating.

Accu-Care Cremation Center is handling arrangements.

Diane Underwood, 66

OCEANSIDE ---- Diane J. Underwood, 66, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005, from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Born Nov. 20, 1938, in LaCrosse, Wis., she retired in 2000 from the medical field.

Mrs. Underwood is survived by her husband of 40 years, William Underwood of Oceanside; mother Florence Larson of Minnesota; sons David Phelps and Charles Phelps, both of Oceanside, and Gary Henry of Hemet; daughters and son-in-law Marian and Craig Herndon and Cynthia Pigg, all of Vista; brothers Gerald Morrison of Minnesota, and Rodney Larson of Riverside; sister Barbara Ferguson of Denver; grandchildren Leland, Gary, Melissa, Melanie, Amber, Crystal, Jennah, Billy and A.J.; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Allen Bros. Mortuary, 1315 S. Santa Fe, Vista, CA.

Allen Bros. Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Adelaido Vega, 93

FALLBROOK ---- Adelaido "El Jefe" Vega, 93, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005.

Born Feb. 11, 1911, in Sinoloa, Mexico, he lived in Fallbrook for 40 years. He retired after 13 years as a laborer for Fallbrook Citrus Association. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Community in Fallbrook and the church's choir. He enjoyed music and dancing.

Mr. Vega was preceded in death by his wife, Maria A. Vega, in 2003. He is survived by his sons, Marcos Vega and Guillermo Vega, both of Tijuana, Raul Vega, Victor M. Vega and Adelaido Vega Jr., all of Fallbrook, Fernando Vega and Oscar Vega, both of Vista and Luis Vega of Temecula; daughters Laura Ofelia Torres of Oceanside and Maria Delgado of Chula Vista; 59 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. with rosary recited at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary with the Rev. Manuel Villarreal officiating. A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fallbrook with Monsignor Mel Young officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside.

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Memorials

Melvin 'Billy' Montague Cohn

Melvin "Billy" Montague Cohn died in Rancho Bernardo, Calif., on January 9, 2005, at the age of 81. Born in Chicago in 1923, he was an only child. In high school, he met Muriel Lipson, whom he married after serving as a clerk in the Army Air Corps in World War II. They were married for 52 years until her death in 1997. Their daughter, Ellen Terry Cohn, passed away in 1993. Their son, Leigh Cohn, lives in Carlsbad, Calif., with his wife, Lindsey and their sons, Neil and Charlie Cohn ---- Mel's grandchildren.

A lifelong salesman, he started out as a "peddler" selling clothing and household items on credit out of the back of his car on Chicago's south side. After moving to West Los Angeles in the early '60s, he worked as a salesman for a Hanes undewear distributor and for a while sold life insurance at nights. In the '70s and '80s, he was a "District Salesman of the Year" for Wrangler Pants, and later went to work for Klayman Pants in semi-retirement. He enjoyed traveling, golf and betting on sports. As described by one of his many old friends, Billy Cohn was "bigger than life and yet a simple and genuine guy."

Tammy Menendez

September 22, 1959 ---- January 8, 2005

Tammy Johnson Menendez passed away, peacefully and much too soon, at her home in Cardiff on January 8, 2005.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Tammy grew up in San Diego and Central Point, Oregon, returning to the San Diego area in 1981. She worked for Pacific Bell before finding her true calling as a speech-language pathologist. While working and raising a family, Tammy attended San Diego State University, where she received both a bachelor's and master's degree. She was employed at South Oceanside Elementary School, where she was very much devoted to her students and fellow staff members. She was a compassionate advocate for her students, dedicated to making a difference in their lives.

Tammy enjoyed playing soccer as a member of the Tidewater women's soccer team. She played a cerebral, if not speedy, defense. She enjoyed chocolate, travel with family and living in Cardiff.

Tammy leaves her husband, Danny, daughter Kiffen, son Kent, mother Violet, sisters Penney, Kathy, Lorri and Shelley, bother Terry, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Vernon and brother Garry. The family extends sincere gratitude to the many friends who lovingly cared for Tammy during her brave battle.

A celebration of Tammy's life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 22, at Ada Harris School auditorium, Windsor Drive in Cardiff. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Menendez Children's College Fund, at P.O. Box 290, Cardiff, CA 92007.

Cecelia E. 'Cyd' Pomerance

2/28/32 ---- 1/15/04

Dear Mom,

This Saturday it will be one year since you left us.

You were born February 28, 1932, in Brooklyn, N.Y. of immigrant and orthodox parents, the youngest of ten.

You raised four kids as a Marine wife, moving constantly, including two years in Athens, Greece.

You graduated from Purdue at age 55; your master's degree in psychology was the first in your family.

While you worked in your field, you were secretary of the Biofeedback Society of Indiana.

You became a world traveler in your own right; how you loved Spain and Portugal!

You returned to the California you loved.

You were honored for your years of volunteer work at Birch Aquarium.

You loved the opera, cooking, singing in the choir at Temple Soleil, Sam, Roni, Mary and best of all, us.

You had a traditional service. Cantor Robbins sang so wonderfully for you.

We will never forget your strength, your love, and that you were a pioneer among women of your faith.

A traditional unveiling ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. January 16, 2005, in the Jewish Cemetery at Eternal Hills Memorial Park,1999 El Camino Real in Oceanside. (760) 754-6600.

All our love,

The Pomerance, McNames and Cooper families

In Memoriam

In Loving Memory

Mike Boisvert

2-1-60 ---- 1-15-96

With each day,

With each week,

With each year...

Memories of you fill our hearts.

No one who is loved is forgotten.

No one who has brought such beauty

into the world is ever truly gone.

Our love for you ---- your love for us ----

in some way, will go on forever.

Eternal Love from Mom, Bob & Tom

Patsy Ruth Filo

March 3, 1929

January 15, 2003

I know where you'll be standing the day we meet again, by heavens gates I see you, arm and arm with him.

I know you are better now, much better than before, but that doesn't stop me from missing you in every shape and form.

You meant so much to others. You were great in all you did, from a wife, to a mother, a sister, but most of all a friend.

We love you and miss you, but we know we'll meet again.

This loving memory is sent to you from your daughter, Debby" "These are just a few words on a page to let others know what a great "Mom" you were to Me."

Your granddaughter, Stephanie

Your twin sister, Peggy

Your loving husband, Bill

Corrections

Thomas Strubel, 63

OCEANSIDE ---- Thomas Frank Strubel, 63, died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, at Tri-City Medical Center from complications of strokes and cancer.

Born May 24, 1941, in Elizabeth, N.J, he lived in the North Coast area for more than 20 years. He was a mechanic and the owner and operator of service stations and body shops in New Jersey and Oregon.

Mr. Strubel was preceded in death by his brother, John "Jack" Strubel of Klamath Falls, Ore. He is survived by his brother, Bob Strubel of Vista; daughters Barbara Strubel of Franklin Township, N.J., Christine Nathanson of Scotch Planes N.J.; sister Linda Lacagnato of Spotswood, N.J., and her four children; and nieces and nephews Rachel and David Doll of Vista and Scott Strubel of Old Bridge, N.J.; and four grandchildren.

Services will be held in New Jersey.

Donations may be made to Tri-City Hospice, 4002 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054, in the name of Thomas F. Strubel.

Accu-Care Cremation Center is handling arrangements.