Pearl Joy Holen Brown Berman, BHS 1941

Pearl Joy Brown
April 9, 1923 - May 20, 2018

Pearl was born in Burbank to Jacob and Celia Holen and died at 95 on May 20, 2018. She left an indelible mark on her family, friends, patients and the world. 

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dr. Josiah Brown and her second husband Jack Berman. She leaves her brother Marvin, his wife Marta, her children, Jeffrey, Celia and Todd, their wives Lisa and Regina, and four adoring grandchildren Natasha, Josiah, Allison and Zoe. 

Services will be held at: Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery on Wednesday, May 23 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be sent to: UCLA Giving, 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1400, Los Angeles, CA 90024 with: "The Josiah Brown Lecture" on the memo line.

Published in the Los Angeles Times on May 23, 2018

Richard Michael Maurer, BHS 1959

Richard Michael  Maurer, BHS 1959
January 30, 1942 - October 30, 2018 

Richard M. Maurer 76, of Grand Haven, Michigan passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 30, 2018. Richard was born January 30, 1942 in Burbank California. He graduated from UCLA in 1964 with a B.S. in Finance and has over 40 years of sales and marketing management experience between Dow Chemical Company and the Noble Company. Richard was a veteran if the United States Army serving his country during the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart. 

Richard is survived by his children a son, Michael Maurer of Grand Haven, daughter Vernice Branch of San Diego, California, along with her husband, Stephen Branch; grandchildren Tyrus and Cole, his sister Judy (Don) Sterner of San Clemente, California; nephew Mark (Dawn) Sterner of Aptos; nephew, Orian Stener; grand-niece Xena. 

Richard was an amazing human being, an incredible father, wonderful grandfather, thoughtful uncle, loving brother and great friend to all who knew him. A Celebration of Life Gathering with a luncheon will be held on Monday, November 19th at St. Patrick- St. Anthony Catholic Church, in Grand Haven, Michigan from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with Military Honors being bestowed at 1:15 p.m.

 In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to The Wounded Warrior

Project, Catholic Charities of West Michigan or Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Leave a tribute for Richard at our website www.shorelinememorial.com Arrangements by Shoreline Memorial Services, Muskegon, Michigan (231)-722-5050

Published in The Burbank Leader on Nov. 17, 2018

Barrie David Gardner, BHS 1960

Burbank Review, Monday, March 31, 1969

Collision Kills Ex-Burbanker

Barrie David Gardner, a former Burbank resident, was killed Saturday when the car he was driving collided with a moving van. Burbank Police Chief Rex Andrews told the Daily Review that Gardner, 26, was driving northbound on the San Diego Freeway when the accident occurred.

He apparently intended on taking the Sepulveda offramp, then had a change of mind and as he swerved back his station wagon struck the back of an Allied Moving van, Andrews, a neighbor and close friend of Gardner's parents, said.

Upon collision a 7-foot piece of metal in the rear of the station wagon broke through the seat of the car and impaled Gardner, Andrews said. He was pronounced dead at an Encino hospital.

Gardner, who lived in Glendale, had been a resident of Burbank for 21 years and was a native of Ohio. He was a 1960 graduate of Burbank High School where he was a star on the track team, Andrews said.

He was also a member of Theta Ki at Sacramento State College and the Wilshire Christian Church. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served in the United States Marine Corps.

Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Royal Gardner of Burbank; and one sister, Miss Rebecca Ann Gardner of Van Nuys. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills. Interment will also be at Forest Lawn.

The Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service, 333 East Magnolia, is in charge of the arrangements.

Verna Emma Forbes Willson, BHS 1939

Verna Emma Forbes Willson, BHS 1939

October 12, 1921 - October 2, 2013 
Born in Burbank, CA 
Resided in Ogden, UT

Earth has lost and heaven has gained an intelligent, strong, determined woman.

Verna was born October 12, 1921 in Burbank, California to Jesse Warren and Emily Wrampelmeier Peyton Forbes. She was an only child. During WW II Verna served as a "Rosie the Riveter" for Lockheed, working mainly on P-38's. After WWII she moved to Lubbock, TX, worked as an elevator operator for Hilton Hotels, and met Otis Willson. They eloped (with her mother-in-law going along) to Roswell, NM where they married October 21, 1946. They settled in Pacoima, CA. Three children were born to them, but the two boys died at birth. About 1952, Otis developed tuberculosis and was hospitalized for nearly 4 years. Verna moved back to Burbank and returned to Lockheed, starting as a file clerk. She was a feminist rights advocate and fought hard to advance and get equal pay as the men doing the same work. She retired from Lockheed as an avionics engineer, working on black boxes and collaborating with the men from the "skunk works." 

In 1978 Otis and Verna moved to Brigham City, Utah to be near their daughter and grandchildren. Otis died December 20, 1978. Verna then moved to Salt Lake City where she refurbished a historic home in the Avenues. She then moved to Farmington, NM where she ran for the office of city mayor at the age of 80, getting about a third of the votes. Next, Verna moved to Ogden, UT. Shortly after this move, she was baptized a member of the LDS church. She had strongly opposed her daughter joining the church years earlier, but was converted by examples of many good people in NM and UT. Throughout her life, Verna enjoyed doing genealogy, and published articles in many genealogy magazines, plus a book on her family lines. She also enjoyed politics and writing letters to the editor which were published many places, including The New York Times and Smithsonian Magazine. 

Verna left this life on October 2, 2013 of causes related to heart failure and osteoporosis. She is survived by her daughter Linda Nelson (Blaine), 5 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. She is also survived by dear friends and "adopted" family from NM, Margie Lee Smith (Marty), their 9 children and many grandchildren. 

Per Verna's request, there will be no viewing. Graveside services will be held in Brigham City on October 9th at 3:00 p.m, under the direction of Myers Mortuary of Layton. In lieu of flowers, donations to any charity in her name are suggested. Condolences may be sent to www.myers-mortuary.com

Christine Marjorie Harper, BHS 1913

Christina Marjorie Harper
1894 - 1916

Christina Marjorie Harper was born in 1894 the daughter of John Harper and Jessie Morrison. 

Christina was a 1913  graduate of Burbank High School and passed away on April 27, 1916 in Los Angeles County, California. Christina was the first known Burbank High School Alumni to pass away according to the Burbank High Alumni Association which was started after the first graduation. 

Christina was 21 years, 8 months and 8 days old when she died. Christina was buried a long way from Burbank as she is interred in the Zion Hill Cemetery in Hartford, Connecticut. 
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The Burbank Review, Burbank, California, Saturday, April 29, 1916, Page 1

BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LIFE ENDED

The many friends of Mrs. J.M. Harper and family were shocked last week by the news that Miss Christine Harper, who was teaching at Colton, was seriously ill with tonsillitis, her life despaired of. Her mother went to her and brought her home to Burbank, where she could be under the immediate care of Dr. E. H. Thompson. But there was nothing which could be done to save her and just before 11 o'clock Thursday morning, the beautiful spirit took its flight.

Miss Harper was a beautiful girl and dearly beloved by her schoolmates and friends and teachers here, among whom she had grown from childhood to womanhood. Following her graduation from Burbank High School, she attendedthe San Diego Normal school from which she graduated and secured the position at Colton, where she was teaching when taken ill.

There are many who will grieve with the mother and sisters bereft of the loved one and the sympathy of all goes out to them in their great loss.

The funeral is to be held at 2 o'clock this Saturday afternoon from the Presbyterian church, Rev. Henry A. Rudin, pastor of the church will officiate.
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The Burbank Review, Burbank, California, Saturday, May 6, 1916, Page 1

CHRISTINE HARPER LAID TO REST

The funeral services for Miss Christine Harper, daughter of Mrs. J. M. Harper, were held from the Presbyterian church last Saturday, at 2 p.m., Rev. H.A. Rudin, pastor of the church officiated and brought a message of comfort to the bereaved ones, his text being taken from the prayer of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane, when He says, "Not My Will, O'God, but Thine be done."

The church was filled by those who had known and loved her and the air was redolent of the perfume of beautiful bloom banked about the casket. Six young gentlemen and eight young ladies, friends and schoolmates of Miss Harper, acted as active and honorary pallbearers. The young men were Ward Shelton, Ernest Brown, Wiley Cole, James Hendricks, of Van Nuys; Connie Clarke and Earl Robinson. These lifted the casket and tenderly carried it into the church vestibule, then marched to the front of the church. After the casket had been placed, the young ladies, who were the Misses Marie Kern, Clara Clarke, Claire Glenn, Louise Lawrence, Blanche Shelton, Genevieve Robinson, Juanita Malone and Edna Ludlow, passed down the aisles, four on each side and carrying sheaves of white sweet peas. As they passed the casket they softly dropped the lovely blossoms upon it.

The choir sang softly, "Lead Kindly Light" and Miss Lulu Snyder sang very sweetly, "Crossing the Bar;" Mrs. C. E. Pomeroy and Mrs. O. R. Boyd sang that beautiful hymn, "One Sweetly Solemn Thought." At the close the choir sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."

A large concourse of friends followed the remains to Rosedale cemetery where short services were said and the body cremated.

Christine was of a retiring nature, but dearly beloved by those who knew her best and she will be sadly missed by her young friends and in the home circle. To these, her nearest, the sympathy of all goes out.

Ralph L. Zink, aka, Donald Woods, BHS 1925, Actor

December 2, 1906 -  March 5, 1998

A prolific actor with a 40-year career that included appearances in 98 plays, 150 television shows and 75 films, Donald Woods referred to himself as the "King of the B's". He started out as a radio and stage actor. He was a pleasant, boyish leading man of the 1930s who later moved into mature character roles. Played Perry Mason in one of a series of Warner Brothers B pictures.

Born in Canada as Ralph L. Zink and raised in Burbank where he graduated from Burbank High School in 1925. At Burbank High he was a debater, athlete, Ceralbus Editor. The 1937 Burbank High Ceralbus theme was the “Spirit of Drama” and the Ceralbus was dedicated to Donald Woods. He wrote on the dedication page the following:

Prologue- Congratulations, Class of ’37, and thank you for the honor bestowed on me in this issue of the Ceralbus. Eleven years ago the writer left Burbank High School with a diploma tucked away in the bottom of a trunk. The diploma was carefully framed , but the notes were shoved away in storage. Eleven years later those notes, bound and classified, form an active part of my small library-but for the life of me I cannot find my diploma! How was I to know that five years later I would be making my living in the theater? That five years later my best friend would be a young doctor? That nine years later a complete analysis of the character of Charles Darnay would help me secure a part in a motion picture? My notes on Drama, Biology, and English were invaluable. Which all goes to prove, fellow students, that in my case a note or two in the hand was worth several diplomas on the wall!! Good Luck.” – Donald Woods, Editor of Ceralbus ‘25

He attended the University of California at Berkeley, and made his film debut in 1928. He legally changed his professional name in 1945 after having done many radio and stage productions and appearing in the features "Sweet Adeline" (1934) and "A Tale of Two Cities" (1935). Woods hosted two 1950s television series, "The Orchid Award" and "Hotel Cosmopolitan" and was a regular on the series "Tammy". Known primarily for his western and whodunit work, Woods also guest starred on "Wagon Train" (NBC) and "The Wild, Wild West" (CBS). His last movie was in 1969 True Grit, starring John Wayne.

Woods retired from acting in 1976 and become a successful real estate broker in Palm Springs, California, where he lived with his wife, childhood sweetheart Josephine Van der Horck. They were married from 1933 until his death on Thursday, March 05, 1998, in Palm Springs, California at the age of 91 of Cardiopulmonary Failure. They had two children, Linda and Conrad (Conrad became a tennis pro and modern painter). His grave is located at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.

Donald Woods Personal Quote: “I try to do at least one play per year whatever else I’m doing – such as selling $300,000 worth of real estate in Palm Springs.”

To read more about Donald Woods and to see all his movies and television series he appeared in and to watch video clips to some of his movies , click here IMDB Data Base

Herbert "Herb" Lewis Hinthorne, BHS 1936

In Loving Memory Of Herbert Lewis Hinthorne

May 14, 1918 - November 29, 2009

A friend of mine Herbert "Herb" Lewis Hinthorne, Burbank High School, Class of 1936 and a member of the Senior Bulldogs passed away at age 91 last Sunday, November 29, 2009. His daughter Nancy, BHS 1959 said her father died suddenly and had been in fairly good health and three weeks before his death had played a round of golf.

In a book Burbank History it says this about Herbert Hinthorne: "Burbank's senior fireman Captain Herbert Hinthorne retired in July, 1974, after 36 years on the job. The captain always carried a nickel in his pocket, used in the old days to make telephone calls for more fire units."

Herb knew my uncle as they were firefighters together until my uncle moved away, but Herb stayed in Burbank and fought many fires over the years. Herb's daughter Nancy was my sister's best friend in high school. Herb is survived by his wife Agnes, daughters, Nancy and Joyce and their families. Joyce also went to Burbank High.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him!

Richard Paul Cummings, BHS 1965

Sad to report that BHS Class of 1965 lost another classmate December 7, 2018, Rick Cummings. He had been ill with dementia/Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s for several years now. Rick passed peacefully with his wife and two of his daughters by his side. 

There will be a viewing on Tuesday December 11th from 4-8 pm at Mckenzie Mortuary,  3843  E Anaheim St, Long Beach 90804, and the funeral will be at the same location on Wednesday at 11 am. 

Please pass this info on to our classmates.  Submitted by Susie Carson Sojka '65

June Ann Young Macomber, BHS 1948

June Ann Young Macomber, BHS 1948
1931-2016

June Ann Macomber passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 30, 2016 at the age of 85. For the past 3 years June lived in a private home called Cottage of the Oaks in Ventura County, in the city of Thousand Oaks. Her 2 boys live within 15 minutes of her home and had looked after her welfare since her move to California in 2009.

June was born on June 18, 1931 in Denver, CO to James and Anna Young. She had one sibling, Jimmy who was 11 years June’s senior. June’s parents moved the family to California in 1940. After moving to a few different cities and getting the feel of California, the young family settled into Burbank.

The high school June attended was Burbank High, where she met and fell in love with the man she would be married to for the rest of her life, Gary Macomber. June and Gary Married in 1947 and not long after started their family where they were thrilled to welcome 3 sons. June was the proud grandmother to 4 grandchildren and a very proud great grandmother to 7 children. June and Gary’s loving marriage grew to 60 years until Gary’s passing in 2007.

June worked in the California School system for 22 years. She worked in the cafeteria at Cleveland High School. She was also a secretary at Ukiah High and Pomolita Middle School. June and Gary finally retired together in 1988 to start a new chapter of their lives.

They loved to travel on their motorcycles. They have been through every state in the US and every Province in Canada. They rode from Northern California to the Panama Canal. They even flew their motorcycle to Europe and rode through many countries there.

In 1955 June and Gary joined the Mormon Church thanks to a dear friend, Allen Coryell and his wife Gayle. June held several positions in the church, but loved the mission that they served together in the Fiji Islands.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 S. Main, Spanish Fork, Utah. Viewing will be from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Salem City Cemetery


Published in the Daily Herald, Provo, Utah, Aug 3, 2016

Mary Lee Belloni Howell, BHS 1964

From Pam Kirkwood, BHS 64

We are extremely sad to tell you that Mary Lee Belloni Howell BHS '64 passed away last night December 5, 2018. The information so far, is very minimal. All we know is that Mary Lee took a bad fall about a week ago. When more information is available, we will let you know.

Mary Lee was a beloved friend to so many. She served as the Drill Team Captain in her Senior Year and was heavily involved in school activities.

Mary Lee leaves 2 sons, Michael and Brandon and was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Howell (Also from BHS '64).

Evie Swierczynski, BHS 2021

Evie Swierczynski
JULY 15, 2003 – OCTOBER 30, 2018

Burbank High School sophomore Evie Swierczynski lost her battle with acute myeloid leukemia on Tuesday evening October 30, 2018, less than six months after her diagnosis.

The former John Muir Middle School student was 15 years old. Evie’s father, Duane, tweeted Wednesday morning that the family’s “hearts are broken beyond words. Thank you for all of your love and support this year.”

Besides her father, Evie is survived by her mother, Meredith, and brother, Parker.

Evie was a member of the school’s drama department, and the group created a tribute in her honor, according to Bertram, Burbank High's principal. “There was a small gathering and poster here, a memorial, where kids put handprints and left unique messages about her,” Bertram said.

Bertram said Evie’s parents have discussed a celebration of life, but plans were not finalized as of Friday afternoon. Her family has asked that students and friends honor her memory by donating blood or platelets to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, where Evie had been receiving care.

Evie was super glue. Not in the arts-and-crafts sense, though she loved creating things and used plenty of adhesive (and tape and paper and colored pencils) in the process. No, Evie was the glue that connected family and friends in a way that was not always visible, but deep and powerful nonetheless.

We know this, because without her the world feels like it is ready to fall apart.

When Evie was 11 she created a pop-up store with hand-made purses and wallets and little sculptures. She’d join her father at small comic book conventions and sell her wares right next to his comics and novels. And she’d outsell him by a wide margin. But her motivation wasn’t money (she was always donating the lion’s share of the proceeds to St. Jude’s Hospital). She simply wanted to bring a little joy into people’s lives. Evie called her venture “The Fun Store.” She’d even put out a container of free toys and candy for anyone to take, just so that no one would ever feel left out.

That was the thing about Evie; she always gravitated to the outsiders. Her favorite stuffed animals were oddball creatures: rats, ostriches, pot-bellied cats… any kind of cat, really. If you were at a party feeling awkward and alone, Evie would bring you into the fold, introduce you around. She had her own dreams and plans (following in the footsteps of Alexander Hamilton and attending Columbia University so that she could teach history). But she always took great joy in whatever you wanted to do.

And no matter what you were doing, she’d make you laugh. Evie was born with incredible comedic timing, a gift that would show itself at the most surprising moments. During her first round of chemo, the painkillers made her act a little… goofy. “Wow, we haven’t seen you this silly since you were four,” her parents noted. Evie replied, “But when I was four, did I do this…?” Then gave us the finger.

Over the past five months she gave cancer the finger, too. When that struggle became too great she retreated to some other place, and only then did her parents realize the truth: Evie had been supporting them just as much as they’d been supporting her. A mischievous smile; a deadpan retort; a peace sign; rolled eyes; an exaggerated selfie pose; a hug. These were the things that kept them going during an especially frightening time.

Her family and friends are heartbroken and grieving her loss, not sure how to proceed, afraid that this new world will come flying apart. But Evie showed us the way, by example of her life. In the face of loneliness or fear or adversity, you laugh. You create. You blow bubbles. You hug. You make up stories about stuffed animals. You give to those who have less. And sometimes, you give fear the middle finger, because it’s funny.

Evie will always be super glue.

And she will forever bind together those who love her.

Team Evie GoFundMe Page

George Leigh Wissmann, BHS 1974

George Leigh Wissmann, BHS 1974

George Leigh Wissmann, 62, was born on March 29, 1956, in Los Angeles , California, and passed away August 6, 2018. He resided in Santa Clarita, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Glendale, California.

George attended Providencia Elementary School, Luther Burbank Junior High School and graduated from Burbank High School in 1974.

According to his sister Lynda Wissmann she posted on Facebook that her brother passed on August 4, 2018 and the obituary above has his death listed as August 6, so not sure which one is correct. No other details at this time.

Kelly Jean Wilkins, BHS 1989

Kelly Jean Wilkins, BHS 1989
January 15, 1971 - September 3, 2018

Kelly Jean Wilkins, 47, of Le Mars, formerly of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018 at Unity Point Health- St. Luke's in Sioux City, Iowa following an extended illness. A graveside service will take place at a later date. The Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars is assisting Kelly’s family with funeral arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may be directed through www.mauerjohnsonfh.com.

Sergio Tiscareno, BHS 1995

Sergio Tiscareno was born on December 19, 1976 and passed away in Los Angeles County, California on March 6, 2005 as a result of blunt force trauma to head he received in a car accident. He was 28 years old.

Sergio was a 1995 graduate of Burbank High School. He was a nice looking young man and is missed by his family and friends and all those who knew him. No other details at this time. Rest in Peace!

Eric Jon de Leuw, BHS 1984

Eric Jon de Leuw (1966 - 2018)

April 26, 1966 - October 18, 2018. Surrounded by his family and friends, Eric peacefully joined his parents Ray and Judy de Leuw; Bud and Laurie Baker in heaven. Eric was raised in Burbank and graduated from Burbank High School in 1984. Eric's first love was spending time with his family. He loved playing and coaching baseball and softball. He volunteered countless hours at Park View and West Lancaster Little Leagues over the past twenty years. 

Eric is survived by his wife Senta and first wife Tammy; children Ryan, Dylan, Kayley, Cassidy, Jack, Austin and Jonee. Also survived by his in-laws Debbie, Chad, and Windy Hamilton. Also survived by his nieces and nephews Kayla, Curtis, Robert, Angie, and Erik. 

Saturday November 10, 2018, 2 pm, there will be a "Celebration of Life" for Eric, beginning at Park View Little League 733 West Ave J-4, Lancaster. We will have a balloon release in honor of Eric.
The family asks that everyone attends in Dodger blue or Dodger attire. A gathering will follow at Tammy de Leuw's home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the family at the "de Leuw Go Fund Me Page"

Published in The Antelope Valley Press on Nov. 4, 2018

NOTE: From GoFundMe Page is the following, As many of you know, Senta was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. While she continues to fight this terribly taxing fight, her husband Eric has been dealing with his own health issues. He’s been on dialysis and has recently had some major issues. I can’t go into detail, but he’s currently in the I.C.U. On life support and needs all the prayers he can get. This family has been amazing contributors to the community and is now in need of help. They are burdened with tons of medical bills and have been out of work due to their health issues. I just wanted to set this go fund me up to try and help ease the financial burden they are most certainly enduring. Anything you can donate would be beyond helpful! https://www.gofundme.com/help-the-de-leuw-family

Ronald Scott Brouillard, BHS 1971

Ronald Scott Brouillard, BHS 1971

Ronald was born on March 01, 1953 and passed away on August 25, 2014 in Burbank, California. He died at the age of 61. 

Arrangements under the direction of Valley Funeral Home, Burbank, California. He is missed and loved by his family and friends and all those who knew and loved him. 

No other details at this time.

Kenneth Anthony Caldera, BHS 1994

JUSTICE FOR KENNY CALDERA

Not guilty plea in 1991 slaying

ATTACK: Victim was football player, homecoming prince
By C.J. Lin Staff Writer
03/26/2010, Los Angeles Daily News

Nearly two decades after a Burbank high school football player was killed in a drive-by shooting in Van Nuys, his accused killer pleaded not guilty Friday to murder.
Defendant Rodolpho Gallegos, 35, who fled to Mexico sometime after the shooting, was arrested there in October 2008 and extradited to the U.S. in March 2009.

Gallegos was 16 on Aug. 24, 1991, when authorities allege he opened fire at a car, killing Kenneth Anthony Caldera, 16, and wounding two of the four other people in the vehicle.
Gallegos is charged with one count of murder and four counts of attempted murder, each of which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Wearing a blue jumpsuit and handcuffed to a chair, he stayed silent through the short hearing. Public defender Brock Hammond entered the not guilty plea on his behalf. Gallegos, who in 2002 was ranked second on the the LAPD Valley Division's most-wanted list, is being held on $2 million bail.Caldera had been voted most valuable player by his teammates at Burbank High and Homecoming Court Prince the year he died, his father, Kenneth Caldera Sr., wrote in an open letter to Gallegos in 2001.

"You murdered him 10 years ago, he was 16 years old at the time, you were about the same age," he wrote. "This person was a sweet young man, a son any parent would be proud to have."

The younger Caldera was riding in the back seat of a car that passed through Blythe Street Gang territory on the way home from a swimming party, officials say. Gallegos, who was in another asked Caldera's group where they were from – a traditional gang challenge. Prosecutors say that Gallegos pulled a gun and fired at the occupants of the first car as they tried to tell him they were not gang members, according to the District Attorney's Office.

NOTE: A gang member extradited from Mexico for killing a 16-year-old Burbank student more than two decades ago has been sentenced to 85 years to life in prison.

John Richard Bellomo, BHS 1973

John R. Bellomo
October 31, 1954 - July 30, 2018

John Richard Bellomo was born October 31, 1954 at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital in Hollywood, California. John, his big sister Catherine, and their parents Tom and Joanne Bellomo, settled in Burbank where John attended St Robert Bellarmine grad school and graduated from Burbank High School in 1973. 

John joined the Armed Forces following high school and served the U.S. Army in the United States and Germany as a Mechanical Engineer. Upon his return to Los Angeles, John began his thirty-five-year career in the automotive industry at what is now know as Century West BMW in North Hollywood and in later years, commuted from Lake Los Angeles to the Beverly Hills BMW dealership where he was employed for many years. In 2013, John joined the Century West BMW team in Alhambra where he continued working as a loyal and valued employee until the end of April 2018. 

John and Kathryn, formerly Kathryn Grace Louis, originally from Minnesota, were married on June 16, 1986 at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Burbank. Later the same year, the newlyweds relocated to Lake Los Angeles where the family currently resides. Their marriage produced three beautiful children. In 2005, John's mother, Joanne, preceded him in death and he stayed close to his father, Tom, during this time of bereavement. John was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.

A lifelong Dodger baseball fan, John played little league baseball in his early years with his father Tom, the "coach", his sister, the "official" scorekeeper and his mother, Joanne, John's biggest fan, in the stands. He also loved NASCAR and enjoyed watching the races both in person and on his devices. John had an endearing and sensitive heart that drew family and friends to him throughout his lifetime. He was a kind and gentle soul and had a special affection for domestic animals - many animals! Over the years, visitor would likely be greeted by the family of pets who shared the Bellomo home including cats, dogs and "Lovey" the dove.

On Monday evening, July 30, 2018, John entered into rest peacefully, as his home surrounded by his family. John is survived by his devoted wife, Kathryn Grace, children, Chelsea Nicole, Lindsay Michelle, and Michael John, three grandsons, Martin, Timothy Maximus "Max" and Adam, father Tom, sister Catherine, nephew Nicolas and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, loving friends, neighbors and colleagues.

"There are three things that last: Faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13

Acknowledgments
The family of John R. Bellomo wish to express their heartfelt thanks to those who have shared in John's live and extended expressions of love, prayers and words of encouragement. May God bless each of you for your kindness.

Special thanks to Keilana Davis, Pastors Morris Barnes & Adolphus Garnett, the Lancaster SDA Church for hosting and the Valley Crossroads saints for their support & prayers.

SERVICE 
Lancaster SDA Church
43824 30th St W. Lancaster CA 93536
Monday, August 13, 2018
11:00 am

Angelica A. Cob-Baehler, BHS 1989

Angelica Cob-Baehler, Veteran Music Industry Executive, Dies at 47
She was among Katy Perry's early champions and had an A&R role in 2008's "One of the Boys."

By JEM ASWAD  
Senior Music Editor
Variety, November 21, 2018

Angelica Cob-Baehler, a longtime music-business management and publicity executive, died Wednesday November 21, 2018 after a long battle with cancer, Variety has confirmed. She was 47.

She began her career as an intern at Elektra Records and after her graduation from UCLA was hired as a publicity assistant at Atlantic in 1993. There, she rose to senior director, working with Stone Temple Pilots, Kid Rock and Jewel before moving to Columbia Records as a VP in 2001. At that label, she worked closely with such acts as John Mayer, System of a Down and the Offspring, and also developed a strong relationship with a young singer whose album for the label was never released: Katy Perry.

Cob-Baehler moved to Virgin Records as an SVP in 2005 (which merged into the EMI Music Group), where she launched an ultimately successful campaign to bring Perry to the label. She played a large role in the A&R and creative direction of the singer’s 2008 breakthrough album, “One of the Boys,” as well as the follow-up, “Teenage Dream.” She was SVP of media and creative services at the company at the time of her departure in 2011, for an EVP marketing job at Epic.

After less than a year, she left the Sony Music label to join Jeff Kwatinetz at Prospect Park, which morphed into The Firm and later Big3/Prospect Park/Cube Vision, where she worked closely with Ice Cube, his son (and “Straight Outta Compton” star) O’Shea Jackson Jr. and other artists.

She was promoted to the head of music at the company in 2016 but became ill not long afterward and spent much of the past couple of years battling the disease. Known as “Geli,” Cob-Baehler was a friend (and former co-worker) of Variety’s music staff for more than two decades. She faced her illness with admirable courage, optimism and humor, even as the prognosis grew negative.

She leaves her husband, Chapman, and two young daughters. May she rest in peace.

Note: Cob-Baehler was born in San Jose, Costa Rica in 1971 and moved with her family to Burbank, California in 1981. She attended UCLA and graduated with a degree in Political Science in 1993.

John Andrew Russell, BHS 1967

John Russell grew up and lived in Ethiopia and Kenya, except for his years at BHS. His parents were Presbyterian missionaries. During the time at BHS his parents were on furlough from Africa, and his dad was an associate minister at Glendale Presbyterian Church. After that they returned to Kenya for many more years until retirement, which included when John died in 1982.

A close friend and fellow pilot found the wreckage after the crash, and contacted John's parents in Kenya. They traveled from Kenya to Alaska and were able to see his body after they arrived, which was possible due to the circumstances of the crash. John was cremated in Alaska and then his parents took his cremains back to Kenya and scattered them over Mt. Kenya.
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Daily Sitka Sentinel, Sitka, Alaska, Wednesday, April 14, 1982

IDENTIFIED - FAIRBANKS - The Alaska State Troopers identified Tuesday the three people killed in a helicopter crash about 19 miles northeast of Tanana. Dead are pilot John Russell, 32, of Fairbanks, and Tom Ellis, 31, and Gary MacKenzie, 28, both of Anchorage. Cause of the crash late Sunday of the Hughes HU-500 owned by Tundra Copters of Fairbanks has not been determined.
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Daily News Miner, Fairbanks, Alaska, Wednesday, April 14, 1982

CAUSE OF COPTER MISHAP UNKNOWN

A Tundra Copters pilot at the controls of a helicopter that slammed into a mountain northeast of Tanana Sunday did not radio for help before the crash, the general manager for the Fairbanks air taxi service said this morning. "Right now, it's unknown," Craig Fielding said of the accident's cause.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash that killed pilot John A. Russell,32, of Fairbanks; Thomas A. Ellis, 32, of Girdwood, and Gary McKenzie, 28, of Anchorage.

Jon Osgood, who heads the Alaskan NTSB office, said this morning that he had yet talked with investigator Dick Stella and that cause of the accident is unknown. Stella and a technical representative for Hughes Aircraft traveled Tuesday to the accident site, 19 miles northeast of Tanana. The victims' bodies were recovered Tuesday by a State Trooper and Tundra Copters employees.

Ellis and McKenzie were Anaconda Copper Company employees. They left Fairbanks Sunday morning for a one-day trip to the Ray Mountains to set up a prospecting camp, an Arco spokesman said. The Ray Mountains are located 50 miles northeast of Tanana.

Susan Andrews said that Ellis, formerly a paramedic with the Anchorage Fire Department, was employed as a safety consultant; and McKenzie was a seasonal employee who had been hired as camp manager for the prospecting camp. The pair were expected to return to Fairbanks Sunday night but when the helicopter had not returned by 7:30 p.m., it was reported missing. Fielding said.

Fielding who is also a pilot, located the wreckage about 3 p.m. Monday after landing at the Anaconda camp. Overcast skies and poor weather hampered earlier search efforts, he said. Fielding said he followed a flight line from the camp toward Fairbanks. He spotted the helicopter above timberline on a mountain about an hour later. It was destroyed and apparently lost its rotor blades on impact, he said.

Fielding also said that Russell had apparently left McKenzie and Ellis at the camp while he shuttled explosives from Tanana to the mining camp, before returning to get them and bring them back to Fairbanks. Fielding said Russell was an experienced pilot and had never had an accident. He had been flying with Tundra Copters since 1977 and had logged more than 4,000 hours flight time, Fielding said.
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Daily News Miner, Fairbanks, Alaska, Monday, April 19, 1982

PROBE FINDS COPTER FREE FROM PROBLEMS

A Preliminary investigation into the cause of a helicopter crash northeast of Tanana that killed all three men on board has not revealed any mechanical problems with the helicopter, a National Transportation Safety Board field investigator said Friday. But the investigation is continuing and final results may not be known for months, Marc Stella said.

He said that Russell, who piloted the copter, had last contacted the Tanana Flight Service Station about 4:30 p.m. April 11 to extend his flight plan. Russell did not indicate any trouble with the helicopter, Stella said. The weather at the time of the accident was satisfactory for visual flight although there may have been scattered marginal areas, he added. Stella traveled to the accident site twice last week along with three Federal Aviation Administration coordinators and employees of Tundra Copters, the owners of the demolished helicopter. 

It crashed April 11 on a snowfield side of a mountain at about the 2,500-foot level. The wreckage was discovered Monday, April 12, by a pilot for Tundra Copters, a Fairbanks-based air taxi service. Stella said an on-scene investigation showed that the helicopter appeared to strike the side of the mountain at a high speed, killing the three men on board.

Linda Loranger Snipes, BHS 1968

 Linda Loranger Snipes, BHS 1968

Downey Patriot, October 27, 2016

Linda Snipes mourned

Linda Loranger Snipes passed away suddenly on Oct. 25, 2016 in South Gate. She was born and raised in Burbank and worked as a registered nurse for Los Angeles County before working at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center in Downey for many years. 

She is survived by her daughter Lisa (Joelle) and her son Daniel. Linda was predeceased in by her parents.