In Memoriam

Luiz Barroso (1996) Luiz André Barroso '96 PhD (Computer Engineering), a revered computer scientist, passed away on September 16th, 2023, at the age of 59. His pioneering work in multi-core CPUs and energy-efficient server design at Google shaped the foundation of modern computer architecture and hyperscale technology. Luiz's book "Datacenter as a Computer" is considered a standard of excellence within the computer science discipline. Beyond his technical contributions, he championed diversity, played guitar, and excelled in photography, showcasing a deep passion for nature preservation. His profound impact on people, characterized by kindness, humility, and generosity, is his enduring legacy. Colleagues and friends have expressed deep admiration for his talents and warmth, and his absence is deeply mourned. Submitted: 2023-09-25

Richard Bedrosian (1961) Richard Arra Bedrosian '61 BS (EE), passed away on August 27, 2023. Submitted: 2023-08-28

Lloyd Bartlett (1953) Lloyd Bartlett, BS '53 (ENG) passed away on December 16, 2022 in Whittier, CA. He was 94. He is survived by his wife Evie, daughters Lorree and Leiza and son Lloyd Submitted: 2023-01-03

John Shea (1949) John F. Shea, BS ’49 (ENG), passed away on October 16, 2022. He was 96 years old. Submitted: 2023-01-03

Kenneth Fritts (1975) Kenneth Fritts, '75 (AME), MBA \'83 passed away on Oct 17, 2021. He was 68 year old. While at USC he was a member of the NROTC and Delta Chi Fraternity. He is survived by wife, Judy, daughters Diane Oliva and Denise Fritts, son-in-law Brad Oliva, and granddaughter Charlotte Oliva. Submitted: 2022-06-23

Howard Jessen (1948) Howard Ellsworth Jessen, '48 MS (CEE), passed away at age 96 surrounded by his loving children, Art, Ned and Gwen on September 29, 2021. Submitted: 2022-03-22

Thomas Hartwick (1969) Dr. Thomas Stanley Hartwick, PhD '69 (ENG) died in Sammamish, WA on September 2, 2021. He was 87 years old. He was a trailblazer in the new field of lasers and was a world authority. He authored numerous important scientific research papers in such fields as sensors and imaging, optical communications, microwave devices, and far-infrared lasers. After retiring as TRW's Director of the Electronic Systems Laboratory, he served on many government defense advisory boards, such as electron devices and microchip supplies; he also served on corporate boards giving sage advice to R&D companies and testified at congressional hearings. Tom will be greatly missed by his loving wife Alberta, daughter Glynis Matula (Tim) of Sammamish, Jeffrey Hartwick (Amy) of Studio City, CA. Hartwick if also survived by his five grandchildren, Matthew Matula BS '14 (BUS), Mark Matula, Connor Hartwick, Sophie Hartwick, Annabelle Hartwick, and by his brother, Ronald "Dean" Hartwick JD '64 (LAW) (Gloria). Submitted: 2021-11-02

Martin Pilmanis (1965) Martin Pilmanis BS '65 (AME), MBA '68, passed away at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on September 28, 2021 at the age of 78. Pilmanis took pride in his career in aerospace, having held executive positions at Deutsch Aerospace, Teledyne, Aeroquip, Faber Enterprises, Pilkington North America, and Hi-Shear Corporation, supporting countless NASA and US Military programs. He is survived by his wife Paula, daughter, Ginette, and son, Kalon. Submitted: 2021-10-18

Norman Lewis (1977) Norman H. Lewis, MS '77 (ISE), passed away in San Diego, CA on August 4, 2021. He was 86 years old. Lewis was an NROTC Midshipman at USC and after his commission, served as a Naval Aviator for 25 years, serving in Vietnam, Iceland, Japan and other locations around the world. He is survived by his wife, Nanci BS (Occupational Therapy) '57, daughters Janis BA '81, Kay and Joy BA '88, and son, Jon. Submitted: 2021-08-27

Samuel Longo Sr. (1953) Samuel Longo Sr., '53 (AME) of La Canada, CA passed away on December 20, 2020 at the age of 91. Submitted: 2021-08-11

Donald Anderson (1951) Donald Anderson ’51 (AME) passed away on December 24, 2018 at the age of 93. Submitted: 2021-08-11

Alice Goldberg (1949) Alice Harvey Goldberg , '49 (ENG), passed away on March 16, 2021. She was born on April 15, 1926 and lived to be 94 years old. She was often described as an amazing, strong, feisty, direct and opinionated woman. Constantly on the go and doing things, she looked after everyone - always baking treats, and organizing trips. Alice was born and grew up in Los Angeles with her mom’s famous homemade chopped liver, chicken soup with matzoh balls, and wonderfully fresh canned peaches and strawberry jam. She loved her dog, Skippy. She graduated from Fairfax High School in 1944. Alice began her undergraduate work at Stanford University, but transferred to USC a year later when she married Jack Goldberg in 1946. Alice also played flute, including playing in the orchestra in college and community orchestras into the 1960’s. She was a woman ahead of her time in the 1940’s. Alice was the first woman at USC to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1949. Alice thought being the only woman in chemical engineering classes was kind of fun at first, but she also realized she had it easy because she was married to another engineering student. “If I had come in as a single woman, I would have been out of luck.” But when it came to job hunting all she hit was discrimination. Employment recruiters wouldn’t even talk to her. Finally she landed a job in chemical engineering in the Metallurgy Lab at Harvey Aluminum - perhaps because her father and uncle worked there. Kids started showing up for Alice and Jack. First was Seth in 1952, followed by Jennie in 1954 and Dena in 1956. Dogs were part of the family too. Jack said, “If you’re going to get a dog, get a real dog!” So Alice went to the pound and came back with a Great Dane. Several Danes later and numerous litters of 12 puppies, Alice changed gears and came home one day with a basset hound. It was Seth’s dog, but really, it was Mom’s. After the kids were well into junior and senior high school, Alice got bored despite her energetic volunteering with the Co-op Nursery School, Girl Scouts, PTA, and the League of Women Voters. So, in 1966 it was back to school to get a teaching credential in math and science. She did substitute teaching and worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District from 1970 to 1978. Jack took over household duties when Mom started teaching. He did such a good job that he decided to retire early from the aerospace industry and devote his life to being a house husband. In 1982, Alice returned to school again for a degree in Computer Science. Finally in 1982, Alice got a job in her field as a Staff Engineer at Hughes Aircraft. She worked there until 1989 while continuing her peripatetic ways. She ran three marathons, rafted Chile’s BioBio, trekked Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, hiked in Tibet, and went hut hopping in Norway. She also visited the Galapagos Islands, Canada’s Maritime Provinces, backpacked in Alaska, the Grand Canyon, and more. She continued her passion of knitting, creating hundreds of beautiful sweaters, vests, etc. and all these projects were well documented in a series of large notebooks. Done like only an engineer would do. Alice caught the travel bug early in life. As a child her parents took her on horse packing adventures. Her honeymoon was camping at Yosemite National Park. The camping interest continued even with children including trips to the Mojave desert, national parks, national forests, all the different habitats in California and almost every US state and all the Canadian provinces. She took the Sierra Club Basic Mountaineering Course with her daughter Jennie in 1975 and introduced her family to backpacking. Both she and her husband were active members of their local chapter of the Sierra Club, including serving as trip leaders for numerous adventures for many, many years. Finding fun far afield, since her summer 1947 trip to Israel, Alice visited all seven continents and almost all countries. She kept a spreadsheet of all her foreign and domestic trips…over 300 of them! Even when she was working, she managed to visit Nepal twice and backpack along Alaska’s Iditarod Trail. Her backpacking continued with her son-in-law into the 1990’s including the Appalachian trail and heli-hiking in Canada. Her husband of 58 years, Jack Goldberg, died November 2004. On March 17, 2009, Alice moved to Mirabella in Seattle to be near her favorite son-in-law. She started a knitting group at Mirabella, joined the Flying Dragons dragon boating club on Lake Union, and could be found every morning in the Mirabella swimming pool and weight room. In February 2018 she moved to Aegis of Queen Anne on Galer due to her dementia. Here she delighted everyone with her charming, big smile, her humor, excitement of the little things, singing her favorite songs and reciting classic poetry. Submitted: 2021-04-21

Conn Francis Findlay (1954) Conn Findlay ’54 (CEE), a medalist in rowing and sailing at four Olympics who is regarded as USC's greatest rower, died on April 8, 2021, in Northern California. He was 90 years old. At the time of his passing, he was USC's oldest surviving Olympic medalist and gold medalist. He also was USC's third-oldest surviving Olympian, behind swimmer Iris Cummings Critchell (100) and water poloist William Ross (92). Findlay won gold medals in the coxed pair rowing event at the 1956 Melbourne and 1964 Tokyo Olympics, which sandwiched a bronze in the event at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Then, at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, he competed in sailing and captured a bronze medal in the tempest two-man keelboat class event, crewing for Dennis Conner. He is one of six Trojans to have competed in the Olympics in two different sports, joining Ira Courtney (track, baseball), Howard Drew (track, baseball), Robert Hughes (water polo, swimming), Fred Kelly (track, baseball) and Wallace Wolf (swimming, water polo). In rowing, Findlay also won a gold medal at the 1963 Pan American Games in coxed pair and placed fifth in the event at the 1962 World Championships. He was named US Rowing's Man of the Year in 2007. In sailing, he also was part of the winning America’s Cup sailing crews in 1974 and 1977. Findlay rowed at USC as a senior in the 1953-54 season. He became the freshman rowing coach at Stanford, then was the varsity coach in 1959 for several years. He was responsible for building the original Stanford boathouse. He was inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. After coaching, he ran a boat leasing business and officiated rowing regattas. Submitted: 2021-04-19

Philip Field (1952) Philip Field, '52 has passed away. He was an aerospace and mechanical engineering alum here at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Submitted: 2021-03-15

Robert Bell (1953) Robert "Bob" Bell ’53 (EE) of Palos Verdes, California, died in February 2021 at age 92 from dementia. He was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 1928 and grew up near a small airport (now O'Hare) where he earned his pilot's license at age 15, even before he could drive a car. He met his future bride, Suzanne, in high school, and after graduating, joined the Navy where he became a Flying Midshipman and trained to become a fighter pilot. While serving, he and Suzanne had a Navy wedding in Key West, Florida. Out of the Navy, Robert decided to pursue an engineering degree at USC, eventually working for General Electric Co. in the Aviation Division, mostly in Philadelphia, PA. In 1979, he was named Division Manager of the GE Marketing/Aviation office in Rome, Italy, and served in that capacity until being named Division manager of the Los Angeles office in El Segundo, California, in 1984, where he worked until his retirement. In his retirement, Robert became involved with The Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California, as a speaker and as a contributor to the restoration of the Bell P-59A Airacomet, "America's First Jet" (1942). Robert is predeceased by Suzanne, who died of complications from Alzheimer's in 2017, and is survived by his daughters Marianne Dodds (Cliff) and Nancy, as well as a sister, Joan Corey, and a nephew, Curt Corey. The family wishes to thank Robert and Suzanne's longtime caregivers, Cathy, Sara, Virginia and Ricky, for helping them through this difficult journey. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Heart Association, the American Humane Society, or to a charity of choice. Submitted: 2021-03-15

Katherine Fixa (1951) Katherine Fixa, '51 (AME) of Brea, CA passed peacefully on October 3, 2020 at the age of 92. She will be interned with her husband Richard Fixa, 50 (USC) at Riverside National Cemetery. Submitted: 2021-01-22

Paul Bass (1976) Paul Bass ’76 (ISSM) has passed away. Submitted: 2020-12-11

George M. Seeley (1950) George Seeley ‘50 (CEE) passed away on October 19, 2020 at the age of 101. Seeley served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater, rising to the rank of First Sergeant. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he attended the University of Southern California, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering. His 35-year professional career included positions of increasing responsibility with Architect-Engineering firms, culminating in a 12-year tenure as Building Commissioner for the town of Framingham, retiring in 1985. Submitted: 2020-12-11

Francis Ashford (1965) Francis E. “Frank” Ashford ‘65 M.S. (ENG) passed away on July 21, 2019 at the age of 95. After graduating from University of MN, he worked for Chance-Vought for a while, eventually hiring into Lockheed in January 1951. He retired in December 2011 after 60 Years of Service! Ashford was an unbelievable human being. Loved by so many, even those who were just beginning to learn about. So many facets. So many talents. Such commitment. Such love. Submitted: 2020-12-11

Neil McKay Jr. (1942) Neil H. McKay Jr. ‘42 (ENG) passed on July 15, 2020 at the age of 99 in Oro Valley, Arizona. He was from Los Angeles, CA. Submitted: 2020-12-11

Young Park (1970) Young Park ‘70 (ENG) passed away on July 3, 2020 at the age of 83. He was born in Seoul, Korea and came to the United States when he was 18 years old. He went to Baker University in Kansas where he got his B.S. in Mathematics. He worked for NASA JPL and Northrop Grumman as part of the Department of Defense Missile Software for 50 years. Young loved football, especially USC football, and loved taking trips with his family. Young is survived by his wife, Soon Park; his daughter Kay Katz; his son Dan Park; his son-in-law, Bruce Katz; his grandchildren Amanda Katz (USC '20), Andrew Katz, and Asher Park; and his daughter-in-law, Starla Park. Submitted: 2020-12-11

Robert Larsen (1952) Robert Arnold Larsen ‘52 (ENG) passed away in March of 2020. Submitted: 2020-12-11

Manouher Naraghi (1975) Manouher Naraghi ‘75 PhD (EE) of Torrance, California passed away earlier this year. Submitted: 2020-12-11

Gerald Carr (1954) Gerald Carr '54 (AME), who commanded the last Skylab mission, passed away Aug. 26, 2020 in Albany, NY. Carr was born Aug. 22, 1932 in Denver, Colorado. He joined the Navy in 1949 and one year later received an appointment to the midshipman (NROTC) program. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California in 1954 and aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1961. Carr completed his education by earning a Master of Science degree in 1962 from Princeton University. In 1976, Carr was presented with an honorary doctorate in aeronautical engineering from Parks College of Saint Louis University, Cahokia, Illinois. Over his illustrious career, Carr was the recipient of numerous awards including the Robert J. Collier Trophy (1973), the NASA Distinguished Service Medal (1974), and the Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy (1975). Submitted: 2020-12-02

Grant Imahara (1993) Grant Imahara, '93 (EE) host of 'MythBusters' and 'White Rabbit Project, has passed away on July 13, 2020. Submitted: 2020-09-08

Takeshi Tokiyama (1965) Takeshi Tokiyama, MS '65 (ENG), has passed away on October 16, 2019. Submitted: 2020-09-08

Robert Mannon (1971) Robert Bob W. Mannon, MS '61 (ENG), PHD '71 (ENG) of Santa Barbara, California has passed away on March 10, 2020, at the age of 92. Submitted: 2020-05-21

Robert A. Johnson (1960) Robert A. Johnson, '60 (CEE), of Ironwood, MI passed away on April 23, 2020. Johnson was a SeaBee in WWII. Submitted: 2020-05-21

Carlton Penn (1966) Carlton Penn, MS '66 (AME) passed away on December 6, 2019. He was born March 26 in Porterdale, Georgia and attended Newton Co. High School in Covington, Georgia. In 1962, he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology (“Georgia Tech”) and was a life long fan of the Tech Yellow Jackets football and basketball teams. A friend changed his life in 1962 by inviting him to church where he met his future wife, the former Barbara Martin from Atlanta, Georgia. They married in 1963 and enjoyed 56 years together. Don served in the Air Force from 1962 to 1966 and during that time earned his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California. At Edwards AFB, he was the proverbial “rocket scientist” at what is now known as the Air Force Research Laboratory, often just called The Rocket Lab. During his 37 years there, he became the “go to” man for all liquid propulsion testing methods and Russian technology issues. He participated in the first national evaluations and studies of Russian engines and launch vehicles and also participated in NASA evaluations of Russian technology. He enjoyed his business trips to Russia and Kazakhstan to swap ideas with fellow engineers involved in rocket propulsion and design. (Baikonur in Kazakhstan is the equivalent of our Cape Kennedy regarding rocket launches.) One of the Russian engineers he met was convinced he was a CIA agent! Don liked the Russian people very much. He studied Russian before going on these trips and learned about their culture. In 1998, a group of Russian engineers put on a memorable 35th anniversary party for the Penns. In addition to joint ventures with Russian engineers, Don directed the first Air Force studies of low cost launch vehicles. At the end of his career, he became a Program Manager for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s effort supporting Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Testing on Test Stand 1-A, leading the refurbishment and activation of Test Stand 1-A that had not been used since the original Apollo first stage F-1 booster engine development from the 1960’s. Over the years he earned many sustained superior performance awards, special act awards, and numerous letters of appreciation. He produced a long series of research breakthroughs and major technology advancements. In 1999 he was recognized with the Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award for his work from 1962 to 1999. Although a brilliant man, he was gentle and humble; a true gentleman and very generous in donating to his church and charitable causes. He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for 53 years and was among the members of the congregation that worked hard to turn St. Paul’s from a mission church into a parish. Don was always open to people of different races, nationalities and ethnicities. He and his wife had many travel adventures: visiting the jungles and ruins of Guatemala and Mexico; the Soviet Union; Spain during the Franco dictatorship; Ukraine; the Republic of Georgia during civil unrest; Uzbekistan; Kazakhstan; the British Isles and Ireland; and four trips to Germany, two of which as chaperones of a foreign exchange group. In their younger days, they were also avid cross-country skiiers, backpackers, and swimmers. Heartfelt thanks to the medical staff of Palmdale Regional Medical Center who cared for him during his six week stay there. Though too many to mention, they were the essence of caring and compassion. He is now at peace. He was a firm believer in his Lord and Savior and how He told us to live. “May he rest in peace and rise in glory.” Submitted: 2020-05-21

James E. Fernandes (1974) James E. Fernandes, MS '74 (ISE), of Seattle, WA passed away on February 8, 2020, at the age of 93. Submitted: 2020-05-21

Eloy Charles Stevens (1954) Eloy Charles Stevens, MS '54 (AME), passed away September 19, 2019. Submitted: 2020-05-21

Fred R. Thomas (1964) Fred R. Thomas, MS ‘64 (EE) of Irvine, California passed away on April 3, 2019, at the age of 84. Submitted: 2020-02-25

John J. Vranich (1991) John J. Vranich, MS ’91 EE, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, on May 17, 2019. Beloved husband of Heidi Simpson-Vranich and loving father of Caleb Vranich. John is the son of Dorothy C. and the late John T. Vranich of Enfield, CT. Cherished brother of Susan, Cindy, and Robert Vranich and wife Meredy and daughter Mila. Son-in-law to Don Simpson, Sr. and brother-in-law of Denise and Don Simpson. He is also survived by many cousins, extended family members, and friends. Born and raised in Enfield, CT, graduated from Univ. of Pennsylvania, and earned a Master's degree here at USC. Vranich started his engineering career at Raytheon, and continued at PictureTel, Basis, and Intel. Vranich had many wonderful friendships through work and athletic activities; BSC street hockey, Ultimate Frisbee. He enjoyed live music in and around the Boston area and played piano and guitar. He was an avid Boston Sports fan and saw the Boston Bruins win their last series and advance to the Stanley Cup! Submitted: 2019-11-15

Richard S. Bucy (2019) Richard S. Bucy, professor of Aerospace Engineering, passed away at his Redondo Beach home on November 2, 2019. Richard was born July 20, 1935 in Washington D.C. to Marie Glinke and Richard Evans. He took the surname of his stepfather, Edmond H. Bucy, out of a profound respect he had for him. While growing up, he attended St. Albans school in Washington D.C. and Boston Latin in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he earned a bachelor's degree in Mathematics. He completed his doctorate studies at the University of California at Berkeley. Richard taught at the University of Maryland and the University of Colorado at Boulder before starting his 32 year career here at USC, in the Graduate Department of Aerospace Engineering. He also was a visiting professor at the University Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France and Techinische Universitat in Berlin, West Germany. He also won the Alexander Von Humboldt prize from the West German government. He was proud of his inclusion in "Who's Who in America" and his IEEE fellowship. Over his career, he authored numerous books, papers, and contributed to many mathematical journals. Some of his closest relationships were with other mathematicians both internationally and nationally. He also had many long lasting friendships with former students. With the mentoring of Rudy Kalman, he helped contribute to the Kalman-Bucy filter. This mathematical filter was used in many commercial and military applications including the Apollo missions, Space Shuttle, GPS, and other guidance applications. His intellect and curiosity for learning was second to none. Richard was a connoisseur of food and wine, and had a special affinity for French food and wine. He also loved Mathematics, magic, horses, football, Mercedes Benz cars and his mother’s German culture. His favorite quote was “Straight is the Gate, and narrow is the way that leads to righteousness." He leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Ofelia. Sons Phillip (Theresa) and Erwin (Lisa) and Grandchildren Alaina and Karina. Submitted: 2019-11-13

Susan Abdeen (1997) Susan P. Abdeen, '97 (BSCEE), passed away on March 13, 2019 at the age of 44. She was born in Dongan Hills, NY. Abdeen was a software developer and consultant. She was the successful business owner of IHP Development Inc. and was in demand for her expertise in software development industry. Abdeen had such a great sense of humor and took fun trips with her friends and mother to watch NASCAR races. She enjoyed politics, backgammon, casino games, cooking, NASCAR, softball, broomball, kickball, traveling, college football, summer visits and her daily talks with her mom and family. Abdeen is survived by her mother, Diana Young; two sisters, Donna Sabri and Deidre Young; her stepmother, Donna Young; cherished aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces; three dear friends, Angelique Ababayan, Kim Hendrix, and Laszlo Sterbinsk; as well as her precious fur babies, Kia, Becky and Reilly. She was predeceased by her father, Richard (Yogi) Young in 2014. Submitted: 2019-08-14

John R. von Aspen (1960) John R. von Aspen, ’60 (ENG and BUS) passed away on April 20, 2019. Submitted: 2019-08-14

Dr. Vassilios E Haloulakos (1959) Dr. Vassilios Elias Haloulakos, ’59, MS ’62, (ENG) had a stellar career that spanned the Jet Age, Space Race and Cold War in which he was associated with such projects as the Gemini and Apollo manned space missions; Sky Lab; Up Stage anti-ballistic missile interceptor; the DC-10 jet airliner; NERVA (Nuclear Engine Rocket Vehicle Application); and the DC-X Clipper reusable single stage rocket. Haloulakos published books and research papers have been donated to Brigham Young University. He passed away on January 13, 2019. If anyone connected with the Trojan Family wishes to learn more about Dr Haloulakos and his published scientific research, please contact his son, keeper of the legacy and fellow Trojan, Rev Protodeacon George Haloulakos (holder of BS & MBA degrees from USC) either by e-mail (Haloulakos@gmail.com) or cell phone (425-241-5016) -- voice & text. Submitted: 2019-08-14

Gordon M. Anderson (1954) Gordon M. Anderson, ’54, (BSME) was the CEO and eventually Chairman of Santa Fe International Corporation before retiring in 1997. He participated actively, including in various leadership positions, with the Young President's Organization and subsequently the World Presidents' Organization well into his retirement. Anderson passed away on April 21, 2019 at the age of 87. To read more about the life of Anderson, go to: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/latimes/obituary.aspx?n=gordon-m-anderson&pid=192704690. Submitted: 2019-08-14

Norman C. Brinkmeyer (1948) Norman C. Brinkmeyer, '48 (ENG), of Sonora, CA passed away on May 1, 2019. He was 93 years old. Submitted: 2019-05-15

Thomas Michael Reese (1988) Thomas Michael (Mike) Reese, '88, MS '90 (ENG), passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 18, 2018, after a valiant battle with a rare form of liver disease. His zest for life and for knowledge was contagious, and endeared him to those fortunate enough to know him. Mike was born on December 24, 1966, in Bangor, Maine. He graduated from Oakton High School in Oakton, Virginia in 1984, and earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California, with an emphasis in lasers and optics. After graduation, Mike worked at the Aerospace Corporation for several years in laser spectroscopy. From there he transitioned to the U.S. Air Force, where he focused on advanced space payloads. Mike then moved to the National Reconnaissance Office, where he served as the chief systems engineer for the Technology Pathfinder Initiative Program Office and also worked as a legislative affairs officer. In 2002 he joined the Central Intelligence Agency as Director of the Systems Engineering Group, and also worked as the Directorate of Science and Technology (DS&T) Covert Action Mission Manager. Following his distinguished eight-year career in the intelligence community, Mike joined the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he initially worked in the Office of Strategic Outcomes, and most recently served as Deputy Associate Program Leader for Weapons and Complex Integration. Outside of work, Mike’s passions included fast cars, fine coffees, Krav Maga, and high-end audio, but most of all, he loved spending time with his children. Mike is survived by his two loving sons, Zachary and Nicholas; devoted parents Thomas and Rita Reese; brother Marc Reese (Debi) and sister Melissa Steinmetz (Tim); and the mother of his children, Mary Reese. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a charitable contribution be made in Mike’s name to the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) (researchautism.org) or the American Liver Foundation (liverfoundation.org). Submitted: 2019-05-15

Colin Austin (2010) Colin R. Austin, '10 (ENG), passed way on February 19, 2019. He was a Senior Engineer at Fresenius Kabi where he was in charge of all circuit board designs. Colin will be missed by his family and friends. Submitted: 2019-04-09

Edward J. Huck (1981) Edward J. Huck, '81 MSEE, of Torrance, California, passed away on Nov. 2, 2018 at the age of 62. Submitted: 2019-02-22

Carter B. Conlin, Sr. (1945) On August 19, 2018, at the age of 94 years old, Carter B. Conlin, Sr., '45 (ENG), '47 MS (ENG), passed away. Conlin was born in Los Angeles, California on May 11, 1924 and attended John Marshall High School. On December 7, 1941, when he was 17 years old, the United States entered World War II when Japan attacked U.S. Navy ships stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On October 30, 1942, Conlin enlisted in the Navy as an apprentice seaman. On July 1, 1943, at the age of 19 years old, the Navy ordered him to report for active duty in the Navy¹s V-12 college program at the University of Southern California (USC) to obtain a degree in chemical engineering. On May 8, 1945, Victory in Europe (V-E Day) was declared. In June, 1945, Conlin graduated from USC with a BS degree in chemical engineering. Then, the Navy sent him to Midshipmen¹s school (officer¹s training program) at Columbia University in New York City. On August 14, 1945, Victory in Japan (V-J Day) was declared. On November 2, 1945, Conlin graduated from Midshipmen¹s school and was commissioned with the officer rank of Ensign. Shortly thereafter, the Navy ordered him to serve on the USS Horace A Bass (APD 124), a high speed destroyer transport operating in the Pacific. In June, 1946, he was separated from active duty, however he continued his service in the Naval Reserve. In April of 1951, when the Korean War broke out, Conlin was re-called to active duty. During the war, he served on the destroyer USS Lloyd Thomas (DD-764) where he was assigned to be the CIC Officer (Combat Information Center). In 1952, he was transferred to the USS Jack Wilke (DE800), a destroyer escort as the Operations Officer, and was soon promoted to Executive Officer. In April, 1953, Conlin was released from active duty, but continued his service in the Navy Reserve; and he earned an MS degree in chemical engineering at USC. In 1982, Conlin retired from Texaco with 35 years of service and worked for small oil companies and as a consulting chemical engineer. In October of 1982, after 40 years of service (5 years active duty and 35 years reserve) with the rank of Captain, Conlin retired from the Navy. He remained active in citizen organizations that supported the Sea Services: The Navy League and The Naval Order of the U.S. A renaissance man, Conlin had many loves: first and foremost, God, his family and his country. He also had many interests: playing the piano, reading, Bible study, photography, tennis, gymnastics, woodworking, and flying as a licensed pilot. His family grieves his loss because they believe we are human, but they have joy that Conlin is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy Conlin; and his five children, John, Carter Barry Conlin, Jr., Kevin, Brian, Ann Conlin Sommerfeld; and three grandchildren. Submitted: 2018-11-08

David Bahrs (1982) David Bahrs, '82 MS (ENG), passed away on March 6, 2018. Submitted: 2018-08-16

Max Israel (1950) Max Israel, '50 (BSCE), passed away on December 31, 2017 at the age of 94. Israel was a proud a USC Alumni. He faithfully watched all the games; had the USC banner on his front door; and proudly wore his USC jacket and ball cap. Israel moved to Concord NC in July 2007 and continued to love and watch every USC game that was aired. He also proudly displayed his USC structural engineering degree, on the wall of his dining room. Israel would get upset when people would mistake "USC" and his school colors for the University of South Carolina. Submitted: 2018-08-16

Kenneth W. Agid (1969) Kenneth W. Agid, '66 (BUS), '69 (ENG), of Coto De Caza, CA, passed away in December of 2016 at the age 73. Submitted: 2018-08-16

Kenneth Sustachek (1990) Kenneth J. Sustachek, '90 ISSM, passed away on March 13, 2018. He graduated from USC on December 21, 1990 with a Master of Science degree in Systems Management and was a member of the ISSM (Institute of Safety and Systems Management) Triumviirate. Submitted: 2018-05-18

David Martin Mauthe (1965) David Martin Mauthe, '65 (ENG), of Chappell, Nebraska passed away on March 9, 2018. He was 75 years old. Submitted: 2018-05-18

Victor Smigel (1959) Victor Smigel '59 (ENG), passed away July 19, 2017. Smigel was born in Brussels, Belgium and lived the last 40 years of his life in Montgomery Village, Maryland. Smigel was passionate with his love of USC and came back for his 50th reunion year anniversary in 2009. He had two grandsons graduate from USC - the pride of his life!!! Submitted: 2018-02-16

Robert Crowder (1994) Robert E. Crowder, '49 (ENG), of Carson City, Nevada passed away on Jan 1, 2018. He was 94 years old. Submitted: 2018-02-15

Flerida Burdick Uldrich (1973) Flerida Burdick Uldrich ¹73 BS (ENG), of Millersville Maryland passed away on January 18, 2018. She was 66 years old and is survived by her husband John Uldrich, '73 (LAS). Submitted: 2018-02-15

Gary Curtis Hart (1965) Gary Curtis Hart, '65 BSEE, passed away at his home in Marina del Rey, California on October 21, 2017. He was 73 years old. Hart was born in San Bernardino, California. During his time at USC, he received the ASCE Los Angeles Section Award for Outstanding Civil Engineering Graduate Student. After graduating from USC, he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in structural engineering from Stanford University in 1966 and 1968. His PhD dissertation was entitled “Response of Three-Dimensional Buildings to Multiple Random Wind Loads”. Hart began his illustrious career in 1968 as a civil engineering assistant professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In his 2004 autobiography, he stated “At my core, I believe that I am a teacher of something very special and that is structural engineering” and “Teaching is something that I enjoy in many different forms.” He took early retirement from UCLA as professor emeritus in 2001. In conjunction with his time at UCLA, Hart also worked for John H. Wiggins Company from 1971 to 1979, and was the President of Englekirk and Hart from 1979 to 1992. He started his own consulting business, Hart Consultant Group, in 1992, which he sold to Weidlinger Associates Inc. in 2001, where he was a Principal and Director until 2015. Hart joined the international engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti through its merger with Weidlinger Associates in 2015, where he functioned as Principal Emeritus. Submitted: 2018-02-15

David Lee English (1967) David Lee English ’67 (ENG), of Garden Grove, California, passed away on October 21, 2017 at the age of 87. In 1954, he was hired by Hughes Aircraft Company and worked as an electronics technician and later as an electrical engineer in the microwave products division. He retired in 1993. English became interested in genealogy in the late 1970s and became an expert genealogist developing an extensive collection of records and books on his ancestors. His wife Faye predeceased him in 2011 and he is survived by his two children and three grandchildren. Submitted: 2018-02-15

John C. Walter (1949) John Walter, '49 BSAME, the son of Lawrence and Jean (Sanford) Walter, was born on February 19, 1921 in Washington, Indiana. After graduating from Washington High School, he moved to Los Angeles where he attended and played football for Long Beach Junior College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942, graduated from pilot training in January, 1944 and was assigned to the 95th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force in England in August of 1944. He flew thirty-five combat missions over Germany as a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and five air medals. Upon returning to the U.S. he served as a pilot in the Air Transport Command. John resigned from the Air Force Reserve as a Captain in 1953. In July 1945 John married Barbara Smiley, a high school classmate. She passed away in 1999. John graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1949 and joined Cummins Engine Company where he held positions in Product and Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Research and International divisions. He served as Chief Engineer during the launch of the Shotts Engine Plant in Scotland. In 1981 he presented the 27th L. Ray Buckendale lecture at the Society of Automotive Engineer's annual meeting in Detroit. In 1984 he was tasked by Cummins to make a reality of Rudolph de Harak's "Exploded Engine" concept that now graces the Cummins Corporate Office Building lobby. Over the years John was active as a volunteer guide and Board member for the Columbus Visitors Center. He served as past-president of the Harrison Lake Town Meeting. He was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis, the Columbus Chapter of the Air Force Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association Columbus Chapter. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Southwestern Bartholomew Water Corporation. John was an extremely active volunteer at the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum since 1983. He was an accomplished and prolific woodworker and produced many works for friends, family and community. He also enjoyed a lifelong passion for anything to do with airplanes and railroads. As an author John wrote My War, a book that chronicled his experiences from enlistment through combat and return home. He produced many articles for The Republic Community Correspondents Panel. In 2000 he married Ruth Braswell. She passed away in 2009. John's father, mother and sisters, Mary Jane Berns and Eleanor Ehmann, are deceased. He is survived by his son, Gary Walter and daughter-in-law, Gwen of Dexter, Michigan. Also surviving are his stepdaughter, Judy Braswell who resides in Noblesville and his stepson, James Braswell of Denver, Colorado. John was a great son, brother, husband, father, friend and citizen and epitomized the final lines of James Michener's war novel The Bridges at Toko-Ri, where after the death of a pilot, an Admiral asks "Where do we get such men?" Submitted: 2018-01-19

Edward Cramsie (1956) Edward Cramsie, '56 BSCEE, of Pasadena, CA passed away peacefully with family by his side on August 23, 2017. He was 83 years old. Cramsie was born to the late Edward and Mary Cramsie in Boston, MA in 1933 and was the younger brother of Maryellen Hughes. He attended South Pasadena-San Marino High School and went on to graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in engineering. After graduating, Cramsie spent 3 years as an officer in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineers Corp and thereafter, 37 years at Parsons Corporation in Pasadena, CA. He was a worldwide traveler, avid golfer, skilled photographer and lifelong Trojan football fan. Cramsie is survived by his wife, Joyce; his daughters Karen Sheean (Chip) of San Rafael, CA and Colleen Harder (James) of Napa, CA; seven grandchildren; his former wife, Hilde; loving in-laws; nephews; step-children; and a host of longtime friends. Submitted: 2017-11-07

Laurie Ann Pengra (1988) Laurie Ann Pengra, '88 MSSM, passed away on December 4, 2015. Pengra retired as a Lt. Colonel in 2005 and resided in her home state of Minnesota before her passing. Submitted: 2017-11-07

Dwight W. Johnson (1969) Dwight Warren Johnson, ’69 MAOM, - beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend - passed away in Redlands, CA on September 9, 2017, at the age of 97. He was born on January 31, 1920 in Blabon, North Dakota, the youngest of three children. He graduated from the University of North Dakota and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, Johnson transferred to Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, CA, where he was an aeronautical engineer for the inspector general’s office. He married the love of his life, Jo Ellen Trietsch, and relocated their family from Virginia to Redlands, where they would live happily for more than six decades. He earned an MA in Organizational Management from USC in 1969 and remained a proud Trojan the rest of his days. Johnson was an inimitable character, with an insatiable curiosity matched only by his generosity and compassion for others. His clever wit, humorous outlook, and indisputable charm provided endless laughter and brightened the lives of all who knew him. Johnson is survived by Jo Ellen, his loving wife of 70 years; their four sons, Stephen (Ann), Keith (Robin), Douglas (Pam), and Paul (Julia); eleven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Submitted: 2017-11-01

John Jamison Davis (1955) John Jamison Davis, '55 BSEE, '59 MSEE, passed away on October 9, 2017. Davis specialized in engineering work in the aerospace industry for many years before moving full-time into the broadcasting industry. He was the chief engineer for KKGO-FM for almost 50 years and was a consulting engineer for many other radio stations. Davis also designed and built his own FM station in Yucca Valley, KROR-FM. For many years, Davis was also an on-air host for KPFK-FM and prior to that on KCBH-FM, the first FM station in the Los Angeles area. He is survived by his wife and best friend for 50 years, Deanne; four children; thirteen grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Davis leaves a legacy of honesty, integrity and innovative engineering work, along with his love of God and service to others. Submitted: 2017-10-24

John Rae (Jack) Anderson IV (1948) John R. Anderson IV, 48 (ENG), passed away peacefully with his entire family surrounding him on July 3, 2017. A humble man, Anderson was born March 1, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois to J Bruce and Ethel G. (Bernard) Anderson and named after his Uncle John R. Anderson III and his grandfather John R. Anderson II, a Chicago Alderman and Mayor of Park Ridge, Illinois 1925-1929. In 1938, Anderson and his parents moved to Los Angeles to join other family members escaping the cold Chicago winters after attending only two years of high school at John Marshall High School. Prior to his departure from Chicago, he was initiated in the John Marshall Lodge No 636 as an apprentice Mason. He graduated from Los Angeles High in 1940, attending USC and graduating in 1948 with a Bachelors of Engineering in Civil Engineering after a two year enlistment in the United States Navy as an Aviation Radioman. From June 1946 to May 1957 he worked in the private sector and the Building and Safety Division of the County Engineer, County of Los Angeles, receiving his California authority to use the title ‘Structural Engineer’ in April 1955. He eventually departed the challenging job as Senior Structural Engineer for Los Angeles County to start a private Structural Engineering practice. During his employment at Los Angeles County, Anderson took a two year leave of absence during the Korean conflict (1952-1954) for a tour of active duty with the United States Navy as Assistant Resident Officer in Charge of Construction at 29 Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. Anderson's accomplishments during this and prior assignments gained him admission to Fellow grade in the American Society of Civil Engineers. He started his firm in May 1957 with his two year old and six month old sons at home. As usual he never did things the easy way. Long days and designing into the wee hours of the night enabled the engineering firm to grow rapidly and by 1965 was offering Architectural and Structural Engineering services. At its peak, the firm employed fifteen personnel and held engineering licenses in 14 states and the Territory of Guam under Jack’s name. A testament of his company’s growth in the first 8 years included major building projects for United Parcel Service, Continental Can and a new 400,000 square foot manufacturing warehouse building and six story corporate headquarters for Mattel, Inc. The firm continued to grow with projects for Sinclair Paints, Columbia Savings & Loan and the United States Government. He retired from the design business in December 1986, but continued to manage his real estate holdings for the next twenty-five years. Anderson retired from the United States Naval Reserve in 1982 at the rank of Captain, Civil Engineer Corps after 35 plus years’ service. He was very proud of his service as a ‘Mustang’ (Enlisted rank to Commissioned rank) in the Navy. So much, that he even wrote a letter to the Chief of Naval Operations to voluntarily return to active duty after 9/11! Yes, he was 79 years old! His membership in the Navy League of the United States (NLUS) was as stellar as the rest of his career(s). He held positions as President of the local NLUS Council, Southwest Region and National Director. He took substantial pride being the Chairman of the NLUS Ball for the re-commissioning of the USS New Jersey in 1982 during then President Reagans efforts to create a 600 ship Navy. Anderson defined the word frugal by the way he lived. He wasted nothing and collected everything! To humanities benefit, he bequeathed the lion’s share of his lifelong savings to help thousands of other people through Scripps Health Foundation. A special thank you to his ‘other’ family at Scripps Memorial and Green Hospital in La Jolla for their loving care and support, not only during the last days of his life, but for keeping him healthy the past 32 years. Survived by his wife of 65 years, Eileen, his daughter, Wendy Sonneville, and a son J Bruce Anderson II, two grand-daughters, one grandson and seven great grandchildren, Anderson was predeceased by his parents and son, John R. Anderson V (2004). Submitted: 2017-08-17

Adela Wolf Steinman (1947) Adela Wolf Steinman '47 (ENG), passed away on January 18, 2017. She was featured in the Fall 2016 USC Viterbi magazine in "The Lady in the Photograph" as the lone woman graduate in a class of 250 men. Submitted: 2017-08-17

Harold Pudewa (1953) Harold "Hap" Arthur Pudewa, '53 BSME, '55 MS, passed away on April 29, 2017. He was a loving and beloved son, grandson, father, husband, sailor, and friend. Except for being born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, he spent his entire life in the Los Angeles Area not far from USC. His Mother, Gladys Wanke, and his Grandfather, Lewis Wanke, basically raised him. His Stepfather, Joseph Tye, was also a great roll model for him. After graduating from Jefferson High in Los Angeles, Pudewa earned a degree from USC in Mechanical Engineering. Hughes Aircraft sent him on to Grad School at USC where he became a heat transfer specialist. During that time he married Marcia J. Keets. They had two children, Andrew and Pam, who are now in their 50's. He and Marcia divorced in 1978 and she passed away on March 03, 2012. Pudewa spent 35 years with TRW and he enjoyed being part of the many Apollo projects and the later space shuttle ones. He met his current wife, Kathleen G. Raab, in the early 80's. Always an avid sailor, he took her sailing on their very first date and to dinner at Ports O' Call Village in San Pedro. They have shared a very special love for each other for over 34 years. When Pudewa retired in 1989, he joined Kathleen in her Long Beach home. He raced Tranpac to Hawaii on SBOC in 1985; crewed on several Mexican Races; and delivered three boats back home with Bob Stuart. Wes Stone joined them on one extended cruise up the Mexican coast. Pudewa spent many years being active in the Buccaneer Yacht Club, Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club, and many local yacht racing events. He also served as Race Committee Chairman for both Clubs. Each September he and Bob Stuart chaired the cruise to the Channel Islands off the coast of Santa Barbara. Pudewa 's quiet and gentle guidance, his welcoming smiles, and his love of life will not be forgotten. Submitted: 2017-08-17

Alan Mescon (1954) Alan Mescon '54 (ENG), passed away on January 29, 2015. After graduating from North Hollywood High School (NHHS), Mescon graduated from USC's Engineering School. After a year of working in electrical engineering he changed careers and became a secondary school teacher. Mescon taught mathematics and computer programming, including several years as a teacher at NHHS, retiring in 1987. He then worked 2 years for the Pentax Corporation, but left there after illness and the passing of his wife. Sometime later Mescon married again. He and his wife Barbara were married for 18 years, until his passing in January 2015. Alan was a clown, graduating from a clown college. He knew how to make people smile and feel good about themselves, and especially enjoyed working with veterans in Long Beach VA Hospital and Marines at Camp Pendleton. Mescon is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Mescon; daughter, Susan Blackman; daughter, Gena Rogin; son, David Mescon; grandchildren: Avi Rogin, Dina Gaines, Rivky Rogin, Michael Milan, Erin Burgess, Racheal Carbajal, Robert Milan, April Mescon, Greg Papaj, Steve Mescon, Shauna Gossman, Shoshana Teitelbaum, Stacy Levine, Diana Milan; and twenty-two great grandchildren. Submitted: 2017-05-18

Stanley Charles Nelson (1950) Stanley Charles Nelson '50 (ENG), passed away on February 20, 2017. He was born in Los Angeles, CA on June 8, 1925 and grew up in the Windsor Hills, CA area. He entered World War II right out of high school and served in the Army Air Corps. Nelson was honorably discharged from the Army Air Corps in January 1946, after which he attended USC on the GI Bill. After graduating in 1950 he worked as an industrial engineer for several companies, retiring from Weiser Lock in 1987. He met his wife Dorothy at Hollywood Presbyterian Church and they were married there in 1954. After he retired, they moved to Washington State to be near their only child, Susan. Nelson was always active, especially after his wife passed away in 2010. He enjoyed bike riding, golf, gardening, and was walking 3 miles several times a week up until he fell ill last November. Nelson was very active in church where he served as an usher. He also volunteered over 5,000 hours over a period of 20 years at a local hospital. He had many friends who had such love and respect for him. Nelson remained an avid USC fan all his life and was never happier than watching a USC football game, as long as USC won! His final resting place is at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. Submitted: 2017-05-17

Jacob Dekema (1937) In April of 2017, Jacob Dekema '37 (ENG), passed away peacefully in La Jolla, CA. He was 101 years old. Dekema was affectionately known as "Mr. Caltrans" as he was the designer of the region’s intricate network of highways and connectors, an accomplishment often cited as helping to inspire the nation’s interstate-highway system. He is survived by his wife; son, Douglas Dekema; a granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren. For more about Dekema's life and accomplishments, please visit: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-dekema-obit-20170505-story.html. Submitted: 2017-05-17

Edward C. Hohmann, Jr. (1966) Edward C. Hohmann, Jr. ’66 (ENG), ’71 Ph.D., passed away recently from complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 72. Hohmann grew up in West Hollywood and graduated from Fairfax High in Los Angeles. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from USC in 1966; a Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in 1967; and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering in 1971 from USC. Hohmann joined Cal Poly Pomona in 1971 as an assistant professor in what was then known as the chemical engineering department and 8 years later he became chair of the department. In 1984, he became Dean of the College of Engineering. Hohmann retired in 2010, as the the longest-serving dean of an engineering college within the CSU system. He is survived by his wife of 49 years; three children; seven grandchildren; his mother; and his three younger brothers. The family asks that those who wish to honor Hohmann’s memory make a donation to the Alzheimer Disease Research Center at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California. Mailing address: USC, Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, 1540 Alcazar St. Ste. 215, Los Angeles, CA 90033, C/O E. Taylor -Munoz Director, ADRC Administration or visit ADRC-Donate. A memorial service was held on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m. at Oakdale Mortuary in Glendora, CA. Submitted: 2017-04-03

Jacqueline Henderson Wiedel (2007) Jacqueline Gail Henderson Wiedel '07 (ENG), passed away on January 8, 2017. Wiedel was a double major in Technical Theater - Stage Management and Computer Engineering/Computer Science at USC. She was working as a computer network administrator for USC Information Technology Services (ITS). Wiedel is survived by her father, James L. Wiedel; mother, Cecelia E. Henderson; brother, Christopher J.H. Wiedel; and sisters Kathleen A.H. Wiedel, Heather R.H. Wiedel, and Bonnie L.H. Wiedel. Her parents and three of her siblings (all except Bonnie) also graduated from USC. Her father currently works for USC ITS. Submitted: 2017-02-15

Emrick Webb (1950) Emrick Adderson Webb' 50 BSISE, passed peacefully from this earth on February 3rd, 2017 at the age of 90 years old. A devoted husband to his wife Joan, father to Bryan (Jean) and Lorraine Donaldson (Guy Hallman), grandfather to Diana Donaldson, Sarah Donaldson, and Kathryn Webb, he will forever be deeply loved and missed. Emrick “Rick” was born on March 5th, 1926 to Helen Marie Swanson and Robert Boyd Webb and sister Marie Webb (Davis) in Colton, California. He grew up in Colton, assisting his dad to build their long term house at 1327 Mt. Vernon Avenue in 1937. Webb graduated from Colton High School in 1944, where he blossomed as a writer and an artist. He was part of the Navy V-12 program in WWII, first at the University of Redlands, and then at the University of Southern California. Webb took a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Southern California in 1950, and in 1955 he took a Trojan wife whom he adored for over 61 years! Throughout the years, he has passionately and generously supported his academic and fraternal institutions and continued to nurture friendships made while a student. For employment, Webb participated in both the construction and financial sectors including positions at William Simpson Construction, U.S. Electrical Motors, Northrop Corporation, Ernst & Young, and the Los Angeles Olympic Committee. His longest tenure was as a management consultant at E&Y (Los Angeles), from which he retired at the Partner level to lead the Security organization for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Webb's passions included spending time with family and friends, Trojan football, designing and building a variety of structures, genealogy, tennis, and golf. He was a car buff, story teller, master of the barbecue, generous host, world traveler, and photographer. He was a world class efficiency expert, able to solve any problem with “imaginuity” - imagination, ingenuity, and compassion. His legacy lives on in those of us who had the privilege of learning from his after-dinner lectures and by his tireless and courageous example. We will sorely miss our beloved mentor. He was deeply involved in the Episcopal churches serving the communities in which the Webbs lived: St. Andrews in Fullerton, All Saints in Pasadena, and St. Michael’s by-the-Sea in Carlsbad. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 18th, 2017 at 2pm at St. Michael’s by-the-Sea, Carlsbad, CA. In lieu of flowers, Webb asked that donations be made to St. Michael’s by-the Sea, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad CA 92008 or contact Linda Mumford at: 760-729-8901. Submitted: 2017-02-15

Titsa Panayota Papantoni-Kazakos (1973) On July 8, 2016 Dr. Titsa Panayota Papantoni-Kazakos, '73 Ph.D. (ENG) unexpectedly passed away. Her passing was a great loss to the professional global community of electrical and mechanical engineers, and to her family and friends. Titsa was born in Piraeus, Greece in 1945. With the strong support of her parents, Thanassis and Helen, she succeeded in being admitted to the highly competitive School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of the National Technical University of Athens, Greece (NTUA). She was one of only two women in a freshman class of about 70. Upon graduation with a diploma in electrical and mechanical engineering from NTUA in 1968, she started graduate studies with a full graduate research assistantship at Princeton University. She received her Master’s Degree in 1970 under the mentorship of Professor John Thomas, a legend in the field of Communication Theory. In 1969, she married Demetrios Kazakos, a fellow graduate student at the time. Papantoni-Kazakos continued her Ph.D. studies at the USC. In 1971, Titsa’s daughter, Effie Kazakos, was born. As a tribute to her professionalism, and to the admirable support of her advisor, Lee Davisson, Titsa continued her studies and she received her Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering in 1973. After receiving her degree she was immediately offered the position of Assistant Professor at the Electrical Engineering Department of Rice University in July 1973. The distinguished Dr. Henry Bourne was the Chairman who hired her. She was the first female Professor of Engineering at Rice University and she remained in this position until 1977. When she longed to obtain industrial experience, she accepted a prestigious position as a member of the Technical Staff of the prestigious Bell Laboratories, where she remained for one year. During this her time at Bell Laboratories, she developed an algorithm for a distributed monitoring system for the reliable performance of high speed communication networks, using powerful statistical quality control monitoring algorithms. Her algorithm has been widely used by Bell Labs and AT&T in reliably operating data networks. But, after completing one year in industry, academia lured her back. The freedom to conduct advanced research and the mentoring of students were factors that convinced her to accept the position of Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut, where, again, she was the first female professor of Engineering. She remained in this position as Associate Professor until 1983, when she was then promoted to Professor in 1983. She remained in this position until 1986. In 1986 she moved to the position of Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Virginia, and, again, became the first ever female Professor of the Department. She remained in this position until 1993 when she was appointed to the highly prestigious Canada Industrial Chair for High Speed Networks at the Electrical Engineering Department of the University of Ottawa. Again, she was the first ever woman to be appointed to a Canada Industrial Chair position in the whole country. This chair was endowed by $1,000,000 for a five year period. However, being very homesick for her adopted country, the United States, after only one year, in 1994, she was appointed to another Endowed Chair Professorship, at the University of Alabama - the named Professorship: E.A. ”Larry” Drummond Chair of Computer Engineering, within the Electrical Engineering Department. Again, she was the first ever woman to hold an endowed Professorship in the Department. She remained in this position until 2000, when she moved to become Professor and Department Chair at the Electrical Engineering Department of the University of Colorado at Denver. Being absorbed by her research, she stepped down from the position of Chair, and remained as Professor until her untimely passing. It was her passion for her field and her fearlessness that drove her to her great achievements. It is evident that she was a pioneer in breaking the GLASS CEILING in ENGINEERING FACULTY POSITIONS FOR WOMEN, an incidental result of her passion for science and her drive for and achievement of excellence. She is an inspiration to us all. During her lifetime she received many honors; was an amazing mentor; and she was an accomplished publisher of 2 books, 65 refereed journal papers, 4 book chapters, and 141 refereed full conference proceedings papers. She was A TRAILBLAZER FOR WOMEN’S EQUALITY IN ENGINEERING AND AN EXCELLENT ROLE MODEL FOR EVERYONE. She was a very enthusiastic and helpful advisor, working hard to be a role model to women and to all of her students. And she was also a hard working, dedicated, a great mother and wife, life and math teacher, best friend and inspiration to her adoring daughter, and a very supporting friend. Submitted: 2016-11-02

Carl Rodarty (1943) Carl M. Rodarty, '43 BSCEE, passed away on August 19, 2015. He was born in Los Angeles, CA as the only child to Candido and Laura (Tulette) Rodarty. Growing up his parents shared their love for the outdoors and spent many hours camping, collecting arrowheads and other artifacts, and fishing throughout the country. Rodarty graduated from John Marshall High School in Los Angeles, CA in 1939 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from USC in chemical engineering in 1943. While at USC, Rodarty was a member of the USC men's gymnastics team. Upon graduation he moved to Berkeley, CA to work with the Standard Oil Company in Oakland, CA. In 1948 Rodarty joined ARAMCO (Arabian American Oil Company) and began his 25 year sojourn working overseas. Rodarty met his future wife Kaethe Brose, from Bentheim, Germany while crossing the English Channel going to England. After corresponding for two years, Kaethe flew from England to meet Rodarty on Bahrain Island for their wedding. They spent 14 years in Saudi Arabia exploring the country, learning the culture and language, immersing themselves with the people and thoroughly enjoying their time there. They loved spending time meeting the Bedouin tribes and eventually adopted a native Saluki hound and were among the first to bring this desert breed to the United States. They left Saudi Arabia in 1961 and moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area until leaving in 1962 to move to Tripoli, Libya with Oasis Oil Company. while in Tripoli, Rodarty was responsible for laboratory operations in town, as well as at the remote desert drilling sites. During their time abroad, Rodarty and his wife traveled extensively and enjoyed taking a PanAmerican Around the World Clipper trip in 1951. They also crossed the Atlantic on the S.S. Rotterdam bringing three Salukis back to the United States on-board with them. Rodarty returned to California in 1973 taking a position with CONOCO in Ventura, CA where he made his home. He retired from CONOCO in 1985. Rodarty and his wife became active in the Saluki Club of America traveling to Lexington, KY in support of the desert breed show. He was past president of the Ondolando Club and spend many years hosting the Friday Night Social Hour. He was active in the Ventura Rhineland Club, the Chevron Retirees Association and the V8 Car Club. He enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Ventura B'n & B's Square Dancing Club for many years. Rodarty was a lifetime member of the USC Alumni Association, the Petroleum Production Pioneers, the American Petroleum Institute of California Coastal Chapter, the American Chemical Society, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He was a devoted husband and father. He and Kaethe enjoyed the company of their close friends hosting many special tea times spent telling stories and sharing laughs. He was an unassuming, humble man and helped many people along the way. He enjoyed watching baseball, soccer and basketball. Rodarty was proceeded in death by his wife, Kaethe (Brose) Rodarty (1921-2008), and son Bruce Carl Rodarty (1952-2007). He is survived by daughter Laurie (Tim) Rodarty-Ehrich and granddaughter, Isabel Ehrich of Corydon, Iowa; nephew Fritz Lengies of Neiderenhasuen, Germany, Family of Matthias Walther of Munster, Germany, Tim Tulette of Long Beach, CA and Dave Tulette of Los Angeles, CA. Special recognition to his dear friends Mr. and Mrs. Mbarek & Fawzia Khalifa of Quartz Hill, CA and Mrs. Sigrid Parmenter of Ventura, CA. The family is grateful for the care provided over the years by his caregivers and the wonderful friendship of his neighbors and his Monday morning breakfast group. Rodarty's ashes were scattered off the Ventura Channel Islands. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse & Hospice Association, 1996 Eastman Avenue, Suite 101, Ventura, CA 93003 (www.livingstonva.org.) Submitted: 2016-09-13

Herbert Whitehead (1950) Herbert Whitehead,'50 BS Chemical Engineering, passed away peacefully at his home in Temecula, CA on August 25, 2016. He was born August 14, 1925 in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from Garfield High School and served in the Army Air Corps as a navigator in WWII. Herbert graduated from USC in 1950 with a degree in chemical engineering and worked at Shell Chemical until 1969. He also worked at the SCAQMD from 1970 until his retirement in 1986. He is survived by his wife Leonie Whitehead, daughter Neeltje Mack,'84 MOSH, and 2 grandchildren. Submitted: 2016-09-02

Judith Love Cohen (1957) Judith Love Cohen, '57 BSEE, '62 MSEE, died after a short battle with cancer on July 25, 2016. She was a Registered Professional Electrical Engineer. Cohen worked in the Southern California aerospace industry, mostly at TRW, on a variety of projects, including roles on the teams that created the guidance computer for the Minuteman missile, the Pioneer spacecraft, the Abort-Guidance System in the Lunar Excursion Module for the Apollo space program, the Tracking Data and Relay Satellite System, and the ground science system for the Hubble Space Telescope, among others. She considered her work on the Apollo program to be the highlight of her career; it was her Abort-Guidance System that brought the Apollo 13 astronauts home safely after disaster struck on their way to the moon. Cohen served multiple terms as the president of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. Awards she received for her work included the Outstanding Engineer Award from the Institute for the Advancement of Engineering, and a Distinguished Literary Contributions Award from the IEEE. She was included in "Who’s Who in the West", and "Who’s Who in American Women". For many years, Cohen wrote a monthly column for the Engineer of California Magazine; she also wrote a play called “A Passover to Remember” that was produced twice in Los Angeles. She retired from engineering in the early 1990’s, and founded Cascade Pass, a children’s book publishing company, with her husband David Katz. Her first book, “You Can Be a Woman Engineer”, was written to encourage young girls to consider a future career in engineering. Cohen went on to author a series of similar books to encourage girls to enter the fields of engineering and science. She sold more than 100,000 copies of these books, and in doing so, inspired thousands of young girls to become interested in these important career fields. Cohen is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Katz; by her children, USC Viterbi faculty member and alumni Neil Siegel, Rachel Siegel, and Thomas Black; by her daughters-in-law Robyn Friend and Tanya Haden; and by her three grandchildren, Sonya Siegel-Chanen, Sammy Black and Tommy Black. Cohen and her husband worked together on the Pioneer spacecraft satellite in 1959 (as pictured), which was scheduled for launch in spring of 1959. Submitted: 2016-08-15

Vincent Kagawan (1983) Vincent Kagawan, '83 B.S., 'M.S. 86 (Petroleum Engineering), of Irvine, CA, passed away at the age of 54 on July 9, 2016. Submitted: 2016-08-09

William Coleman (1954) William S. Coleman, '54 BSME, '61 MBA, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away June 12, 2016 at the age of 83. One of the Trojan's biggest fans, (a football season ticket holder for over 50 years), he was honored at his memorial by his family wearing USC colors, ties, and accessories. #FightOn Submitted: 2016-08-08

Shahen Voskanian (1980) Shahen Voskanian '80 MS (ENG) retired in 2007 after 30 years with Northrop Grumman. On January 20, 2016 he passed away leaving behind his love of 34 years, Leah, a brother, sister and 2 nephews and 2 nieces. Submitted: 2016-05-17

Richard Linn Major (1950) Richard Linn Major '50 BSEE, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Pasadena, CA on November 15, 2015. He was born on May 4, 1925 in Redlands, CA. He graduated from Hoover High School in Glendale, CA and served in the Army Air Corps. Major graduated from USC in 1950 with a degree in electrical engineering and was a member of Eta Kappa Nu. He is survived by his wife Louise Major; daughter Donna Major Spurrell '82 BA LASS; and grand daugher Megan Elizabeth Spurrell '13 BA ANSC. Submitted: 2016-03-24

Carl Froehlich (1974) Carl Froehlich ’74 BSCEE, ’78 MSCEE passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2015 while vacationing with his family in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. He was 63 years old. Froehlich was born in Hanford, CA and was the oldest child of Erwin and Magdalene Froehlich. He spent his formative years in nearby Corcoran, CA attending school and working for Gilkey Farms, Inc., during summer and vacation breaks. While at Corcoran High School, Froehlich excelled in academics, football, and track and field, where he ran middle distance. He graduated high school in 1970 and was a recipient of a J.G. Boswell Scholarship. He used his scholarship to attend the University of Southern California where he graduated with honors, receiving his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1974 and a master’s in civil engineering in 1978. Froehlich worked in California for major engineering construction and consulting firms in the petrochemical, mining and nuclear power industries, taking on assignments around the world. As his work took him to sites across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, he was known for his intense work ethic and a persistence to find both the root of a problem, and a justifiable basis for a solution. Froehlich was a key contributor in both design and implementation roles for mitigation of reactor pressure vessel and piping materials issues, dry fuel storage of nuclear fuel, and analytical evaluations of fracture mechanics. His adaptability, indefatigable spirit, wry humor and congeniality made him a delightful work companion, especially in difficult environments. Froehlich retired in 2013, and continued to enjoy golfing, camping, traveling, movies and attending sports events. Well read, thoughtful and always curious about the human condition, he loved discussing world affairs, and encouraged learning and engagement. Friends and colleagues appreciated his open mindedness and willingness to share any burden. More than anything, he enjoyed his family. Froehlich is survived by his wife Sandra Delvin, his two children Alexandra and Matthias, his mother Magdalene, his brother and sister-in-law Bob and Peggy of Simi Valley, his sister and brother-in-law Christine and Tom Shippey of Pollock Pines, three nieces and a nephew, and numerous relatives in Germany. Froehlich was preceded in death by his father Erwin. In lieu of traditional remembrances, the family has requested donations be made to Corcoran High School Scholarship Fund, ATTN: Froehlich Memorial Scholarship, 1520 Patterson Avenue, Corcoran, CA 93212. Submitted: 2015-12-21

Mark Pascoo (1973) Mark Bruce Pascoo, BSCE '73, of Huntington Beach, California, passed away on January 5, 2015, at the age of 63. Submitted: 2015-11-11

Richard Roundtree (1960) Richard C. Rountree, BSME ’60, MS ENG ’63, PhD ENG ’72, of Harbor City, CA, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2014. He was married for 51 years to his wife Carole. He is also survived by four children - Deborah (and her husband Michael Stewart), Charles (and his wife Joyce), Kimberlee (and her husband John Gorman), and Seth. He was also grandfather to seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Born in Lima, Ohio, Richard moved to Southern California as an infant, and was raised in Long Beach. As a Wilson High School graduate of 1950, he was on the CIF Championship Baseball team. Richard coached several local youth baseball teams in the 1970s. He continued to enjoy playing sports (having played semi-pro baseball for the Hollywood Stars in the 1950s and professional softball for the Long Beach Nitehawks in 1960s) until age 65 when he finally hung up his softball cleats, fulfilling a lifetime goal. Richard's passions were spending time with family, sports (especially anything USC Trojans, Lakers and Dodgers), reading, and pets. Carole and Richard enjoyed several cruises, trips to Montana, and just spending time together. He enjoyed being a member of the Long Beach Century Club. He was an adjunct professor at CSULB and USC. Richard started his distinguished career as a Systems Engineer at Douglas Aircraft and was promoted to the drafting department because they needed a guard on their basketball team. He later moved onto Northrop, TRW, Logicon, and retired from The Aerospace Corporation of El Segundo. Richard also supported the guidance system on Apollo 11, worked on the Lunar Excursion Module, established the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, and supported/designed other US Defense Systems. The family will miss the wisdom, love and example of our loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. - You can see more about Richard's life at: http://www.greenhillsmortuary.com/obituary/Richard-C.-Rountree/Harbor-City-CA/1459872#sthash.WnhHn7wn.dpuf. Submitted: 2015-11-11

Robert Bezzant (1959) Robert Glen Bezzant ’59 (MSCEE) of Orem, Utah passed away on May 14th, 2015 in Provo, Utah after complications from surgery. He was 88 years, old having been born August 13th, 1926 at Bingham Canyon, Utah. His parents were Glen L. And Luretha May Smith Bezzant, natives of Pleasant Grove Utah. He married Elaine Arla Peterson of San Bernardino California on October 26th, 1950 (later solemnized in the St. George Utah temple on December 28th, 1950). They were the parents of 3 sons and 3 daughters; Robert Reed (deceased) (Alice), William James (Nieto), Julianne Lusvardi (Mark), Daniel Glen (Susan), Merilee Cummings (Clifford), and Jolene Hood (Steven), and had 31 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson. His brothers and sister were Virginia Loader, Eugene (Jim), and Clifford Bezzant (all deceased). Robert was a veteran of World War II (Navy) and the Korean Conflict (Army). Robert was a veteran of World War II (Navy) and the Korean Conflict (Army). His early years were spent in Bingham, Farmington and Pleasant Grove, Utah. He was student body president at Pleasant Grove High School and studied at University of Redlands, UCLA, University of Utah (BS Civil Engineering 1950) and USC (MS Civil Engineering 1959). He worked professionally for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation at projects on/in the Provo River in Utah, for the Japan Construction Agency in Tokyo, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. He was City Engineer for Alhambra, California for 6 years, then Director of Public Works for the City of San Mateo, California for the last 25 years of his work career. He was past president of the Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association, the San Francisco Peninsula Contractors and Engineers Association and the San Mateo County Public Works Association. He was a member of the technical committee of the San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Commission, a member of the finance committee of the League of California Cities, and a Northern California delegate to the American Public Works Association during his working career. He was a member of the Rotary Clubs of Alhambra and San Mateo California for 20 years. He was one of the longest lived registered civil engineers in California where he lived from 1953 to 1993. After living in Monterey Park, Alhambra, and Hillsborough, he and his wife Elaine moved to Orem, Utah in 1993. In Orem, he was a member of the Sharon 5th ward, Orem Utah, holding the office of High Priest. Throughout his life he held responsibilities in many of the organizations of the church, from Deacons Quorum presidency (Pleasant Grove 1st Ward) through Bishop’s counselor and High Councilor (San Mateo Ward and San Francisco Stake). He was a temple worker for 5 years at the Timpanogos Utah Temple. He and his wife were world travelers, visiting many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, India, South and Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Ocean countries, at one time spending two years on an around-the-world journey after retiring. They maintained a 30 year summer residence at Lake Almanor, Plumas County, California, now owned by daughter Jolene. Robert enjoyed photographing nature and family, traveling, reading, gardening, watching baseball and football, camping, swimming, boating, rafting, hiking, and personally building the family summer home in California. When asked what he would do differently if he had his life to live over, he thought a minute and said, “I think I would part my hair in the middle". Submitted: 2015-05-22

John Martenson (1954) John R. Martenson, ’54 (BSISE), ’63 (MSISE) from Glendora, California passed away on March 28, 2015, at the age of 89. Submitted: 2015-05-18

Alberto Behar (1994) Alberto Behar (MSCS '94, Ph.D. EE '98) passed away on January 9, 2014. Behar was an employee at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and also was an Arizona State University researcher in the School of Earth and Space Exploration. Behar was involved in the NASA Curiosity Rover that uses scientific instruments to gather information on Mars. At ASU, Behar worked as a research professor and engineer developing ways to measure changes in the natural world including the depths of the ocean and Antarctic ice capsinstrument that detected hydrogen beneath the rover. He was also a certified helicopter flight instructor, commercial airplane pilot and was certified as a scientific and rescue diver. Submitted: 2015-01-28

Arthur Adamson (1941) Arthur P. Adamson, '41 (ENG), a Cincinnati-area resident for over 50 years, died in Philadelphia on May 3, 2014 at age 95. Art was married for 59 years to the late Florence (Smith) Adamson of Schenectady, NY. He is survived by son David Adamson; daughter Judith Adamson; five grandchildren, Glenn and Peter Adamson; Kevin, Megan, and Caroline Adamson-Jackes; and two great-grandchildren Sophia and Johanna Adamson. He is also survived by his brother Charles Adamson, and five nephews and five nieces. Art graduated at the top of the class of 1941 from the University of Southern California's School of Engineering. He spent his entire career in engineering and engineering leadership with General Electric (GE), working near Schenectady and at several other sites before spending the last 30 years of his career at GE's Evendale (Cincinnati), OH, plant. While with General Electric, he led advanced rocket and jet engine design programs, and became a world leader in jet engine design, responsible for the design of engines that remain widely used on commercial wide-body jet aircraft. Art received many awards for excellence in engineering leadership from GE and outside engineering organizations. When not working, he was a devoted husband and father, as well as an avid downhill skier, tennis player, world traveler, wood carver and a prolific reader. All who knew Art will miss his intelligence, good humor, wit, integrity, energy and wisdom. Submitted: 2014-06-24

William H. Sutton (1956) William H. (Bill) Sutton, '56 (ENG), passed away on June 3, 2014 at the age of 84. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Bill graduated from Manual Arts High School, served in the US Army Signal Corp during the Korean conflict, and obtained engineering and business degrees from George Washington, UCLA and USC where he became a lifelong Trojan and SC football season ticketholder. Bill was devoted to his loving wife LaVon for 61 years, cherished and respected by his two sons, Jeff and Greg, and by his daughter-in-law Laurie. He was most proud of his grandson, Graham, always entertained by his youth sports and adventures. While raising his family in Hawthorne he was very involved in the Holly Glen community, coaching Pop Warner football, and Little League baseball. Bill's 40-year engineering career began with Garrett AiResearch where he participated in many space, military flight, turbo and high speed train programs. Bill had many passions – volleyball on the beach in Hermosa; weekends at the family cabin in Running Springs; off-road racing in the deserts of Baja; camping and trout fishing in the Sierra's; big game fishing around Cabo/Buena Vista Mexico; weekly tennis matches at Alta Vista park and traveling/cruising the world with LaVon and their many friends. He was a past president of the Westchester 20/30 club and a proud member of the Manual Arts Toilers Club and South Bay Athletic Club. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in the name of William H. Sutton be made to a charity of your choice or to Bill's favorite organization, The USC Viterbi School of Engineering by calling (213) 821-2921. Submitted: 2014-06-12

Robert Edward Gaskill (1969) Robert Edward Gaskill passed away on September 5, 2013, at the age of 90. Robert resided in Santa Ana, California with this wife Patricia. He and his wife had been married for 66 years. Robert is also survived by his three daughters and four grandchildren Submitted: 2014-01-24

Ronald Joseph Skelton (1979) Ronald Joseph Skelton, a graduate of the USC School of Engineering ('79, MS in systems management), passed away at the age of 72 on August 2, 2012. Submitted: 2013-09-06

Leland Vance Blackburn (1940) Leland Vance Blackburn, '40 BSCEE died at the age of 94 in Central Point, Oregon, on March 1, 2013. Submitted: 2013-09-06

Robert Rudzik (1958) Robert "Bob" Leon Rudzik, '58 BSME passed away July 6, 2013 at his home in Mariposa California. He was born on July 17, 1932 in Utica, KS. At the age of 18, Bob joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War as an airplane crew captain. During his last year in the Navy, Bob was stationed in San Diego California. It was there that he met the love of his life, Marilyn. They were married April 30, 1955. Bob attended the University of Southern California and graduated from the School of Engineering with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1958. He worked for the Southern California Gas Company for 38 years and had many titles, from general manager, division engineer, and vice president in transmissions and coal gasification. Bob and Marilyn retired to the city of Mariposa in 1994 and built their retirement dream home. Bob's definition of retirement was to immediately get involved in the Mariposa community. He applied and was accepted to be a planning commissioner for District Three and helped form the volunteer sheriff's organization S.C.O.P.E. Bob was elected to the John C. Fremont Health Care District where he served on the board of trustees. His latest volunteer stint was as a docent at the Mariposa Museum and History Center. Bob was a "people person". His spirit was as big as his heart. Never a wallflower, he filled a room with his presence even before he entered it. He could make friends with any stranger just by striking up a friendly conversation. He loved his wife, his family, his country and his community. He was always available for advice and wisdom, always laced with his unique sense of humor. He had a particular fondness for good wine, good home cooked meals, his animals, old friends, old John Wayne westerns, USC football and any show on Fox News. Any family get-together was his greatest joy. Bob is survived by his wife Marilyn and his three daughters Jan Heermann, Lynn Brown and Jill Cuadros. Bob is also survived by two grandchildren, Melissa Coleman and Mallory Brown, and a great grandchild Beatrix. Bob was larger than life to his family and will be dearly missed each and every day. Submitted: 2013-09-06

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