The Memorial Wall

Roland A. Pattillo, the gynecologic oncologist who played a pivotal role in bringing the case of Henrietta Lacks to public awareness and was played by Ruben Santiago-Hudson in the 2017 HBO movie The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, died of Parkinson’s disease on May 3, 2023 at his home outside Atlanta. He was 89.

Roland Anthony Pattillo was born in DeQuincy, Louisiana to James E. Pattillo and Rhena Shaw Pattillo. He was their fifth child, with siblings James, Bertram, Ulric and sister Geraldine, who all preceded him in death. His baby sister, Carolyn Davis resides in Michigan.

Roland was proud to be a "cradle Catholic" blessed with Holy Baptism as a baby. He served for years as an Altar Boy, in other youth programs and vacation Bible school. And, in college he was elected to attend the funeral of (Saint) Katharine Drexel, the patron saint and benefactor for many African American and Native American parochial schools. He cherished the fact that he had attended the funeral of a Saint.

In Beaumont, Texas, Roland attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, to which life-time friends still return for class reunions, including Charles and Irma Anderson of San Antonio.

A toy doctor's bag, at Christmas, with candy pills, a plastic stethoscope and needles, triggered his interest in medicine. As an undergraduate, he attended Xavier University in New Orleans, and studied Chemistry under Professor Paytash, who encouraged his brilliance and interest by sharing exciting developments in medicine, including the ground-breaking discovery at the Johns Hopkins Medical School, where Dr George Gey showed the invention of the roller-tube process that kept human cells alive, indefinitely. Dr. Gey announced that the cells were named HeLa.

Pattillo went on to St Louis University Medical School in Missouri, with a full scholarship. He did his Residency in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the old Marquette University Medical School, the precursor to the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he served for 32 years. He was a prolific researcher, author, lecturer, always learning, while growing new cell models. He delivered hundreds of babies and helped thousands of women, while traveling domestically and internationally, sharing cancer knowledge, networks and contacts that would better the lives of families.

In true Catholic tradition, Dr. Pattillo longed to do something for Henrietta Lacks and her family who had been devastated by the rapidity of cancer growth and her death at the age of 31 years, with five beautiful children and a husband surviving her. He had learned HeLa was from an African American woman and was challenged as physician, advocate, clinician and a strong Catholic Christian to share the truths. When he met some of the Henrietta Lacks' family he committed to helping them. People all over the world know of Henrietta today and benefit from the many medical advancements directly associated with her cells. Dr. Pattillo remained active with lectures, Zoom meetings, and different Boards associated with the security of the Lacks family throughout his illness. His message throughout life was "Do no harm," part of the Hippocratic Oath that doctors pledge.

That also describes Roland A. Pattillo's life, his vision for the future, and his undying desire for all. He loved his St George Church family; and his Cursillo family that has stayed connected spiritually for over twenty years. He loved working the Hospitality Committee and Welcomed visitors, as well.

He will be sorely missed by his beloved wife, Patricia O'Flynn Pattillo, his children, Catherine Pattillo (David Jefferson); Patrick Pattillo; Sheri Johnson; Mary Pattillo; bonus son, Todd 'Speech' Thomas (Yolanda); son, the late Michael Pattillo preceded him in death, as did Dr.

Terence N. Thomas and Bright Boateng. Grandchildren, Daniel (Rachel); Carolos Arriaga (Vicki); Camille and David Michael Jefferson: Van III and Benjamin Johnson; Jahi and Zoe Rene Thomas and great-grandson, little Daniel Thiago Pattillo. He is cherished by sister-in-laws, Liza Pattillo, Loretta Meadows and Marcia Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, colleagues and the St. George family, especially Father Stephen Lyness; Father Henry Atem; Cathy and Fred Rook; Lois Jensen, Ann and Sal Messina; Elaine and Earl Behrens; Robert Himes, Michelle and Jim Gildemeyer, and Sarah and Frank Clark, who continuously supported Dr. Pattillo in every way they could.

The family acknowledges with deep appreciation Gentiva Hospice Service and their staff, as well as nurse assistants Sheronda Suitt; Kim Mc Elreath and assistants Beverly Kern, Soderia Rivera, and Charlotte Jones. We graciously thank Morehouse School of Medicine President and Dean, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Roland Matthews, who generously helped us navigate the gravity of this moment. Members of the Lacks family will be present and the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group from Baltimore, Maryland join us to celebrate Dr. Pattillo's life; and the Pattillo Family is humbled by your prayers and kindnesses. We sincerely thank each of you.

Edward John Grafius, age 74, died on April 22, 2023, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by Ellen Kay (Baumgartner) Grafius, his wife of 52 years; his sister, Joan Marie Cooper (Kirby Alan Cooper, deceased); and their two children Brandon Reece Grafius (Kate Elizabeth Simon) and Darren Robert Grafius (Iain Stuart Mason). Ed also has two grandchildren, Fenton and Reece Grafius, ages 16 and 13. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, John Edward Grafius and Helen Marie (Peterson) Grafius, and his infant daughter Kristin Joy Grafius.

Ed was a professor of Entomology at Michigan State University until his retirement in 2006 and served five years as department chair. He was a world-renowned expert on the Colorado Potato Beetle, working with farmers across the state of Michigan and as far away as Egypt. His primary focus was on integrated pest management, which helps farmers to identify solutions that reduce the use of pesticides.

Born in Brookings, South Dakota, Ed moved to Michigan with his family as a young child. While in high school, he was the youngest member of the Lansing Symphony as a French horn player; he played alongside his mother, who was also an excellent musician and horn player. He graduated with his Bachelor’s from Michigan State, then moved with Ellen to Oregon to pursue his Master’s and Doctoral degrees at Oregon State. After completing his graduate work, a nationwide job search brought Ed and his family back to East Lansing.

Ed was an avid fisherman and was equally excited to fish in streams and lakes in northern Michigan as he was to fish in the ocean around the Florida Keys. There were few things he loved more than sharing a meal with his family, whether it was eating out or a fresh catch he had prepared himself. He was an avid MSU football and basketball fan.

Sue Haran died April 8 2023 of complications from Parkinson's Disease at her home in Broomfield CO.

 Sue passed away peacefully in her sleep next to her longtime companion, best friend and husband Terry Haran. 

Sue was born to Robert (Red) and Katy Howard in Beaver Falls PA in 1950. The family lived in various "river" towns in which her father managed construction projects. Her family moved to Burlingame CA in 1965. 

Sue and Terry met as lab partners in Chem 1A at the University of California at Davis (UCD) first quarter of freshman year in 1968. Sue graduated from UCD with a BS degree in plant science/viticulture in 1973. 

Sue was an avid backpacker, hiker, and gardener all her life. She worked as a chemistry lab technician at Christian Brothers winery in St. Helena CA, and later at Syva Corporation in Palo Alto CA. 

Sue and Terry were married in St. Helena in 1975, and then became teachers of Transcendental Meditation (TM). After moving to the TM community in Fairfield IA, Sue sold real estate, started a business making and selling jewelry, and earned a brown belt in karate. 

Sue and Terry moved to Boulder in 1997 where she worked for the University of Colorado (CU), first in admissions and then in a leadership student residency program. Sue started treatment for PD symptoms following a serious automobile accident in 2007 which eventually caused her to retire from CU Boulder in 2013. 

During her illness Sue wrote the monthly PD support group newsletter for many years and made lots of new friends in the local PD community. 

Sue is survived by sisters, Judy and Amy; sons, Jeff and Alex; grandsons, Jack, Jude, and Bobby; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom loved her dearly.

Jennifer Fitzgerald Wilson passed away on April 4, 2023. She was fifty-one years old and died from complications associated with Parkinson’s. She passed away at her mother’s home in Palm Springs. She was born in Orange, California on October 5th, 1971.

Jennifer graduated from Palm Desert High School in 1990, the first graduating class of students who had attended all four years since the opening of the high school in 1986. She was always interested in fashion and even as a senior in high school she was managing the Benneton store previously located in what was known at that time as The Palm Desert Mall. She went on to manage three BCBG stores and also worked for Trina Turk in Palm Springs. Later on, she got involved in politics and volunteered for Democrats of the Desert as the volunteer coordinator and hosted their awards ceremonies, and then she won our local district election to go as a delegate to the 2012 DNC in Charlotte, North Carolina. During her involvement with The Democratic Party, she met Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, and at a fundraiser Sean Penn. 

She had a passion for travel and at the young age of 22 she went to Europe by herself and backpacked throughout Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, and Italy. She, along with her husband Neal, travelled extensively and in 2011 got married in lovely Positano, Italy on the Amalfi coast. 

Jennifer was an amazing cook and decorator and she and husband Neal shared a love of dogs.

But the most important aspect of Jennifer was her generous heart. She was a moral, ethical person. She was a beautiful soul both inside and out. She is survived by her husband Neal Wilson, her mother Donna Fitzgerald, her uncle William Fitzgerald, her step-sister Rozalynd McCree and step-father Robert McCree, and her half-sister Erin Viegas Coelho. She had many close friends who miss her terribly.

In closing I wish to include these lyrics from Leonard Cohen’s song Going Home:

Going home without my sorrow

Going home sometime tomorrow

Going home to where it’s better to where it’s better than before

Going home without my burden

Going home behind the curtain

Going home without the costume that I wore

Jordan Richman, a former vice president of Grubb & Ellis real estate, passed away peacefully at Santa Monica UCLA Hospital on March 17, 2023 after a long illness.

A true gentleman, Jordan came to Los Angeles from Providence, RI in 1972 to run a division of a large international manufacturing company. Before joining Grubb & Ellis, he served as Assistant to the President of the Beverly Hills Hotel for 10 years.

A resident of Westwood, Jordan showed a commitment to community by his volunteer work with The Big Brothers and leadership role in his beloved Temple Sinai in Westwood. He was also an avid cyclist and tennis player. Jordan leaves his wife of 55 years, Sandy: and his sister and brother-in-law, Annette and Jason Grant of Providence, RI. His late sister, Sandra Krinsky of Boston, MA, passed away in 2021. He's also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and other extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jordan's memory may be made to Parkinson's Resource Organization, 74785 Highway 111: Suite 208, Indian Wells, CA 92210.

Charlene Singer, age 80, of Culver City, California passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023.

Since the passing of the PACT Act to provide aid to veterans who have been exposed to toxic burn pits, approximately 66,000 screenings have been done in Wisconsin, according to data from the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. 

Nationally, there have been over 3.4 million veterans screened with 42% reporting at least one exposure.

One of those screenings changed Linda Probst’s life. Her husband, Edward Probst of Neenah, died in March at 75 years old. He had served during the Vietnam War and died of service-related hypertension and Parkinson’s disease, she said. 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward Michael Probst at the age of 75 years old. Mike was born on January 24, 1948 in Appleton, Wisconsin to Edward and Helen (Abendroth) Probst.

Mike graduated from Xavier High School, Class of 1967. In 1968 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served abroad the heavy cruiser SS St. Paul in Vietnam and was honorably discharged after two years of service. When he returned home he went back to Pacon Corporation and after 45 years, retired. Mike met Linda Blohm in January of 1970 on a blind date and they married on November 3, 1973. In December 1974 their first child, Matthew arrived, followed by Sarah, Jessica, and Jordan. Their family was now complete. In July 1975, they moved onto the Schaefer Family Homestead.

In September 2018, Mike had the honor of going on the Old Glory Honor Flight. It was the best time going to Washington DC and the trip held many great memories for him.

Mike attended and graduated from NWTC with a Certificate in HVAC.

Mike was the greatest husband of Linda Probst, proud dad to Matthew (Sandie), Sarah (Heath), Jessica (Scott) and Jordan (Jill). He was proudest Papa to Aubree, Adelin, Berklee, Andrew, Preston, Makenna, Lydia, and Sebastian.

He is further survived by his siblings; Terrie, Mary (Karl), Betty (Ron), Donald (Jan), sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law Julie (John) Donna (Randy), Cindy (Kim), Randy (Karen) and Ryan as well as many nieces, nephews and friends, including Dave (Diane) Brum, John Z and our neighbors Matt and Lisa Krautkramer and our FVMP family who supported us throughout this journey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Helen, brother Timothy, brothers-in-law Norm and John. Linda’s parents Donald and Shirley Blohm who thought of and loved him as their son. Brothers-in-law Kevin, David, and Daniel as well as his nephew, and godson, Chad and several aunts and uncles. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for FVMP (Fox Valley Memory Project) who helped both Mike and Linda through the difficult times. You were a Godsend.

All are invited to bring pictures and memories of your friend, Edward “Mike”.

“My Love, I knew from the moment I laid eyes on you, we’d be married and together for life. I am saddened that we didn’t make it to 50 years, but we’ll celebrate together someday in heaven.”

Pittsburgh Steelers legend Dick Haley has died at the age of 85.

Former NFL head coach Todd Haley, Dick's son, wrote on Twitter that his father died after a "long fight with dementia and Parkinson's" disease.

Dick Haley was an American professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh and was selected in the ninth round of the 1959 NFL Draft.

“Very sorry to say, the world the NFL and my entire family lost one of the best people I’ve ever known and my idol,” Todd Haley wrote on Twitter. “A man that gave me the best chance to succeed in this world, my father Dick Haley after long fight with dementia and Parkinson’s.”

Haley was the director of player personnel for the Steelers from 1971 to 1990 and was the de facto general manager of the squads that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s. Haley’s greatest contribution to the Steelers was his direction of the 1974 NFL Draft class that saw the team select four future Hall of Famers.

“We lost an amazing football mind and a better man with the passing of Dick Haley,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a press release. “He was a valuable part of this franchise for 23 years, the first 4 of those as a player and the final 19 as a member of the Player Personnel Department. Dick played an instrumental role in our unprecedented success in the 1910s during the second part of his career. He developed a unique eye for talent, and he ultimately helped identify and draft many of the players that allowed us to win four Super Bowls during that decade. My condolences go out to the entire Haley family during this difficult time.”

A native of Midway, Pennsylvania in northwestern Washington County, Haley attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a running back from 1955-58. Haley rushed for 741 yards and had eight total touchdowns in three seasons of playing with the Panthers. He was part of the Pitt 1955 Sugar Bowl team, though he was ineligible as a freshman. Haley took part in the 1956 Gator Bowl.

Haley was drafted in the ninth round of the 1959 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, starting a six-year professional career that saw him transition from running back to defensive back.

Haley started with Washington as a rookie in 1959 and received votes for NFL Rookie of the Year. After two seasons starting for Washington, he moved to Minnesota and then back to Pittsburgh, where he joined the Steelers midseason in 1961. Haley ended up playing 49 games and making 39 starts for the Steelers from 1961-64, recording 13 interceptions, for which he remains tied for 32nd in team history.

After his playing career ended, Haley joined the Pittsburgh front office in 1971, working with Dan Rooney, Bill Nunn and Chuck Noll to revamp the team’s talent acquisition process.

The result was spectacular, with the Steelers drafting Jack Ham, Dwight White, Larry Brown, Frank Lewis and Gerry Mullins in 1971; Franco Harris and Steve Furness in 1972 and J.T. Thomas in 1973, in addition to the incredible draft haul in 1974, setting the table for the team to win an unprecedented four Super Bowls over the next six years.

Haley stayed with the Steelers until 1990, then spent another 16 years with the New York Jets as their GM before finishing his career with the Miami Dolphins before retiring to Florida.

Haley’s son, Todd Haley, took up the family business and was the offensive coordinator of the Steelers from 2012-17. He is currently the head coach of the Memphis Showboats of the USFL.

The former NFL wide receiver passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Otis Taylor was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver. He played college football at Prairie View A&M University. He was drafted by the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round (29thoverall) of the 1965 AFL Draft. He was also selected in the 15th round of the 1965 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He chose to play in the AFL for the Chiefs where he would spend his entire career.

In 1969, Taylor began experiencing seizures. In 1990, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease dementia, which eroded his health over the following decades, until he was bedbound and largely incommunicative in his last
years. His family filed a lawsuit against the NFL in 2012, believing that his medical conditions were caused by injuries he received during his playing career "The Kansas City Chiefs organization is saddened by the passing of Otis
Taylor."

"My family and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Otis' wife Regina, his sister Odell and the entire Taylor family as we mourn his passing."

"Otis was a Chief throughout his 11-year career, and he played an integral part in the early success of our franchise."

"He became a Kansas City icon with his signature touchdown in Super BowlIV, as he helped the Chiefs bring home our first Lombardi Trophy."

"He was one of the most dynamic receivers of his era, and he helped revolutionize the position."

"Off-the-field, he was kind and dedicated to his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

"Otis' legacy will live forever as a member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame."

Taylor was drafted by the Chiefs in the AFL draft and by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL in 1965.
But he chose to play in Kansas City, where he spent his entire 11-year career.
The receiver helped the Chiefs win two AFL championships between the league's merger with the NFL.
In 1970, Taylor and Kansas City triumphed in Super Bowl IV, beating the Minnesota Taylor was drafted by the Chiefs in the AFL draft and by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL in 1965.
But he chose to play in Kansas City, where he spent his entire 11-year career.
The receiver helped the Chiefs win two AFL championships between the league's merger with the NFL.
In 1970, Taylor and Kansas City triumphed in Super Bowl IV, beating the Minnesota Vikings 23-7.
A year later, he led the NFL in receiving yards and made the first of his two Pro Bowl appearances.
Taylor ended his career with 410 receptions for 7,306 receiving yards and 57
receiving touchdowns.

He also logged three rushing scores.Vikings 23-7.
A year later, he led the NFL in receiving yards and made the first of his twoPro Bowl appearances.
Taylor ended his career with 410 receptions for 7,306 receiving yards and 57 receiving touchdowns.
He also logged three rushing scores.

On Thursday, March 9, 2023, Joseph Mones Mateo, Jr. passed away at age seventy-four. Throughout his lifetime, he touched a lot of lives.

After immigrating from the Philippines, Joseph graduated from Seaside High School and attended Monterey Peninsula College. He, then, transferred and graduated from San Jose State University. After receiving his commission as an officer in the Air Force, his time in the security forces took him all over the world before he returned to California to teach R.O.T.C. at both San Francisco State University and Sacramento State University.

Achieving the rank of Major, he completed his Air Force career as a reservist while he worked as a civil servant for another two decades. When he retired to the Monterey Peninsula, his roots in the community deepened. He joined the Monterey Sunrise Rotary and a Toastmasters group. He became a docent at the San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey and volunteered at the International School of Monterey in Seaside where he taught enrichment classes and spent time in his grandsons' classrooms. Joseph took up ballroom dancing and learned to play the ukulele. An avid golfer, he enjoyed many afternoons on our local golf courses.

Joseph was best known for his megawatt smile and his boundless willingness to lend his time and talent to help others and the community. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Ursula (Sally); their daughter and son-in-law, Camilla and Jacob Mann; and two grandsons, Riley and Dylaney Mann.