The Memorial Wall

Veronica (Ronee) Harris, 77, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2022, at her home in Gilford after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Ronee was born in Buffalo, NY, to James and Clara Lovas on June 24, 1945.

She was raised in Buffalo, NY and graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  Ronee moved to Rhode Island and started her family with her then-husband, Ronald Ridolfi, whom she met in college.  Ronee spent several years as a librarian at Jenks Junior High School in Pawtucket, RI. 

Always a lifelong learner, Ronee fulfilled her dream of becoming a lawyer in 1983, graduating from Suffolk Law School in Boston, MA.  Ronee then began working as an attorney for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, culminating her career as the Department’s Chief Legal Counsel.

After retiring, Ronee moved to Gilford, NH, with her husband Townes (Tim) Harris, where she enjoyed many happy years.  She spent winters in her home in Savanah, GA, enjoying the warm weather and the ability to pursue her hobbies.

Family was the most important thing to Ronee.  She was a wonderful mother to her daughters, Lisa (Ridolfi) Noe and Kristen (Ridolfi) Visnick.  Ronee was particularly close with her grandchildren, Jacob Noe, Zachary Noe, and Abigail Visnick, where she was known as their adventurous and fun-loving grandma She was loved so much and will be greatly missed.

Ronee is survived by her husband Tim, her daughters Lisa (Keith) Noe and Kristen (David) Visnick, her grandsons Jake and Zack, and her granddaughter Abby.  Ronee is further survived by Tim’s daughter Heather (Costante) Mancini and son James “Jamie” (Trisha) Harris, and Heather’s children Olivia and Giacomo and Jamie’s son Obi.  ln addition to her parents, Ronee is predeceased by her faithful companion Lance.

The man who spearheaded development of one of Darwin’s most successful commercial properties is remembered for his innovation and foresight. Kerry George Manolas died at the age of 84 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. 

Adored father and father-in-law of Geordie and Debbie, Anellie and Sachin, Elecia and Adam, beloved former husband of Patricia, cherished grandfather of Kary, Lucia, Luca, Niyati, Apollo, Darshan and Thorsten. Devoted brother to Pawleen and Theo. Greatly missed by his many nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Venetia Stevenson, a model, actress and daughter of Hollywood luminaries who appeared in films including Darby’s Rangers, Island of Lost Women and Horror Hotel after being labeled “the most photogenic girl in the world,” has died. She was 84.

Stevenson died Monday at a health care facility in Atlanta after a battle with Parkinson’s disease, her brother, actor and photographer Jeffrey Byron, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Stevenson’s parents were Robert Stevenson, the Oscar-nominated director of Mary Poppins who earlier helmed King Solomon’s Mines and Jane Eyre, and Anna Lee, who starred in How Green Was My Valley and portrayed the matriarch Lila Quartermaine for a quarter-century on General Hospital.

The screen siren was married to actor Russ Tamblyn from Valentine’s Day 1956 until their divorce in April 1957 and to Don Everly of The Everly Brothers from 1962-70 and was romantically linked to Elvis Presley, Audie Murphy — her co-star in 1960’s Seven Ways From Sundown — Tab Hunter and Anthony Perkins.

She also was Axl Rose’s mother-in-law for about a year; her daughter, Erin Everly, was married to the Guns N’ Roses frontman from April 1990 until their marriage was annulled in January 1991.

In Warner Bros.’ Darby’s Rangers (1958), directed by William Wellman and starring James Garner, Stevenson portrayed Peggy McTavish, one of the Scottish women who wind up being paired with American soldiers (in her case, Peter Brown‘s Rollo Burns) during a World War II training mission.

She, Diane Jergens and June Blair played daughters of a nuclear scientist (Alan Napier) in Island of Lost Women (1959), and in Horror Hotel (1960), starring Christopher Lee, she was a student who heads to a spooky town to do research for a school paper about witchcraft.

Joanna Venetia Invicta Stevenson was born in London on March 10, 1938. Soon after, her dad signed a contract with producer David O. Selznick, and the family was off to Hollywood. 

When she was 14, Stevenson was spotted on a beach in Malibu by photographer Peter Gowland, who was famous for his pin-up pictures. She posed for Gowland and his wife and wound up on lots of magazine covers, including one for Esquire.

“I started getting recognized after my pictures started coming out in magazines,” she said in a 2016 interview. “It was a strange feeling. Somebody would run up to you and say, ‘Can I have your autograph?’ I’d want to say, ‘Why would you want my autograph? I haven’t done anything.'”

An agent at Famous Artists agency signed her, leading to a contract at RKO Radio Pictures in 1956 as she and Ursula Andress took tap-dancing and fencing lessons together.

Represented by powerful agent Dick Clayton, Stevenson signed next at Warner Bros. and would appear for the studio on episodes of Cheyenne, Colt .45, 77 Sunset Strip, Sugarfoot and Lawman.

Nineteen months after marrying Tamblyn at the Wayfarers Chapel in Palos Verdes — she was 17, he was 21 — Popular Photography magazine named her “the most photogenic girl in the world” out of 4,000 contestants in its September 1957 issue.

Stevenson accepted her award on CBS’ The Ed Sullivan Show, where the newly divorced model first met Everly, who was there to perform with his brother, Phil. The next year, when Darby’s Rangers hit theaters, her face appeared on cans and bottles of Sweetheart Stout, made in Scotland.

(Stevenson also was discovered on the cover of Oh LàLà magazine by Marty McFly in 1989’s Back to the Future Part II.)

Her big-screen résumé also included two films with her mom, Jet Over the Atlantic (1959) and The Big Night (1960); Day of the Outlaw (1959), starring Robert Ryan and Tina Louise; Studs Lonigan (1960), featuring Jack Nicholson; and The Sergeant Was a Lady (1961). She quit acting after marrying Everly.

Later, Stevenson served as a script reader for Burt Reynolds’ production company (they appeared together on a 1960 episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents); as a vice president at the production company Cinema Group; and as a manager who represented the likes of director Renny Harlan.

In the 2015 documentary Tab Hunter Confidential, Stevenson said that she served as “a beard” when she was photographed around town with Hunter and Perkins.

“She lived a glamourous and busy life,” her brother said.

In addition to Byron and her daughter — Erin was the inspiration for the Guns N’ Roses song “Sweet Child o’ Mine” — survivors include another daughter, Stacy, and a son, Edan; her sister, Caroline; brother Steve; and four grandchildren.

“I’ve never really known anything but Hollywood,” she once said. “I don’t think I could relate to a physician or an accountant. What would we talk about? I guess, when I really stop and think about it, I have lived a very narrow existence, because movies are all I know.”

AKA Cathie-Ann Lippman, M.D. Daughter of Emmanuel Lippman, M.D. and Helen of Minneapolis, MN. Survived by husband Jules Kamin, sons Stuart (Lisa) and Jeffrey (Amy) Kamin and grandchildren Jacob, Joshua, Bella, and Aviva. Cathie-Ann obtained her M.D. at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine in 1973, interned in pediatrics at USC County General Hospital, and had a residency in psychiatry at the Brentwood V.A. under UCLA. She became board certified in child and adult psychiatry and neurology in 1978. After practicing psychiatry briefly, Cathie-Ann became a pioneer in the practice of holistic medicine in Beverly Hills until Parkinson's disease forced her to close in 2020. Cathie-Ann was laid to rest at Hillside Memorial Park.

Raymond Allen Schilling, 73, was a beloved father & husband who passed away peacefully in his sleep after a courageous battle with Parkinson's & Dementia. He was married to Mary Schilling for over 40 years and is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Vincent Ray Schilling & Delores Schilling; his son Vernon Rene Schilling, his stepdaughter Marion Denise Gorden & husband Mark. He also had five grandchildren.

Lawrence William “Bill” Dennis, aka Captain Jack, took his last flight on September 21, 2022. He died of advanced Parkinson’s Disease, after an illness of eight years.

Bill was born January 4, 1942, during a record-breaking snowstorm. His 80 years were no less exciting. His parents who preceded him in death were Lawrence Emil “Lorney” Dennis and Lucile Jeffers Dennis. Bill graduated from the “old” Dowling High School in 1960 and from Creighton University in 1965 with a degree in radio and TV broadcasting.

The word entrepreneur defined his adult life. After producing and directing television programs for KDPS (now KDIN), he became a teacher of radio and TV production at Tech High School. From then on, he formed many small businesses, some short in duration, others lasting several years. His mind was always moving, always looking ahead.

He became known as Captain Jack on WHO radio flying his Cessna airplanes over Des Moines to report on traffic morning and afternoon. He capitalized on his name and conceived of Captain Jack’s Christmas Tree Farm and Captain Jack Communications among many other businesses.

In 1963 he married Cicily Haller Dennis. Their son David Lawrence was born in 1966. They divorced in 2000. He married Rhonda in 2002. In 2007 after the death of his parents, the tree farm stopped its sales, and Bill and Rhonda permanently moved to a favorite location in Kissimmee FL despite hurricanes, heat and humidity. They moved back to Iowa in October 2021 as his health deteriorated to be near family. And indeed, they enjoyed the fun and laughter of family gatherings at all key events including his 80th birthday.

He had the opportunity to attend grandson Jason’s concerts and enjoyed playing monopoly with him. He was a faithful Hawkeye follower (with competition for time with Rhonda’s Cyclones). His move to Iowa gave him nearly a year to enjoy all of the other precious memories that families build.

Left to grieve him are Rhonda, sisters-law-Marie (Bob) Sander, Jeff (Tonya) Wheeler, Nedra Wheeler, and Tami Wheeler; his first wife Cicily, son Dr. David Dennis, grandson Jason Dennis, daughter-in-law Angela Rubino, 1st cousin Ray (Kathy) Dennis (they grew up nearly as brothers), Cicily’s five sisters Linda, Mary, Beth, Lisa (Bob), and Sybil and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Those preceding him in death include his parents, his brothers-in-law Bill Haller and Mack Gettler, nephews Alex and Andy Gettler, parents-in-law Ray Haller and Eleanor Butts.

The Otton family is devastated to announce the passing of Sally Waterstradt Otton, who died at her home in Tumwater, Washington, on September 20, 2022.

On January 4, 1972, Sally Boettger Waterstradt was born to William Gary and Charlotte Ryan in Ogden, Utah. From that moment forward, Sally brightened up every room she entered-even in her infancy, her mother Charlotte noted that she could charm everyone she met with her smile. The youngest of three daughters, Sally spent her youth in Ogden, playing volleyball and swimming competitively throughout her time in school. After graduating from Ogden High School, she attended Dixie College, Weber State University, and the University of Utah, where she graduated with her degree in Exercise and Sports Science.

During her tenure at Weber State, Sally met Tim Otton, who was instantly enamored with her beauty and vibrant personality. After two years of courtship, they married on July 30, 1994, and they soon relocated to Tumwater, Washington, where Sally took a job as a physical education teacher.

Sally was a lifelong athlete; she loved movement and competed in triathlons and half-marathons even while pregnant with her children. Her infectious enthusiasm and passion for exercise never failed to inspire her students, friends, and family. Following her diagnosis of early onset Parkinson's disease, Sally stayed active to the best of her abilities and remained closely involved with her children's sporting and school ventures.

Frankly, it is impossible to condense Sally's existence into just a few paragraphs, and those who were fortunate enough to know her are painfully aware of this. She loved the sun and the ocean. She always sought after a project, whether it was doing hours of yard work, completing a puzzle, or redecorating around the house. She was devoted to her family. Her outgoing and friendly nature earned her friends wherever she went. She was kind, funny, endlessly encouraging, and smarter than she ever gave herself credit for. She was so, so loved.
Sally was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Tim; children, Kylie, Cade (Sierra), and Ryan; and countless other family and friends, all of whom will love and miss her for the rest of their lives.

Nicolas Belfrage MW, known as a pioneering Italian wine specialist, died on Saturday night at the age of 82 following a period of illness with Parkinson’s.

Born in Los Angeles in the US in 1940 to British parents, Belfrage moved to the UK aged 14. After working as a buyer for Europa Foods and Bretzel Foods in the late 1970s, he became a Master of Wine in 1980.

During the next decade he would make his name as an Italian wine specialist. As well as contributing to Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book and other publications, he wrote several books that changed perceptions of Italian wine, including Life Beyond Lambrusco and The Finest Wines of Tuscany and Central Italy.

In 1994 he sold his specialist Italian wine importer Winecellars. Two years later he founded Vinexus from his new home in Tuscany, and, from 2006, partnered with Nick Bielak MW. Belfrage described the company’s purpose as: “…to deliver on real Italian character, traceability and authenticity that are right for the tastes of export markets”. Earlier this year Bielak died after a short illness.

A statement released by The Institute of Masters of Wine about Belfrage’s death said: “Despite his battle with Parkinson’s disease, he had always remained in good spirits and had enjoyed a wonderful lunch with fellow MWs David Gleave and Sebastian Payne MW as recently as last month.”

Kalani David, a Hawaiian surfboarder and skater died at the age of 24 in Costa Rica on September 17. He will be remembered and missed by everyone.

The reason for Kalani David's death:

Kalani David had a condition known as Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. In this condition, an extra electrical pathway in the heart results in rapid heart rate and heartbeat. This syndrome is quite rare in individuals, and most of its symptoms are usually not life-threatening. Although, occasionally it leads to sudden heart problems and cardiac arrest.

In August 2016, he had a seizure while surfing in California. Things got worse after that.

During Christmas in 2016, he had a seizure of more than six hours that nearly took his life. He was at home in Oahu. He was in a coma for two days after this incident and underwent surgery in 2017. They removed extra muscle from his heart that was causing the seizures.

What did Kalani David's friends say about his untimely demise?
Peter King, who was a close friend and photographer of Kalani David, said that he loves his friend. Only God can understand the timing of this. He continued that life has never been easy; people always fight and learn. It is heartbreaking news. King also said Kalani David had a seizure in Costa Rica while surfing. David had met his family there and was happy. Reminiscing, Peter King also said that he will never forget David's stroke when they shot for skate 'n surf and how much hope he had for his future. His prayers are with David's family and extended family, who were always there for him

Kelly Slater wrote that Kalani David was one of the best skateboarders they had ever known. David was constantly testing boundaries and pushing his limits. They offer their condolences to all their family and friends across the globe.

 Isabel née Shapiro was born in Los Angeles on May 30,1937 and attended Los Angeles High School. Isabel met Hugo, her husband, at a Wilshire Blvd Temple dance in high school. They were married July 25, 1958 and spent nearly 70 years together, building a beautiful life and family. Isabel was a beautiful, kind, funny and gentle soul. She was a wonderful friend, but her greatest joy and pleasure was her role as a mother and grandmother. She ran their home with love, filling it with delicious food and a large crowd as it was always "the more the merrier". Multiple generations of their community felt at home and were always welcomed in the de Castro house, affectionately known as "La Quinta Isabel". Every Sunday was family day followed by a regular weekly routine of expert mahjong and scrabble with friends. Isabel loved the LA Philharmonic, sailing and traveling around the world with her closest friends. However, her greatest pride and joy was her large loving family. 
After a 15-year battle with Parkinson's disease, Isabel passed away on September 17, 2022. Her unwavering strength and courage was remarkable. Isabel died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving husband of 64 years, Hugo, and all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.