The Memorial Wall

Daniel J. Brondi died October 17th, 2019 at age 81 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.  He was born in 1938 on the French Riviera in Antibes, where he was raised and educated before coming to study and live in the United States in 1966: Terre Haute, Indiana; Seattle, Washington; Fullerton, California; and finally in Long Beach, California.   He always kept a residence during the summer months in his native city of Antibes until his death in Long Beach. He was a popular professor of French language and literature teaching successively at California State University, Fullerton; Irvine Valley College, Irvine, California;  and Fullerton College, Fullerton, California.  

Daniel was an avid fan of Opera, ballet, classical music, and American musicals.  He was well-known and loved for his “joie de vivre”. He traveled widely in Europe and the United States and was always eager and interested to discover the cuisine of the countries he visited.  His teaching of French language and literature frequently included the history of French cuisine and traditions - many of which he explored in his own kitchen.

Daniel’s life with Parkinson’s disease lasted two and a half years during which time he managed to maintain a positive attitude toward life and living.  At the time of his death he was surrounded by his devoted friend, Rick Schank, and spouse, George Kyle, a relationship of fifty-five years.

Donations to Parkinson’s Resource Organization may be made in his name at 74090 El Paseo, Suite 102, Palm Desert 92260.  www.ParkinsonsResource.org

Reno, NV - Ken Riley, 85, passed away on October 16, 2019 in Reno, NV from complications of Parkinson's Disease. Born in Pasadena, CA on March 12, 1934, Ken and his wife of over 60 years, Melinda, lived in Las Vegas, NV; La Jolla, CA; Incline Village, NV and Indian Wells, CA. Melinda Lee Olson Riley preceded him in death on May 17, 2018. Ken is survived by his four children: Kimberley Bowser, Karen Goodrick, Lisa Hills, Christopher Riley and thirteen grandchildren. Ken was a real estate developer in five states for over 50 years as a General Contractor building apartments, condominiums and the owner-operator of Le Baron Hotels. Ken received the Golden Plate Award in 1973 among other business awardees Ray Kroc, Malcolm Forbes, H. Ross Perot, and J. W. Marriott. Ken was featured in the book, Las Vegas Dreams by Jim Bickford in 2002. Ken was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. Services will be held at Calvary Chapel Reno, 220 Edison Way, Reno, on November 2, 2019 at 2pm. A second celebration will follow near his birthday in March in 2020, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Incline Village, NV.

Born August 7, 1939 to James Vincent Smith and Esther (Pjerrou) Smith in South Gate, California, he passed peacefully on October 10, 2019 from complications of Parkinson's, a disease he valiantly fought for 23 years.Don was a native Californian and a lifelong resident. Born and raised in South Gate where he attended Junipero Serra High (class of 57), after which he moved to Hermosa Beach and graduated from Cal State University, Los Angeles. He taught at Junipero Serra High School before moving to San Francisco to hang out with the beat poets and write. He returned to Hermosa and started work at the Los Angeles City Housing Authority.

Over the next 30 plus years he worked at both the Los Angeles City and Los Angeles County Housing Authorities. He retired as the Executive Director of the Los Angeles City Housing Authority. Don was an advocate for the underserved and a leader many respected for his commitment to helping people get the resources they needed and deserved. For the last 25 years, he and his wife Julia, have called Monterey Park home.Don was a voracious reader who could speak and debate on any topic, a prolific writer of the short story and Haiku, a music aficionado with a collection and sound system envied by many, a talented athlete who lettered in four sports in high school, was drafted into minor league baseball, played tennis in college and ran his first marathon at 40.

He loved to watch sports, especially the Lakers, Dodgers, Golf and Tennis. Later in his life he was a practicing Vajrayana Buddhist, and in his earlier years he was in the seminary for a year. Don was an eclectic, fascinating and funny man who will be so missed by his family and friends.Don was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his beautiful and loving wife Julia, his daughter Cara Peck (Jeffrey), son Michael Smith, and step-son Rene Lopez Sr. (Sueann), grandchildren Ella Smith, Rene Lopez Jr., Ava Peck and Mattea Peck. Don was the oldest of five children and is survived by his three brothers, Vince Smith (Annette), Trayce Pjerrou and David Smith (Theresa), and one sister, Martha Morrow (Glen).

He is also survived by his best friend of 60 years, George Schmeltzer.There will be a celebration of life at 11:00 am with a lunch following on Saturday, November 16th at Luminarias, 3500 W Ramona Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754.

Alan Louis Zaslove, 91, of Sherman Oaks, CA, passed away peacefully on October 2nd, 2019.

Born in New York City, on December 9th, 1927, son of the late Joseph and Sadie Zaslove. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Gordon-Zaslove, his daughters Mara Zaslove and Diana Zaslove Kahn, son Mark Zaslove, and stepchildren Lesley Ford and Michael Ford, and his grandchildren Alyssa, Benjamin, Evan, and Cole.

A fine artist, animator/director/producer, Alan was 15 when he got his first job in animation at Warner Brothers. He then went to the prestigious Chouinard Art Institute, while at the same time, began work at the pioneering UPA studio. He later worked at every studio from Hanna-Barbera to Disney, on such notable titles as "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "The Jetsons," "Tom Terrific," "The Smurfs," "Duck Tales," and "Chip & Dale's Rescue Rangers," with his last work being at Universal on "The New Woody Woodpecker Show."

On a parallel path, his fine art career was strong into the late '70s, and he was head of the drawing department at Otis Art Institute. 

Surrounded by loved ones, Bart Johnson, 94, died peacefully on Sept. 23, 2019, at his home in Rancho Mirage. After battling cancer and Parkinson’s disease with courage and grace, Bart passed peacefully to God, secure in his faith.

Born in Rockford, IL, on Feb. 16, 1925, Bart was the son of Harry and Della Johnson. The second of two children, Bart was close with his brother, Stan, and the two maintained a dear friendship that lasted their entire lives, crossing generations through the relationships of their children and grandchildren. The Johnson family moved to Los Angeles when Bart was in junior high.

Through the Navy V-12 program, Bart earned his pre-medical degree from the University of California Los Angeles. Though he finished his undergraduate work in less than three years, his love of the Bruins lasted a lifetime. An avid sports fan, Bart held season tickets to UCLA football games for decades and was known to lead an 8-clap at family gatherings and holiday events.

The Navy then sent Bart on to Northwestern University for Dental School, where he graduated first in his class. He served in the Navy for 16 years, both as a medical officer and in the reserves, before returning to Los Angeles to open his dental practice, which he operated for more than 40 years.

In 1970, Bart married Judie, the love of his life. The two combined their families—each with three children—who affectionally call themselves “The Barty Bunch.” The couple raised their six children and many dogs together, filling their home with laughter and love. They instilled in their children and grandchildren a strong sense of togetherness, instigating summer family trips to Balboa Island, festive holiday traditions and more.

Judie and Bart traveled frequently and truly loved seeing the world together, including trips to China, Japan, Israel, France, Italy and many more. Their home base was Encino, where they were entrenched in their community and active members of the congregation at Bel Air Presbyterian Church.

The two eventually settled in Rancho Mirage, where Bart could enjoy some of his greatest pleasures: golf, books, and bridge—which he is said to have taken as seriously as his medical exams.  

Bart was a man of the highest integrity, morals and a man of deep and abiding faith. He is survived by his wife, Judie; his six children, Kathy, Brian, Dana, Bryn, Greg, and Colleen, and their spouses; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 pm on October 13, 2019, at Desert Springs Church in Palm Desert. A light supper will follow.

Well done, my good and faithful servant!  Matthew 25:21

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to http://parkinsonsresource.org or sent to: 

Parkinson’s Resource Organization

74090 El Paseo #104, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Los Angeles - Ed passed away peacefully on September 23, 2019. He was born on January 15, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Ray and Reva Ross. He grew up in Kansas City, Kansas until he was 11, before moving with his mother to Los Angeles in 1951. He graduated from L.A. High School and went on to L.A. City College where he was a member of the college wrestling team. In 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he proudly served for 4 years. He was stationed at El Toro, CA and Kaneohe Marine Air Base at Oahu, Hawaii. He went on a six-month cruise aboard an attack aircraft carrier (USS Oriskany) while assigned to VMF 232 fighter squadron. In 1964, he joined the Los Angeles Police Department where he worked many different assignments before retiring in 1985. For years, he was a key competitor in the Police Olympics in handball and then racquetball. 1986, he joined the Orange County District Attorney's Office as an investigator before retiring in 2002 as a Supervising investigator. He met his lovely wife, Donna, on a Caribbean cruise and they were wed in 1979. They greatly enjoyed going on cruises, taking various trips and seeing shows in Las Vegas. In 2002, they moved to the Del Webb Sun City Palm Desert community. Even after many years, they loved their "desert paradise" and always felt this was home. Ed joined various service committees where he met a lot of wonderful people who volunteered their time to help other residents. He joined the Racket Club where he played paddle tennis and tennis and joined two Putters golf clubs where he played in Sun City tournaments.

This smart, witty, humble man was a hero and inspiration to many. Ed was truly an exceptional person, admired and loved by all. May his soul rest in God's eternal peace.

He is survived by his wife, Donna and brother-in-law, Gil (Jeanne) Scarnecchia of Laguna Niguel, CA, and his nieces and nephews, Shawn (Chris) Merto, Mollie (Brandon) McCullough, and Jake Scarnecchia, Brad, Wes and Alex (Ashley) King and numerous family and friends.

Visitation is from 3:00 to 7:00 pm (Rosary at 5:30 pm) Sunday, October 13 at Forest Lawn Ramon Chapel in Cathedral City, CA. Church services will be held Monday, October 14 at 10:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church in La Quinta, CA. Burial will be on Tuesday, October 15 at 10:30 am at Forest Lawn Ascension Gardens in Cypress, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation.

November 24, 1942 - August 29, 2019, Joe Sessa died at Cedars Sinai Medical Center at the age of 76 after a valiant battle against the progressive complications of Parkinson's disease. Another man who desired to be smart, sweet-tempered, handsome, retired, a globetrotter, passionate golfer and an even more passionate husband and father, might have wanted to be him. Joe was born in 1942 to parents, Anthony J. Sessa and Inez Cavinato Sessa of Brooklyn, New York. As a young child and beyond, he was raised among his younger brother, Tony Sessa, and 11 permanent members of his Italian family. At dinners, they talked and laughed and ate pasta "all at the same time," he said. He was an active sportsman at Princeton University graduating with a BA in Economics in 1967. Afterward, he enlisted in the US Naval Officer Candidate School and later served with distinction as an officer assigned to the USS Ticonderoga (sister aircraft carrier to the USS Intrepid) for four years. Following his tour of duty, Joe attended Stanford Law School receiving a degree in law. In 1968, he married Alice Barbara Van Nuys and moved to Chappaqua, NY where they eventually welcomed their two daughters, first Tina and then, Andrea. With a close, loving relationship, Joe was continuously proud of "his girls." He was a true family man; nevertheless, in 2003, Alice preceded him in death following their retirement in Scottsdale, AZ. Joe began his career with Sterling Drug, Inc. working on legal matters for this global pharmaceutical company. When acquired by Reckitt & Coleman, Inc., a consumer products company (now Reckitt Benckiser), he became General Counsel until it was eventually acquired by Eastman Kodak. He retired at age 55 realizing his true calling had turned to golf. Joe approached the game in the same way he approached everything in life, with enthusiasm and commitment, becoming a skilled gentleman golfer, always in his trademark vests and diet cokes. Recently, he also revived his love of bridge, again working diligently at fortifying his game, never fond of disappointing a partner. In 2004, Joe met Dale Sessa (née Engelson) on a blind date. It was Valentine's Day and Cupid's arrow struck that night resulting in an almost immediate and loving union. She found him to be romantic, astute, sensitive, supportive, kind and caring and when he proposed to her at Westwood's Big Chill Yogurt Shop, she said YES. Joe and Dale married at The Water Club in Manhattan in 2005 and enjoyed a wonderfully full and joyful life with homes in the Los Angeles and Palm Springs areas (where a golf course was close at hand). Knowing that love is the only tool with a chance against death, Joe is survived by his devoted and adoring wife, Dale Sessa, his loving children, Tina Sessa (Chris Otter) and Andrea Sessa Sayago (Ed), his brother, Tony Sessa (Donna), doting step-children, Deena Appel (Ron Miller) and Dan Appel (Kym Bye). "Nonno" to his grandchildren, Nicholas, Sam, Evan and A.J. and "Joe-Joe" to his step-grandchildren, Chloe, Charlotte, and Oliver. Each of them treasured Joe's company and will miss him dearly.

Dan died at the age of 86 peacefully in his sleep at home after a long battle with the progressive complications of Parkinson's disease. He was born in Los Angeles to Daniel Boyde and Elizabeth (Betty) Cathcart. He was raised in Cheviot Hills with his younger sister, Carol. Following graduation from Hamilton High School, Dan attended California Polytechnic and then transferred to USC where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree. He was sworn in early so that he could start his first trial the next day. During his high school years Dan had eyes for only one woman, Jackie Conterno. They were married on June 20, 1954. Jackie passed away in January 2018. Dan had a passion for flying. He held multi-engine and instrument ratings acting as pilot-in-command in Piper, Beech and Cessna aircraft. He parlayed his aviation experience with his legal knowledge to become one the pioneers of plaintiff aviation accident litigation. He tried product liability cases across the country against the general aviation manufacturers with remarkable success. Magana, Cathcart and McCarthy was known as one of the leading national firms representing families who lost relatives in commercial airline crash cases as well. In a career with many highlights, he was honored to present one of his client's cases before the United States Supreme Court. With all his successes, Dan realized that his greatest was finding a love for his God and his family that he did not know in his early years. His attendance at church was first motivated by the Sunday brunch that followed. But, as the years passed, he began a relationship with his Creator that was fostered by his study of the Bible. He moved from the Board of Directors at Bel-Air Country Club to the Board of Directors at the St. James Inn, an organization that provided housing for families of patients admitted at UCLA Medical Center; and to the Board of Directors of Paulist Productions, an organization producing religious movie and television programs. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) he passionately represented children in the Los Angeles County Foster Care System. Dan is survived by his four children, Peter (Tina), Jan Masi (Herb), Monty (Maria), and Kelly (Liz); his nine grandchildren, Jonathan, Christopher (Megan), Frank (Rebecca), Jim (Katy), Anika, Steven, Austin, Jack and Julia; and his sister, Carol Cribbs. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on August 31, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 10750 Ohio Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024. A Celebration of Life will be held at Bel-Air Country Club immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson's Resource Organization, 74090 El Paseo #104, Palm Desert, CA 92260 and Olive Crest, 2130 E. 4th Street, Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Published in the Los Angeles Times from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, 2019

November 18, 1929 - July 23, 2019 Carole Ann Bennett nee Messenger passed away, in her home in Brentwood, on Tuesday morning from complications relating to Parkinson's disease. She was 89 years old. Carole was born on November 18, 1929 in Sonora California. She was a descendent of the Messenger family who emigrated to Massachusetts in 1627 and went on to settle various areas of New England that would become the original Colonies. Her great grandfather, Hiram Ashley Messenger, was an early settler of California and figured prominently in early California history. Carole met her future husband, Charles "Grant" Bennett when she was 16 and he was 19 and she married him two years later, one week after her 18th birthday. Carole moved with her husband to Southern California in 1952. She attended UCLA and worked as a librarian while she was a student. Many years later she would become the Head of Foreign Language Acquisitions for the main UCLA research library. Grant's scientific research took the couple to the Panamanian Rain Forest where they lived with the Embera and the Cuna peoples, gathering data. While in Panama, Carole created the library for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. One of Carole's greatest passions was ballet and in the 1970's she served as the Chairman of the Pacific Ballet Theater in Los Angeles. Throughout their lives together, Carole and Grant traveled and lived in Central and South America, Spain and France. Carole is survived by her husband of 71 years, her daughter Ashley and her granddaughter Gisele.