The Memorial Wall

Irwin Rosenstein, husband and co-founder with Carol of Music Mends Minds has passed.  

Irwin was the comedic half of the Rosenstein duo.  Constantly tossing one-liners off-handedly until the very end.  Somehow through the fog of dementia and late-stage Parkinson’s, Irwin was able to maintain the occasional sarcasm that he was known for.  

The one-liner that sticks in my mind was when we were filming The 5th Dementia documentary one day at the church. I told Irwin how handsome he looked in all black.  His response was that…” Black is very slimming”.  

The road from diagnosis to now (about 5 years) was long but not always sad.  Carol had been able to keep him at home with the help of his wonderful caretakers, Narcisso and Dorothy, all the while, keeping Music Mends Minds up and running through the pandemic.  Irwin was able to play the piano almost until the very end, proving once again that the music cells in the mind are not completely erased with neurodegenerative disease.

Irwin’s legacy will continue through Carol and Music Mends Minds, the musical group they co-founded for those living with neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.  

Judy passed peacefully on January 18, 2021. She was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, a proud daughter of Irish immigrants, Walter Powers and Ethel Geary Powers-the youngest of seven children.

Her first formal job was with the telephone company in Lowell, after her graduation from Lowell High School. She married David N. Riemer on June 2, 1956. They were married for fifty-five years, until David passed on August 8, 2011. She is survived by her children: David W. Riemer (spouse Tayreze); Debi Tejeda; Gregory Riemer; Marlene Heath (spouse Phil); Judith Ellen Brown (spouse Steven), Elizabeth Schulze (spouse Donald), and Christina Miker (spouse Rodney). She is also survived by nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her four sisters, two brothers, and two grandchildren. She had many nieces and nephews. Judy's favorite way to spend time was with her family all of whom she loved very much.

She worked in the administrative offices of Nellie Coffman Middle School in Palm Springs from the late nineteen-eighties until her retirement, where she had yet another family of beloved co-workers. After retiring, she moved to the community of Desert Sands where she enjoyed water aerobics and barbecue gatherings with friends.

As part of her Irish heritage, she loved Irish blessings:

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

An outdoor funeral mass will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church in Cathedral City on February 8, 2021, at 8:30 am, in accordance with CDC guidelines for social distancing and facial coverings. 

Donald G., beloved husband, admired philanthropist and successful business executive, chose to end his life today after facing the increasingly debilitating effects of Parkinson's disease. He would have been 90 years old in March. Donald was Chairman of Sugar Foods Corporation, whose team he saw as a second family. He served as former Chairman of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, Vice Chairman of the Culinary Institute of America and as a board member of the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association. He was a patron of associations that serve to elevate the quality and appreciation of food and wine, including of the Commanderie de Bordeaux and the Chevaliers du Tastevin and the Culinary Institute of America (where he was Trustee Emeritus). He was a founder and Honorary Board member of the Citymeals-on-Wheels program in New York City. Donald's contributions positively impacted a tremendous range of institutions beyond the food business. He served on the board of the New York Landmarks Conservancy and was honored in 2019 along with his wife Barbara as Living Landmarks. He also served on the board of the Manhattan Institute, the American Austrian Foundation for Medical Scholarship, the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths (RID), the National Dance Institute with Jacques d'Amboise, and was a long-time supporter of Lincoln Center, the Philodoroi and Amati Societies of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), and The Juilliard School, to name only a few. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School, Donald practiced law in New York City before joining Sugar Foods Corporation. In 1973 he married Barbara Maud Starkey. It was not the first marriage for either and proved an unusually happy enduring union for both. A funeral for family only is scheduled. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.  

Lyndell Austin Samples, 91 of Rancho Mirage, California passed away on January 13, 2021, leaving behind his spouse of 41 years, C. Jay Scott, II. Lynn was born on September 11, 1929 in Baxter Springs, Kansas to Paul J. and Florence H. Samples, one of two children. His family moved shortly thereafter to Portland, Oregon where Lynn grew up. Lynn spent his entire working life in clothing retail initially in Portland and later moving to San Francisco, California where he began a 32-year career with Brooks Brothers. Lynn ultimately became the manager of the store's University Shop, which he directed until his retirement in 1989. Lynn's passions were music (in particular playing his beloved Yamaha concert grand piano), collecting antiques and travelling, which he was able to enjoy to the fullest for many years with Jay. They traveled around the world, primarily on ocean cruises, with Lynn particularly enjoying Europe and the Baltic countries, to which they frequently returned. A gentle, kind and caring man, Lynn was a consummate host and gourmet chef who so enjoyed hosting dinner parties with Jay for their family and friends. In addition to Jay, Lynn is survived by his sister, Betty Samples and related family.Interment to be at Riverside National Cemetery.

Marcella Kasarda Pavlinsky, 90, peacefully joined the choir invisible on January 12, 2021. With dedication and love, Marcella raised her five children with her husband Walter in Danbury, CT. Marcella was a member of Sacred Heart Church and also sang soprano in the choir.

She is survived by her four children: Walter Pavlinsky III of Waterbury, CT, Marcella Davis of Bethel, CT, Robert Pavlinsky of Oxford, CT, and Joan Pavlinsky of Charlestown, RI; her nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Born in Trecskow, PA, she graduated from Hazleton, High School. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and John (Johnson) Kasarda, eleven siblings, her husband Walter Pavlinsky, Jr., her daughter, Christina DuMoulin, and granddaughter, Cassandra DuMoulin.

We remember the life and cherish the memory of Mary Kathryn (Broderick) Whalen. Mary was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1935. She was the third of five children (Richard, Patricia, James, and Margaret) to Cyril and Eva Broderick. The family moved to Montebello, California in the 1950s, "... and as a young girl, she attended both Sacred Heart of Mary High School for Young Women and Montebello High School.

She met the love of her life, Harry Whalen, at a party. From then on, they were inseparable and were married in 1954. From their home in Whittier, California, they selflessly raised 10 children and taught them the value of family, the virtue of love, and the gift of laughter. Their family grew and grew, and the shared moments of family, love, and especially laughter became lasting memories for all.

Mary loved to sew, cook, and collect various treasures throughout her life. She had an infectious smile and showed compassion to all. She would wake up her children every day with her beautiful voice and sing "Good Morning to You" before they got ready for school. Despite her large family keeping her busy, Mary still made time for everyone. She always enjoyed being with her friends, neighbors, and her church where she volunteered her time regularly.

Mary is survived by her husband, Harry, of 66 beautiful years, and their loving children Tom (Terri), Bob (Karen), Jim (Lisa), Cathy (Larry), John (Kari), Mike (Beth), Rich (Christy), Tim (Suzy), Laura (Bryan), and Patty (Dana), their 23 grandchildren, and their 6 great-grandchildren

Congressman Edward P. Beard of Providence, passed away January 11, 2021 at the age of 80.

Known as “Eddie Beard” to fellow Rhode Islanders, born January 20, 1940 in Providence Rhode Island.

“Eddie” attended the Assumption Catholic elementary school in Providence and Hope high school in Providence. He served in the Rhode Island National Guard, completed high school as well as a college-level course in agriculture. He was a life-long devout Catholic. He was also an avid boxer and competed at a semi-pro level. Eddie could be found at the YMCA hitting the heavy bag when he wasn't jogging. He became interested in politics when, by chance, as a child he met Congressman John E. Fogarty. In the early 1960's he obtained a job as a house painter at the Rhode Island School of Design. While employed there he began his campaigning for State Representative. Eddie would be recognized for his iconic paint brush held in the breast pocket of his suit, a symbol of his blue-collar roots, as well as the holes in his dress shoes from walking door to door to hundreds of his soon-to-be constituents. He began his political career as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives serving from 1972 to 1974. Elected as a democrat to the Ninety-Fourth Congress, he was reelected to the Ninety-Fifth and Ninety-sixth Congresses. Eddie Beard served in the U. S. House of Representatives from January 3, 1975, to January 3, 1981, and was Chairman of the Labor Standards Committee and a member on several the House committees including; House Ways and Means, Elderly Affairs, Labor Standards, Education and Labor, Armed Forces, Foreign Affairs and Veterans' Affairs.

Eddie Beard is remembered for his relentless work on behalf of the blue-collar workers of America and the founder of the “Blue-Collar Caucus.” He was well known for his diligence on cracking down on abuse and neglect at nursing homes and institutions of mental health. He was the elderly and aged champion and gained national media attention for his legislation on “Unannounced Inspections.” He proposed several pieces of legislation that supported veterans' benefits throughout his career as a Congressman. He served as director of elderly affairs for the City of Providence, Rhode Island, from 1986 to 2002

He is survived by his son Edward P. Beard Jr, of PA, his daughter Diane Louise Brennan of RI, grandchildren; Destini, Dustin and Michael, his brother John Beard and a niece and nephew.

He is preceded in death by his father Thomas J. Beard and mother Anne “Fitzpatrick” Beard and siblings Anne and Thomas Jr.

Due to COVID restrictions, services will be private for family only.  A Celebration of his life for the citizens of RI who he served will be announced in the future once restrictions are lifted.

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of David Brun January 9, 2021 at the age of 62 after a long brave battle with Parkinson's disease. David was born July 19, 1958 in Chicago but moved to Clearwater at the age of 10. He always considered himself a Florida native and enjoyed living and playing on the beautiful Gulf Coast. David graduated from Tampa College with a BA in Business Administration and Management. He worked at Eaton Cutler Hammer formerly Westinghouse from 1982 to 1999. He then worked for many years at Thasetronics in Clearwater. David is predeceased by his parents, Eleanor and Harold Brun and his brothers, Hal and Rick. He is survived by and will be sadly missed by the love of his life wife, Trina Brun and his sister, Barbara Brun of Chicago. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Rafael "Ray" Vega, an entrepreneur and restaurateur passed away peacefully on January 9, 2021 at the age of 86.

Ray was born on August 27, 1934 to Rafael and Maria Vega. He migrated to the US from Tijuana with his parents as a toddler. His parents had dreams of owning a restaurant in LA and were able to bring that dream to fruition. Ray grew up on Olvera Street in downtown LA, around his parent's Mexican Restaurant, Café Caliente. He attended John Boroughs High School in Burbank and continued on to study Hospitality at San Francisco State University. He came back to LA at the age of 22 to find a way to support his parents who had recently been forced to close their restaurant. In 1956, with the promise of a few months free rent and while working a few other side jobs, Ray opened Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks on Ventura Blvd. Ray's father was the first bartender and his mother was welcoming guests while keeping an eye on the family recipes coming out of the kitchen. He was very active in local LA politics serving on the LA County Housing Authority and as Commissioner of Dept. of Public Social Service in the late 1960's-1970's. In 1976, Ray married Charleen, a beautiful woman whom he had met at Casa Vega.

As a young businessman, Ray was successful in obtaining government contracts for dining services all around California and Nevada. One of those contracts, Nellis Air Force Base, took Ray and Charleen to Las Vegas in 1978. Las Vegas opened lot of opportunities with Ray's love of work, his vision, creativity, drive and willingness to take risks. Ray started and owned numerous successful businesses in Las Vegas under VEGA Enterprise: VEGA Vending; VEGA Wholesale; VEGA Bar & Concessions; VEGA Foods; VEGA Marketing; VEGA Spirits; VEGA Dairy and many others, along with buildings, warehouses and other business ventures. Ray loved being a businessman and was a trailblazer within the Latino Community. In 1996, Ray was appointed Honorary Counsel General to Mexico for the State of Nevada. He sat on more hospital (Providence Hospitals) and bank boards than we can list.

After retiring from Las Vega, Ray was happy to move back to his hometown of Los Angeles, to spend his days near his first (and favorite) business, Casa Vega. He never missed a day of work. Ray took immense pride in teaching his daughter, Christina "Christy" Vega, how to navigate in business and keep his legacy alive. This year, Casa Vega Restaurant celebrates 65 years of business in Ray's honor.

Ray is survived by his wife, Charleen; his children Kelly, Robbie and Christina; and his grandchildren Anthony, Taylor, Emillee, Lizzy, Jackson, Rafael Palmer, Ryan' Jr., Cruz and Mia.

Services are pending.

William H. Kobin, a public television executive who led KCET in Los Angeles and spearheaded a diverse range of programs, died Jan. 8 at his home in Brentwood, Calif., due to health complications caused by Parkinson’s disease. He was 91.