The Memorial Wall

Beloved Board member of PRO, Elina never let her advanced Parkinson’s stand in the way of her deep involvement with our organization.

Her generosity, her spirit and her loving nature will be remembered by all who knew her including her family in Finland and many dear friends in Los Angeles. Special sentiments and Contributions to PRO in her memory would be especially meaningful.

Robert was born May 11, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to Margaret & Weldon Vinyard. At 18 he joined the navy serving on the U.S.S. Hambleton, a destroyer mine sweeper as a gunners mate.

Bob was a capable man of many talents. He once dismantled a 1946 Cadillac, lining the parts along a driveway then reassembled it to perfect running condition. He was proud to have served as a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus and was a 4th Degree Knight. He loved to work and owned “Master Handyman” in Downey, CA as a licensed general contractor for many years.

While he loved to hammer, he considered his life’s work was making his wife Carmen the happiest woman on Earth. As in all his endeavors, he was successful.

Robert passed away on October 28, 2017. Services will be held at Miller Mies Mortuary Downey on November 10th at 10:30am.

Warren was born on August 22, 1934 and passed away on Monday, October 9, 2017. Warren was a resident of California at the time of passing.

LOWE, Gary 83, of Beverly Hills, Former Detroit Lion defensive back, a member of the “The Four L’s defensive squad “and Member of the 1957 World Championship team, passed away on October 8, 2017. He fought a good fight against Parkinson’s Disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred Dillon, Step-father Leonard Dillon, Father Ansel (Belva) Lowe. He is survived by his Beloved wife of 58 years, Patricia (Miller) Lowe and Proud father of Gary R. Lowe, Jr. Loving brother of Betty (Joe) Stoneburner, Nancy Murphy(Jack), Dianne Czarnecki (Norbert), Tim Dillon (Rhonda), Robert Lowe, Roger Lowe (Sue) and Ronald Lowe(Mary) many nieces and nephews and special mention of his friend and caregiver Betty Livi. 

Robert J. Brooke of Pelham, NY, Southampton, NY and Westbrook, Ct., died on August 18, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Bob was born on December 17, 1941 in the Bronx to the late Florence and Robert Brooke. He is survived by his loving wife and best buddy of 44 years, Rosemary Graziano Brooke, whom he met when she was a student teacher at Mount Vernon High School where he was a Physical Education teacher. He was a beloved uncle, Godfather, friend, teacher, coach and mentor, who left a lasting impact on all. Bob graduated from Pelham Memorial High School, where he was an outstanding All- County football player. He continued his academic and football career at Emory and Henry College Virginia, and completed a Bachelor’s degree in 1963, He received a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland. Upon graduation he was employed by the Mount Vernon, New York Public Schools as a teacher and coach. During his tenure of 33 years, he distinguished himself in coaching football, wrestling, Cross Country and Track and Field. In addition to the accomplishments of his students and student athletes, Bob derived great joy from time spent on the beach in Southampton with family and beach friends, loved jogging as well as swimming in the ocean at Cooper’s Beach and sailing on Long Island Sound in Westbrook, Ct. He was known to frequent the best breakfast buffets wherever he was. 

Bob (Robin) Zarider passed away in La Mesa, California on Sunday, July 2nd surrounded by his family. Bob was 61 and a long-time resident of Allied Gardens.

He served as Director, of the Investment Division at Neuman & Neuman Real Estate Inc. of San Diego. As a graduate of San Diego State University, Bob loved all things San Diego from his Aztecs and Padres to the San Diego Chargers.

Bob enjoyed civic activities and loved the game of golf and enjoyed playing with his group of friends for many years.

Bob is survived by his sons Zachary, Nathan and Jeffrey; father, Frank Zarider; brother, David Zarider and sister-in-law, Barbara; sister, Karen (Zarider) Johnson and husband Jeff. Bob’s cherished wife, Fran and beloved mother, Ruth, preceded his death.

Bob will be missed and forever will remain in our hearts. Donations to The Parkinson’s Resource Organization on Bob’s behalf would be most appreciated. Parkinson’s Resource Organization, 74-090 El Paseo, Suite 104, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 773-5628.

Louis A. Fisher, 80, died in La Quinta, California on May 5, 2017. He was born to Louis Alfred and Virginia Claire Fisher on June 13, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan.

Lou graduated from Portsmouth Priory School in Rhode Island in 1954, lettered in football and enjoyed hockey, softball, and track. He attended the University of Georgetown, Washington, DC and graduated from the University of Detroit where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1958.

Following his enlistment into ROTC, Louis was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corp and served honorably as First Lieutenant until 1961. He then served in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1965.

Lou later moved to San Diego where he met and married Beverly Frie and it was here that their beautiful daughter, Monica was born.

After many annual visits to the Palm Desert area, Louis and Beverly decided to move to La Quinta, California where he enjoyed actively playing golf and polo. They spent their summers in Haley, Idaho, fly- fishing, biking, and camping.

Lou was preceded in death by his daughter Monica, and his brother William (Bill) Fisher. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; sister’s, Claire Lauinger and her husband, Philip; Anne Dingeman and her husband Jim; sister-in-law, Andrea Fisher; and his many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Parkinson’s Resource Organization.

George Tcharos, 87, of Cathedral City, California passed away on March 11, 2017 in Cathedral City. He was born on April 17, 1929, to Nikolaos Tsororos and Aristea Loumakis in Quebec City, Canada.

He married Emily Pappas on April 17, 1966 in Quebec City. He was a restaurateur and sales representative in the wholesale foods business (Center Meat Company) for over 45 years. He was Provincial Scout Commissioner and Troop Master in Canada, a Master Mason-Scottish Rite 33rd degree, founder and community organizer for both the Greek Orthodox Church communities of the Annunciation in Quebec City, Canada & St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Palm Desert, CA. He served in the Royal 57th Battery from 1944-1948 as a Reservist.

He is survived by spouse, Emily Tcharos of Cathedral City; daughter, Stefanie Tcharos (Matthew) Kourakis; son; Nicolas (Ariadne Sarros) Tcharos; grandchildren, Jacob Kourakis, Anisia Kourakis, Theoharis Tcharos, and Alexander Tcharos; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and loving friends.

Bill was born on May 13, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - the oldest of four children. His education consisted of graduating from Villanova University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  He graduated from Notre Dame with his Masters and then went on to receive his doctorate in Electrical Engineering at Notre Dame.  After obtaining a fellowship at Purdue University he went on to work for the state department overseas for several years in Moscow in the 60’s and later Frankfurt Germany.  He was never able to tell us what his job was overseas. He came back to the states and continued working for companies that contracted with the US Government until his retirement.  

He was an avid Sculler and rowed in college on the Schuylkill River and then rowed regularly on the Potomac.  When he wasn’t rowing he cycled and walked everywhere! He bought his first house in Arlington, Virginia where he met and married Rosanne. He was 50 years old.  They traveled extensively and it seemed it was blissful for them - until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 55.  He had gone to see a physician for bone spurs because he was having trouble walking and his one foot was dragging…

Bill had Parkinson’s for 25 years and never once complained.  He never gave up hope that he would beat this hideous disease.  His spirits were always good and his wife, Rosanne, along with the family, were there and gave him much support.  Our mother was in her 90’s by the time Bill and Rosanne sold their home and moved to Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania to be near her and our brother Bob and his wife, Deni, who were also living there.  Unfortunately, there was no support for the family or spouse so what we learned about Parkinson’s we learned through our own research and muddled about as much as we could.  Our mother passed away in 2004 and his three siblings are still alive.  His wife, Rosanne passed away on Thursday February 10, 2022.

We miss Bill every day and whenever his name is mentioned it always brings a smile…