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In Memoriam: Longtime East County resident, owner of Lucia’s Olive Oil, Monte Albers passes at 84

May 13, 2024 By Publisher Leave a Comment

MONTE DEAN ALBERS

November 24, 1939 – May 7, 2024

Monte Dean Albers, son of Robert Albers and Pauline Bloom Albers, was born on November 24, 1939, in Eugene, Oregon, died peacefully in his sleep on May 7, 2024, in Brentwood, CA at the age of 84.

Monte attended the University of Oregon, lived an adventurous life, moving first to rural Idaho, then to Houston, Texas and settling finally in California. He went to work for United Airlines where he continued to work for the next 37 years.

Monte met his wife Lucia in San Francisco and together they built a house in Brentwood, California where they have lived since 1987.

He retired from United and dedicated his life to his olive ranch where he enjoyed taking care of the olive trees and producing virgin, kosher olive oil.

Monte will be remembered for his kindness and never-ending love of jokes. He is survived by his wife Lucia, his daughter Elizabeth (Alan); son Monte (Michael); grandchildren, Alan, Erick, Ryan, Scott, Stephanie, Joseph and Jackson, as well as daughters Debbie, Dianne and Darcey from a previous marriage and their children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Monte was also preceded in death by his sister Judy Albers.

A memorial service for Monte will be held at Higgins Chapel in Antioch, California on Thursday, May 23 from 9:30 to 11:30 am followed by a private interment.

Filed Under: East County, In Memoriam/Obituaries

In Memoriam: Antioch resident Jordan Davis passes at 29

March 2, 2024 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Jordan Phillip Davis

November 12, 1994 – January 21, 2024

A Journey of Joy and Jests

On January 21, 2024, the world lost a bit of its sparkle when Jordan Phillip Davis, age 29, Exited the off-ramp from life in Antioch, California. He embarked on this adventure on November 12, 1994, and from day one, Jordan was all about making waves – both literally and figuratively. If life’s a highway, Jordan was riding wheelies down it. He rode his dirt bike with the gusto of a kid at a candy store and jet skied as if he had fins instead of feet. His BBQs were the stuff of legend—where the grill was hot, and the steaks were never at risk. Jordan’s camping tales were more gripping than a tent peg in the earth, and if fish could talk, they’d have asked for autographs. After moving from Pittsburg at age 14, he attended Antioch High School.

As for cars, he wasn’t just under the hood—he was the wizard waving the wrench. But the heart of Jordan’s world was his little co-pilot, Jordan, Jr.

Together, they navigated the bumpy roads of life with laughter as their GPS and unconditional love was their fuel. Jordan’s career was a mixed bag of gigs from Save Mart to Tesla; until one day he branched out and plated his own business, HD Tree Service with his best bud, Carlos. They were the dynamic duo, shaking the family tree of the tree service industry one branch at a time. The cast of characters

in Jordan’s life story is as vibrant as a rainbow after a storm. He leaves behind his mom, Dolly; stepdad, Jimmy; son, Jordan Jr.; Aunt Christene; Uncle Robert; Cousin Robert; Uncle Moe; Cousin Kayla; Grandma Linda; Grandpa Richard; Cheri and Robbie; and his ever-faithful best friend, Cutty (Carlos), the Robin to his Batman, who also survives him along with a forest of friends and distant kin. We are busy planning the after-party, ensuring that Jordan’s final send-off is as lively as he was.

So, let’s not say goodbye to Jordan; instead, let’s rev our engines and honk our horns in celebration of a man who lived life in the fun lane. Here’s to Jordan, may we all keep our tires dirty and our grills sizzling in his honor.

Filed Under: East County, In Memoriam/Obituaries

Kensington Police announce passing of former Sergeant, Interim Chief Ricky Hull

December 26, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Former Kensington Police Sergeant and Interim Chief Ricky Hull. Source: Kensington PD

Services in Fairfield, Dixon Jan. 3, 2024

By Mike Gancasz, Chief of Police, Kensington

It is with deep regret and sadness that I inform you of the passing of former Kensington Police Sergeant Ricky Hull who passed away at his home in Fairfield this week.

Ricky Hull, a Fairfield native, joined the Kensington Police Force in October 1997 and served with dedication until his retirement in December 2020. Throughout his career, Ricky rose through the ranks, from Officer to Master Sergeant to Interim Chief.

His contributions to the Kensington Police Department were significant, and he will be remembered for his commitment to public service.

Ricky grew up in Fairfield and had an extended family in Richmond and West Oakland. His journey in law enforcement began in the city of Concord, where he initially worked as a civilian jailer. He attended the police academy in Pittsburg and eventually found a home in Kensington.

This news comes as a shock to all of us, and we extend our deepest condolences to Ricky’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We will keep you informed about any memorial arrangements or services.

Please join us in remembering Ricky Hull and the positive impact he had on our community.

Flowers and cards can be sent to:

C. Hull

561 E. Tennessee Street

Fairfield, CA 94533

Sincerely,
M. Gancasz
Chief of Police 

— feeling sad.

The Hull family requested donations in honor of Ricky can be sent to the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Scholarship Fund c/o Vallie Jean Hull. Flowers should be substituted for potted plants due to allergies.

The service information is:

Service: January 3, 2024, 10:00 AM, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1735 Enterprise Drive, Bldg #3, Fairfield.

Viewing: 9 o’clock to 9:50 AM

Internment immediately following service: Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon.

The family thanks the community for all the love and support they have provided.

 

Filed Under: In Memoriam/Obituaries, People, Police, West County

In Memoriam: Pittsburg native Mary Vigil passes at 101

August 21, 2023 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Mary Vigil

December 7, 1921 – August 11, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Vigil, a beloved member of our community. Mary passed away peacefully on August 11, 2023, at the age of 101.

Mary was born in 1921 in Pittsburg, California to Andres and Elvira Moreno. Mary was well-known in the community for her kindness and generosity. During and after her 39 years of working at the telephone company, Mary dedicated herself to community service. She was an active member of her church and spent many hours volunteering her time and talents to various charitable causes. Throughout her life, Mary was recognized for her altruism by the City of Pittsburg, the Catholic Daughters of America, and the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce among others.

Known for her volunteer work at the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Pittsburg Historical Society, Sutter Delta Medical Center, and for delivering holy communion to local parishioners who were homebound, Mary earned an esteemed reputation for her all of her charitable work.

Aside from her public service, Mary selflessly served as a caretaker for over 50 years to her beloved sister who was confined to bed for most of her life.

Mary was a devoted wife to her late husband, Leo Vigil, Sr., a loving sister to her late siblings Lillian and Joe Moreno, and a dedicated mother to her three children, Sylvia Gray, Judy Dunning and Leo Vigil, Jr. Mary is remembered for her warm smile, her love of dancing, and her unwavering faith. Her memory will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will carry on her legacy of love, kindness, and strength.

Rest in peace, dear Mary. You will always be in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 10:00 am, the reception will immediately follow at The Good Shepherd Parish Hall.

Filed Under: East County, In Memoriam/Obituaries

In Memoriam: Longtime owner of cattle ranch on Mt. Diablo, Sandia National Lab engineer Tom Brumleve passes at 92

July 24, 2023 By Publisher 1 Comment

Thomas Duane Brumleve

December 2, 1930 – June 28, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas Duane Brumleve, age 92, after a brave battle with cancer.  He was born in Mattoon, Illinois, on December 2, 1930, to Sylvester and Rachel Brumleve.

Tom got his early education in Mattoon and then graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.  He served in the United States Marine Corps.  He spent his career as an Electrical and Solar Engineer at Sandia National Laboratories from 1958 to 1984.  He married Joan Marilyn Kerley on November 9, 1963.  They enjoyed 38 years together, until she passed away on April 6, 2001.

Tom enjoyed his work at Sandia where his focus was solar energy.  He was proud to have received an award from the U.S. Department of Energy, a national award for Technical Excellence in Solar Thermal Technology in 1982.  In 1984, Tom retired early from Sandia and became the full-time Manager of Diablo Ranch, a cattle ranch on the slopes of Mt. Diablo.

Tom was very active in the community.  He was President of the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, the Contra Costa Farm Bureau, and the Contra Costa/Alameda County Cattlemen’s Association.  Tom was Chairman of the Range and Public Lands Committee, and Chairman of the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts.  He was a member of the Range and Public Lands Committee, the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, the Contra Costa Agriculture Task Force, the Natural Resources Committee, and the California Farm Bureau Federation. He served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Contra Costa Farm Bureau, for the Contra Costa/Alameda County Cattlemen’s Association, for the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, for the Contra Costa Citizens Land Alliance, and for the California Native Grass Association.  His leadership left a mark and made a difference in not only Contra Costa, and Alameda counties, but also at the State level.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman, adventurer, and educator.  He enjoyed scuba diving and being an instructor for the Livermore Skin Diving Club.  He was a founding-member of the Vaqueros of the Sea.  He enjoyed cross-country skiing, canoeing, back-packing, traveling, and putting in a hard-day’s work.  He climbed Mt. Shasta, hunted grizzly bears in Alaska, and canoed the Rogue River.  He thought he was the first person to ever go down Glen Canyon in an open canoe just prior to its closing for the dam.

He was especially interested in range-management techniques, proper grading, and maintenance of back-country roads.  Tom was actively involved in preserving agriculture and our Western Heritage, looked to improve urban understanding of agriculture, and other ag/urban interface issues.

He was active in the Fire Safe Council and the Mt. Diablo Bee Keepers Association.  He was a well-respected cattle rancher in Contra Costa County.  His presence in our lives will be greatly missed.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife Joan, siblings Leila and Rita, and his grandchildren Brandon and Tyler Brumleve.  He is survived by his sister Sylvia and brother Ken; children, Julia “Jill” Kilcourse, Kimmie Brumleve and Dan Brumleve, son-in-law Christopher Kilcourse; and grandchildren, Will and John (Jack) Kilcourse, and Coledan and Jessiana Brumleve, as well as nieces and nephews, and treasured friends.  A heartfelt thank you to Shirley Olsen for loving Tom and taking such good care of him for the last 22 years.  He will truly be missed.

A mass was held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Walnut Creek, on Friday, July 21st. A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, July 22nd at Diablo Ranch. He will be laid to rest at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be sent to the California Cattlemen’s Association and/or the Contra Costa Farm Bureau in his name.

Filed Under: Central County, In Memoriam/Obituaries

In Memoriam: 35-year Antioch resident Safeway deli worker Sharon Lee Heaney passes at 65

May 14, 2022 By Publisher 4 Comments

In loving memory

Sharon Lee Heaney

March 6, 1955 – March 2, 2021

We lost you a year ago.

Life has not been the same without you.

Sharon Lee (Gresko) Heaney was born to Eileen Gresko in Bakersfield, CA on March 6, 1955, and grew up in San Francisco. She later moved to Antioch in 1986.

Loving mother to Shannon Smario and David Heaney, a loving mother-in-law to Arenaeus Smario and proud grandmother to Sofia Smario.

She attended Galileo High School in San Francisco and worked in a dental office for many years. After having children, she worked for Safeway for 31 years, including about 10 years Antioch in the deli department.

She enjoyed her life traveling, going out dancing, and feeding the neighborhood cats.

She passed away on March 2, 2021, just shy of her 66th birthday. She will be missed by everyone.

A service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 14, 2022, at St. Ignatius Church at 3351 Contra Loma Blvd. in Antioch.

All are welcome to attend.

 

Filed Under: East County, In Memoriam/Obituaries

In memoriam: Antioch resident Beatriz Elizabeth “Bea” Truxton passes at 89

February 15, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Beatriz Elizabeth “Bea” Truxton

March 12, 1932 – January 28, 2022

Our dear mother, Beatriz Elizabeth Truxton, passed away January 28, 2022. Beatriz was born March 12, 1932, in Guayaquil Ecuador to Anibal Leon Barrera and Melania Medina Molina. She had two older sisters.

Beatriz married the love of her life, Perry Truxton, on December 16, 1950, in Ecuador after a whirlwind six-week courtship. They were two months shy of their 60th wedding anniversary when Perry passed away in 2010.

Beatriz made many friends in Central and South America and the Caribbean following Perry who worked for the Inter American Geodetic Survey headquartered in the Panama Canal Zone. During his service, they lived in Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Panama. In 1976, they moved to Alamogordo, NM. Beatriz and Perry continued to travel after Perry retired in 1985.

In her mid-60s, Beatriz decided to pursue education by first earning her G.E.D. and then continuing to earn her Associates of Art degree in 2008 at the Alamogordo branch of New Mexico State University. She also took many art classes, enjoying drawing and acrylic painting. She served students through a part-time job in the Language Lab as a Spanish tutor where she made many friends.

Beatriz enjoyed the beach and scuba diving when she was younger. She went camping because Perry promised her that she would not have to either cook or clean up! Beatriz and Perry were great dancers. Beatriz enjoyed animals. As a child, she had a monkey and an ocelot as a pet. She loved dogs. Her favorite breed was the beagle and favorite dog names were Ginger or Topsy!

Beatriz had a deep faith in her savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. She taught her children to also have a deep faith in God. Beatriz loved traveling. She enjoyed visiting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made a priority to attend milestone events such as weddings, high school or college graduations and First Holy Communions.

In 2018, Beatriz went to live with her children. She lived with Roy in Tampa, FL before coming to live with Nellie in Antioch, CA. Beatriz joined the Antioch Senior Center where she participated in the painting activity. She also enjoyed going to the senior activity at the Celebration Center at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Brentwood, CA.

Beatriz is survived by her sons, Roy, Charlie (Vicki), and Stephen, and daughter Nellie (Brian) Beatty; grandchildren Emmanuel, Michael, Maureen, Elizabeth (Nathan) Blumhorst, Teresa, Jennifer, Katherine, Angela, Christopher, Sarah, Aaron, Rebecca, Annelise, and Maria; great-grandchildren Gabriel, Jacob, and Emrys; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to thank both Hospice of the East Bay and the staff at Spyglass Villas 2 for the wonderful care they gave to Beatriz. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in Beatriz Truxton’s name.

A funeral mass will be held on February 17, 2022, at St. Anthony’s Church, 971 O’Hara Ave, Oakley, CA  94561 at 12 p.m. with the rosary at 11 a.m. Interment is at Del Puerto & St. Mary’s Cemetery, 10800 CA-22, Patterson, CA 95363 at 11 a.m. February 18, 2022.

Filed Under: East County, In Memoriam/Obituaries

In memoriam: former Pittsburg resident John Patrick Anderson passes at 60

December 29, 2021 By Publisher 4 Comments

John Patrick Anderson

January 8, 1961 – November 9, 2021

John Patrick Anderson passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, on November 9, 2021, at 60 years young, surrounded by family. John was born on January 8, 1961, in Oakland, California to La Roy “Andy” Anderson and Patricia “Pat” Benson Anderson, one of four siblings. John grew up in Pittsburg and has lived in Benicia for over 15 years, where he raised his family. John was a Low Voltage Electrician for 20 years and a member of IBEW local 302. He loved riding motorcycles, fishing, and going to Renaissance Fairs throughout the years. John was a huge fan of the New York Giants football team and NASCAR. A lover of live music, John attended many concerts throughout the Bay Area during his life. He also loved to cook and always fed all his friends and family. John lived for his children and always loved to put a smile on everyone’s face.

John was a man who loved to laugh and dance, he had a lot of love in his heart. John is survived by his children Eric Zachary, Jacey Anna, and Jenna Rose Anderson. As well as his former wife’s, Stacey Anderson and Robin Anderson, his brother George Anderson, sister Kathy Anderson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sandy Anderson.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate John’s life at his Memorial Service on Sunday, January 2, 2022, from 1-4 PM at the Antioch Sportsman Yacht Club, 3301 Wilbur Avenue, Antioch. The venue requires everyone wear masks. Please contact Stacey Anderson at staceybythebay@comcast.net or Jenna Anderson at jenna.anderson707@yahoo.com should you have any questions about John’s Memorial Service.

 

Filed Under: East County, In Memoriam/Obituaries

Pittsburg man from construction business family that helped build thousands of homes passes at 62

June 25, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Leonard (Lenny) Kolias Jr.

Feb 12, 1959 to June 2, 2021

Leonard (Lenny) Kolias Jr. of Pittsburg, CA passed away on June 2, 2021.

Lenny was born in Oakland, CA on February 12, 1959 and lived in the Bay Area his whole life. He graduated from the school of Hard Knocks and started working at age 13 in the family business, Kolias Grading and later for B & B Paving and Grading. He made house pads for thousands of the houses from Antioch/ Pittsburg to Danville/San Ramon and Vallejo/Napa as well as many other areas in the Bay Area. He loved his work and took pride in being a Dirt Pusher/Heavy Machine operator for over 40 years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family the most! Some of his favorite times were at the family cabin on the Sacramento River catching catfish and running through the corn fields. He loved fast cars and big trucks. If you knew Lenny, you knew he had a presence, he was big, loud, giving and always happy.

Lenny is survived by his partner Debbie Melia, daughters Jamie Kolias and Krystle Melia, beloved grandchildren Jesslyn Marie, Jayla Ann, and Aidan Leonard, his sister, Cyndi Vipperman (Ken), brother,  Don Kolias (Tracy) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Lenny is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Carole Kolias, his brother Christopher Kolias, his grandmother Francis Gates and his nephew Bradley Reid.

Lenny was loved by many and will be missed ♥️.

 

Filed Under: In Memoriam/Obituaries

Hope and Healing Virtual Event honors 734 Contra Costans lost to COVID-19, Monday night

March 22, 2021 By Publisher Leave a Comment

To honor the memories of our loved ones, to comfort those left behind, and to collectively begin the healing process, Contra Costa County will tonight hold an online memorial for more than 700 of our family members, friends and neighbors lost in the past year to COVID-19.

The first Contra Costa resident confirmed to have died from the virus passed on March 22, 2020, one year ago today. As of this morning, 734 county residents have died from COVID-19

“While we have reached a somber milestone, we do so at a time of hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel,” said Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “Remembering the people who we have lost reminds us of how far we have come in our struggle against COVID-19. It also helps us to never forget what the virus cost us.”

Millions have died throughout the world during the past year, including more than 500,000 U.S. residents, in a pandemic that has resulted in closed schools, workplaces, places of worship, and curtailed civic life.

The Hope and Healing Virtual Event begins at 8 p.m. and can be viewed live on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) or on the CCHS Facebook page. Anyone can share this link on social media to watch live: https://youtu.be/83jaK-gznSY. The event will be recorded and rebroadcast on CCTV and available at the CCHS YouTube channel.

The broadcast ceremony includes remarks from healthcare workers and community leaders, an invocation, live music and a synchronized lighting of civic centers across the county, including Brentwood, Danville, Martinez, Moraga, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Ramon and Walnut Creek, along with Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, the Contra Costa County Administration Building and the Save Mt. Diablo Beacon.

Thanks to safe, highly effective vaccines and the hard work of Contra Costa residents to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the county is gradually emerging from the state health order restrictions that have affected every aspect of community life.

We can all play a role in ending the pandemic’s grip on Contra Costa for good – and save lives in the process – by continuing to make healthy choices that reduce the spread of the virus and protect us and our families from COVID-19, such as avoiding large gatherings and close contact with people outside the home, using face coverings and getting vaccinated when it is our turn.

Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus or call 1-833-VAX-COCO (1-833-829-2626) for information and updates about COVID-19 in Contra Costa County, including resources for finding appointments for COVID-19 vaccination and testing.

 

 

Filed Under: Health, In Memoriam/Obituaries, News, Supervisors

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