7 minute read
IN MEMORY
from Avanti 2021-22
by Justin-Siena
In Memory Our thoughts and prayers are with these members of our Braves family.
Fran Cassayre passed away peacefully at home on August 17, 2021. She is survived by her husband Paul Cassayre of 65 years, daughters Mary Miroglio ’75 (Bruce ’74), Anne Sullivan, and Diane Cassayre ’78, 12 grandchildren, and 15 greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law Bruce and Betty Cassayre, Jim and Carolyn Cassayre, and Bruce and Mary MacLean. Fran will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all. Nick Robert Cervone passed away peacefully in his home on August 20, 2021, in Napa, CA. Nick was born on February 6, 1931, in Formicola, Italy. He is survived by his wife Martha of 63 years, his daughters Rita Cervone ’77 and Annetta ’79, her husband Ray Particelli ’79, four grandchildren Stefano ’06, Giuliano ’07, Dante, and Adriana Particelli, and also two greatgrandchildren, nieces, and numerous cousins.
Advertisement
Nancy Brace Davis ’90 died at home on March 13, surrounded by her family. She lived her entire life in the Valley. An alumna of St. Apollinaris and Justin-Siena High School, Nancy grew up excelling at sports. Her family and friends were her everything and she loved them fiercely. Nancy is survived by her husband Jeff Davis, and three children, Lauren, Violet, and Emmett, parents Richard Brace and Patty Brace, her sister Jackie Reinsimar ’88, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. Ellen Frank passed away in Chandler, Arizona, on September 4, 2021. A devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and family member, Ellen lived her life helping others. She is survived by many including her three children, Dan Frank ’89, Lisa Rittenhouse, and Steve Frank. Ellen had seven grandchildren.and countless lifelong friends.
Dennis Gafvert passed away unexpectedly on July 16th, 2021, at his home in Bend, Oregon. Dennis was born on August 22, 1963, in Los Altos, California. He is survived by his daughters Samantha Gafvert and Megan Gafvert ’14, his faithful dog Buster, and his many loving family members and friends. Debra Garon, mother of Gage Garon ’25 passed away on October 6, 2021. Debra is survived by her husband Steve, son Gage ’25, and many other family and friends. Joan Goodwin passed away peacefully with family by her side on Oct. 9, 2021, at the Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa. Joan is survived by her husband Jack, five children: Michael, Carol, Dan ’79, Bill ’80, and Theresa ’84, and 12 grandchildren. Joan gave of herself charitably at St. Cecilia’s in SF, and St. Apollinaris and Justin-Siena High in Napa. Kenneth William Kumpf passed away on November 27, 2020. Ken was born on July 6, 1936, in Kane, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his mother Katherine, son Aaron ’82, and father Fred. He is survived by his siblings, son Loren ’78, and daughter Amy. Air Force Capt. Kelliann Leli, wife of Capt. James Leli ’07 died Nov. 27, 2020, in a non-combat related vehicle incident at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. She was married to Capt. Jimmy Leli ’07, a KC-10 Extender pilot in the 6th Aerial Refueling Squadron at Travis. Drake William Norup ’15 passed away on June 30, 2021. Drake demonstrated an easy ability to make friends, and play sports, while passing classes without much effort. His athleticism and strong will were readily apparent on the playing fields. Drake was a rare loving soul whose bright light was extinguished far too soon. He is survived by his adoring parents Kim and Andrea Norup, beloved brother Dexter Norup ’12, and many other family and friends. After a battle with pancreatic cancer, Eric Padgett passed away peacefully November 3, 2021, at home in Sonoma. He was ever-present at his kids’ elementary school, Saint Francis Solano, where he could be found working the lunch line, organizing the library, or volunteering for their field trips and fundraisers. As his children moved on to Justin-Siena High School, you could find Eric keeping the book at every softball game and working the scoreboard
at the football games. He never let cancer stop him from showing up and supporting his kids or his community. Eric is survived by his wife Jessica, four children: Shelby ’24, Travis ’25, Jayden, and Alyson, as well as many additional family and friends. Joe Powers cared for his family. Born in 1935, he was raised in Grimes, CA. He is survived by his wife Eileen, son Michael ’79 and sister Rose Ann Ellis. He was preceded in death by his daughter Laura Ann Burnett ’82. John Prince passed away peacefully on February 17, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Out of all his incredible achievements, John would say his greatest treasure was the love of God and family. John is survived by his wife Louise, his sons Gary ’79 and Steve ’88, daughter Julie ’87, grandchildren Dena ’16, Alicia ’18, Ryan, Jake, and Tyler, and beloved brothers, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Born in 1945, Gregory Rodeno passed away on March 21, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Michaela Rodeno of Napa, daughter Kate ’02, son John ’05, and numerous extended family. William Frank Rossi ’71 graduated from Justin High School (now known as Justin-Siena High School) in 1971. Bill understood what most of us can only hope to figure out in one lifetime, and that was how to live. Family and friends were everything. Left with decades of memories are his siblings Marie Rossi and Joseph Rossi, Jr. ’70, his wife Patricia ’77, and many muchloved nieces and nephews, in-laws, godchildren, and friends. David Simich passed away on Monday September 6, at home. David was born on March 22, 1949, to Myron Vincent and Marjorie Elizabeth Simich. David is survived by his loving wife Sue, sister Edith Scribner (Don), brother Stephen Simich ’76, and other family members. It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of Mark Eugene Tremblay. Mark is lovingly survived by his wife Maureen, daughter Sidney Jo ’11, and many others. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
Adrian Van Winden passed away unexpectedly on February 10, 2021. Adrian, who was born in Pijnacker, Netherlands, was a devout Catholic, and attended St. Apollinaris Catholic Church. Adrian leaves behind his daughter Lesette ’79, son James, and daughter Sonja ’87. He is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandsons, relatives, and dear friends.
Joseph James “Jake” Wade IV ’02
died on August 18, 2021, in Santa Rosa, California. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend. Born April 17, 1984, Jake learned from a very young age the value of family, love of nature, and hard work. Although Jake died far too young, he will be remembered for his candid sense of humor, contagious laughter, and his love and devotion to his family including his wife Nicole Cochran and their two daughters. He will be deeply missed.
Linda Waddell, a loyal friend, loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed away on December 26, 2020. Linda was preceded in death by her husband Bud in 2009, and is survived by her two sons, Justin ’94 and Brandon ’96, and several grandchildren. Linda had a great passion for life and her family was everything to her.
Neil F. Murphy
If you look at our Honor Roll of Investors, you’ll notice a special list of donors who have given consistently for 25 or more years. These friends of Justin-Siena are our most loyal and treasured benefactors and we are grateful for their generosity. One name that graced that list for over 25 years was Neil F. Murphy. Neil and his wife Helen were parents of Timothy F. Murphy, Br. Michael F. Murphy ’73, and Colleen Murphy Scholl ’79. A native Napan who spent 76 of his 90 years in Napa, Neil served in the US Air Force for four years after earning his AA in Agricultural Science from UC Davis. Upon returning to Napa, Neil embarked on a career in construction, first as an apprentice turned journeyman carpenter, and later as a contractor. Ultimately, he established Redwood Homes, building well-built, attractive, and affordable homes that still grace the wine country today. Neil passed away January 16, 2021, and though he is gone, the impact his life had on his children and grandchildren, as well as extended family and friends, continues. His son, Br. Michael, shared this about his father, “My dear Dad gave me two immense gifts for which I will always be deeply grateful: life itself and the Roman Catholic faith. Up until the very end of his life, he loved life and loved the Catholic Church. Not only does his life continue with mine but also his abiding love of Catholicism.”