Paul Dolan ’72, a man known for his generosity, allegorical speeches, and constant pocket dials, died June 6, 2023. Paul grew up playing hide-and-seek at his family’s winery and later found great success in the wine industry—he was named winemaker of the year by the Los Angeles Times in 1991. He founded the Paul Dolan […]

Gae Melford ’72 was many things: a masterful wordsmith, a warm and effortless hostess, a fierce friend to all, and a tireless ally and advocate for others. She arrived at Santa Clara in the late 1960s and her growing passion for social justice had her traveling frequently to San Francisco, where she and friends joined […]

Though his trade was welding and construction, John Baker ’72 was an artist at heart. He was sole proprietor of a high-tech welding shop and metal sculpture studio. He was awarded first place prize in the sculpture division at the 1980 California State Fair and his work has been included in private collections and were […]

Edward Hutchins ’72, M.S. ’75 moved around a lot in the first quarter of his life. Born in St. Louis, Ed grew up in Phoenix, joined the Army and was stationed in Alaska then San Francisco. After being discharged, he earned bachelor and master degrees in electrical engineering then settled down in Cupertino with his […]

A father of nine and grandfather to 17, Devon Stone M.S. ’72 will be remembered as faithful, diligent, loyal, and a terrific listener. He attended Brigham Young University on a football scholarship before earning a master’s degree in engineering from Santa Clara. He applied his knack for engineering in aerospace, logistics, IT, and other industries […]

All will remember the infectious smile of Jerry Heald M.S. ’72, particularly around his usual golfing haunts around Lake Wildwood in Northern California. Jerry served in the Army from 1957-1960 at Fort Bliss, TX with pride. In the same year he ended his service, Jerry married the love of his life, Marilyn. After receiving his […]

From Bellarmine College Prep to SCU, Richard Reilley ’72 was educated in the Jesuit tradition. He was a proud and loyal alum and continued his spiritual growth as a member of St. Ignatius Parish in San Francisco. Dick was a singular intellect, a classicist, fluent in Latin, Ancient Greek, and James Joyce. A lawyer by […]

George Costouros MBA ’68 PhD ’72 believed that focusing on his education would bring opportunities for a better life. As an officer in the Greek Air Force, he traveled throughout Greece after World War II and frequently worked alongside US Air Force members. He later became a tenured, full-time professor at San Jose State University’s business […]

A beloved family man, Michael Hurley MBA ’72 died on September 25, 2022. He held a variety of both engineering and management roles before joining IBM for an almost 40-year career. Mike’s greatest love was his family. Family life was filled with swim meets at Cupertino Hills, soccer games where Mike volunteered as coach, ski […]

Charles Schmelzer ’72 was a lifelong choral singer both while in school and for many years with St. Victor’s Church. In retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and volunteered at the local hospital. He also traveled extensively throughout North America by motorhome with his wife, Joann, and their RV groups. Charles died on November 3, 2022.

Josephine Hernandez M.A. ’72 was a firm believer in education and giving back to the community. She thrived at school and had a successful career as a Registered Nurse. Later, Jo worked for four years as a guidance counselor at San Jose High School before beginning a 20-year career at West Valley-Mission Community College District. […]

Among his many accomplishments, Richard DeBlasio ’72 led the development of key standards to support a national energy grid. He worked for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for nearly 40 years, serving as a senior research fellow emeritus. Previously, he was a senior research engineer with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, and a member […]

A multiple sclerosis diagnosis helped Edward M. Dowd ’72 discover a love and devotion to art and philanthropy. He found a way to combine the two passions, which have the power to inspire and heal others. In 2014, he made a significant donation to SCU, establishing the Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History Building […]

After a battle with Parkinson’s Disease and heart disease Delbert M. Siemsen J.D. ’72 died peacefully on July 4, 2020. In Milwaukee, he met and married his wife, Margaret Gould. The two would move around California before settling down in Durham. Del discovered his true calling was farming. Over the years, he and Margaret farmed […]

Mary C. Ganahl ’72 retired after 35 years in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. Her new focus is her three grandchildren, traveling, and sailing.

John A. Brooks MBA ’72 retired from his position as Plant Controller at Sanmina Corp. Since retirement, Brooks has caught up on reading, investments, traveling. He’s active in church and has had fun with fellow retirees at retirement groups.

Lila Nielson Walters M.S. ’72  died on January 4, 2021, at Sunrise Assisted Living facility in Danville, California, where she was cared for with great attention and kindness. Lila came to Salinas in 1947 from her native Mississippi after graduating from Blue Mountain College, and initially worked as a bookkeeper for Tynan Lumber Company. Possessing a thirst […]

Robert E. Hales J.D. ’72 died peacefully from congestive heart failure on December 19, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Philadelphia, Bob attended Lower Merion High School and earned a bachelor of science from St. Joseph’s University before serving as a First Lieutenant for the United States Air Force. Bob married the love of […]

Tim Smith ’72, M.S. ’78 and his wife Peggy (Augustine) ’72 are relocating from their long time Nevada City, California-area home to Paradise Valley, Arizona, to be closer to Peggy’s family. The youngest of their four children has also recently relocated to Arizona as a senior mechanical engineer for a local firm. The couple will […]

Charles F. Edgemon J.D. ’72 was born in Spokane, Washington, where he lived and loved airplanes, eventually earning a student pilot licence. Chuck joined the Air Force in 1954, moved to California, and a year later obtained his private pilot’s license. In four years, he became a staff sergeant and was selected by his commanding […]