Obituaries
The most recent submissions appear first. CLICK HERE to create an obituary online or send an email to obits@alamedasun.com with text and photos attached. The fee is $75 per 250 words, and $25 per photograph.
March 6, 1934 – Jan. 30, 2014
Resident of Alameda Bob passed away surrounded by loving family and friends. He touched many lives with his gentle spirit and positive outlook on life. Born in New York, Bob attended Syracuse University and graduated from Harvard Business School with a Masters in Business Administration.
He had a long distinguished career in management consulting. Bob is survived by the “love of his life,” Darlene, his daughters, Brooke Hessler and Courtney Wilkin and his fun-loving grandchildren, Katie and Kyle. He also leaves behind his 92-year-old father-inlaw, Ron Gervasoni (Gloria), his brother-in-law, Ron Gervasoni and sister-in-law, Kim Gervasoni.
He was predeceased by his brotherin- law Mike Gervasoni. Additionally he will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Bob will be in the hearts of his many friends (especially the “Potluck Group”) and his many clients and co-workers from his long career.
The family sends a special thank you to Dr. Castro-Moure and the many wonderful Intensive Care Unit nurses at Highland Hospital.
Per Bob’s request, there will be no service. Memorial donations may be made to the Katie and Kyle Wilkin College Fund, c/o US Bank, 980 Island Drive, Alameda, CA 94502. For further information, contact Harry W. Greer, funeral director FDR-745. Alameda Funeral & Cremation Services FD2139 1415 Oak St. (510) 522-6020
Sept. 25, 1945 – Feb. 14, 2014 Resident of Alameda
Fritz was born in San Clemente, Calif. and with the exception of his toddler years in New York City, lived in California nearly all his life, most of it in the Bay Area, which he loved with all his heart.
He lived in Alameda for three decades. After retiring from AT&T, Fritz worked with the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, and then became a Realtor with Harbor Bay Realty.
He loved to travel the world, create masterpieces from raw wood and entertain with a gourmet’s flair.
His children — Kristine Turnier in Talbott, Tenn., John Mayer in Tracy and Nicole McGaughey in Colorado Springs — were spread far and wide, but he visited them at every opportunity and doted on his six grandchildren: Bryce and Roxi Turnier; Brendan and Amelia Mayer; and Tristan Hollman and Riley McGaughey.
His sister and brother-in-law, Robbie and Dick Neely of Oakland’s Montclair District, miss their best friend. Donations may be made to Fritz’s favorite organization — Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, 1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA, 94501. At his request, there will be no formal services.
Greer Family Mortuary and Cremation Services FD 1408 www.greermortuary.com 865-3755
May 21, 1985 – Feb. 15, 2014
Resident of Manhattan Beach, Former Resident of Alameda
Thomas John Theodore Phillips, 28, of Manhattan Beach, Calif. died peacefully, surrounded by his family at 2:23 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, at his sister’s home in Claremont, Calif.
Thomas, known affectionately by his friends and family as Tommy, was born on May 21, 1985, to George and Jean Phillips. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth Stone, on Sept. 28, 2013. Tommy was a long-time resident of Manhattan Beach, where he lived since leaving his childhood home in Alameda at the age of 18 to attend Loyola Marymount University.
After college, Tommy began a very successful career in digital marketing and advertising at Carat USA, culminating at Dealer.com where he helped establish the company’s West Coast presence. Tommy was loving, kind and relatable. He was not a man who focused on an impressive academic record or career accomplishments.
He was a man who loved food, plaid clothing and a good drink. He was well respected and impacted every person he came in contact with. As one friend put it, “there are good men, there are great men and there is Tommy Phillips.”
He began his education at Bayside Montessori School, then St. Joseph’s Elementary School and St. Mary’s College Prep High School. He graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2007. He made lifelong friends in every phase of his life. Growing up, Tommy participated in most of Alameda’s youth sports programs and was an active Boy Scout. He went on to play both football and basketball at St. Mary’s College Prep High School, including the varsity basketball team that won the California State Championship.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, by his parents Jean and George Phillips of Alameda, his sisters and brotherin- laws, Amy and Wade Mathieson (Claremont), Leslie and Brian Corcoran (Claremont), Sara and Brian Harrison (Concord), his nephew, Finn, nieces Hannah and nephew, Finn, nieces Hannah, Claire, Grace, Stella and Ruby. Tommy also leaves behind his grandmother Ann Jonlick; aunts Gail Loya and Mary Jonlick; and uncles George Adams and Mark Jonlick.
He enjoyed summer vacations at Donner Lake, camping trips and traveling. In college he traveled to Japan and coached youth sports. Tommy visited 13 countries in Europe and Asia. Tommy lived each of his 28 years to the fullest. He enjoyed being surrounded by his nieces, nephew, sisters and brothers-in-law, as well as his wide circle of friends. He had an amazing ability to stay in touch with people he knew from all stages of his life.
His enthusiasm and humor were infectious and his friends flocked around him. Heaven was already paradise and God just added our biggest All Star. He will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Family and friends are invited to visit with Tommy’s family at 6 p.m., Feb. 21, at St. Joseph’s Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., to be followed by vigil services at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. Private interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 4529 Howe St., Oakland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: gofund me.com/tommy-phillips. For more information, call: Harry W. Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745). Alameda Funeral and Cremation Services, FD-2139 1415 Oak St. (510) 522-6020
