April 1,1932 – April 12, 2018

Ron was born in Crystal Falls, Michigan and moved to Glendale in 1936 with his brother and his parents, Frank and Ann. He attended Marshall Elementary, Wilson Jr. High, and Glendale High School. Ron went on to attend Occidental College and majored in political science. While at Oxy, Ron was part of the Air Force ROTC. Ronald graduated from Oxy in 1954.

Ron married Margaret (Peggy) Hough in 1953. Ron and Peggy bought a house and moved to La Crescenta in 1958. They have four children: Michael, Lynn, Diane and Karen. Ron obtained his teaching credential and started his career. He started teaching at Dunsmore Elementary for his first year. He then moved to Clark Jr. High, which is the current site of CVHS. In 1961 he began teaching at the newly built Clark Jr. High teaching eighth grade U.S. History. He then spent 10 years at Rosemont Jr. High working in the library. Ron had 35 years in education and was loved by his students throughout his career.

Ron was an avid golfer. He loved to fish and he enjoyed the mountains in northern California. Ron enjoyed watching all sports, especially the Dodgers and the Yankees.

Ron is survived by his wife Peggy, their four children, and five grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donate to Helping Hands for the Blind or Occidental College Scholarship Fund.

Funeral directors: www.CrippenMortuary.com

April 7, 1933 – April 11, 2018

James V. Gallagher, 85, passed away peacefully on April 11 at his home in Orange County after a fall in March. He is survived by Linda, his wife of 32 years. He was a longtime Crescenta Valley resident.

Jim was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 7, 1933 to Marion Jacobsen and James Gallagher. His parents and sister, Virginia Duffy, preceded him in death.

In 1952, Jim graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Phoenix, Arizona where the family moved because of his asthma. He attended Phoenix College before his family returned to Brooklyn. An early job was as an usher at the famous Radio City Music Hall.

Jim met his first wife, Marcy Moran, in Brooklyn where they married in 1957. He began a sales career with Hallmark Cards and started a family. A job with Franciscan Ceramics in Glendale brought them to La Cañada in 1971. He subsequently was a salesman in the paper goods industry and the tableware industry.

Active in the Paradise Valley Homeowner’s Association and neighborhood golf and bowling leagues, Jim enjoyed playing piano, guitar and bass. He was a jokester, storyteller and life of the party. Jim also was a very talented painter.

Jim and Linda married in January 1986 and made their home in Orange County where he worked the contractor’s desk at Home Depot. Jim retired in 1999, but was bored and took a part-time job at Home Depot’s Orange County headquarters before retiring again in 2008.

Jim is survived by his children Carol Kramer (Bob); Jim (Paula); and Dan (Dawn); stepchildren Arlene Dodson and Matthew Stibal (Erin); and grandchildren Donny (Theresa), Jason (Carolyn), Sara, Tanya and Tanner Gallagher; Christopher Kramer, Emma Dodson, Tyler Stibal; great grandchildren Muri and Lucas Gallagher; his brother, P.J. (Betty) of Arizona and many nieces and nephews.

Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

March 2, 1942 – April 18, 2018

Rita Basta, BVM (James Celeste) died Wednesday, April 18 in Pasadena. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 28 at 10 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose. Burial is in Mount Carmel cemetery, Dubuque, Iowa.

She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on March 2, 1942 to James and Celestine Renz Basta. She entered the BVM congregation July 31, 1960 from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, St. Paul. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1963, and final vows on Aug. 12, 1968.

Sister Rita taught secondary school in Burbank and Mission Hills. She served as college/university math professor in Sylmar and Northridge where she also served in spiritual ministry to adults.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by brothers James (St. Paul); Joseph (Ann Arbor, Michigan); and John (Mesa, Arizona) and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 57 years.

To make a donation in Sister’s honor, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/support-our-mission/online-donations/.

Funeral directors www.CrippenMortuary.com

July 15, 1931 – April 21, 2018
Funeral Mass for Norbert Dean Lalley will held on Wednesday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose. Funeral Directors: www.CrippenMortuary.com

1946 – 2018

Elizabeth Rae Hill recently passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

Liz was born in England in 1946 to Ruby Eyers and Paul Wisdom Hill (her parents met during World War II in England). She attended boarding school in London. When she was 18, she left England and came to America and got married just to return to London three years later then back to America to file for divorce.

Liz received her master’s degree in psychology at UC Irvine. Afterward, she traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico for an internship and ended up living there for 18 years as the head of the English Dept. at the University of Guadalajara. Liz and her daughter Renee Davila (owner of Pattyes Closet) resided in paradise (Mexico).

When Renee was 23 they moved to Los Angeles where Liz worked at a factory in El Sereno. The factory closed in 2004. Liz then went to work at the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Social Services as a social worker where she would help Spanish-speaking individuals fill out health forms.

In 2014, she returned to England to attend her mother’s funeral. On her way back to the U.S. she began to fall ill. Her four-year battle with illnesses eventually took end.

Goodbye, Elizabeth, from your daughter Renee Davila. Your brother Paul Hill and his two daughters, family, and your awesome friends will all miss you. Bon voyage!

Dec. 29, 1945 – April 22, 2018

Patricia Ann Wassell was born on Dec. 29, 1945 to Raymond Wallace Pangburn and Victoria Theresa Pangburn of Los Angeles. She has an older brother, Bill Pangburn, who lives in Tennessee with his wife Michaela.

The family moved to La Crescenta when Patricia was young. She attended Holy Redeemer School for the primary grades and graduated with the first class of Crescenta Valley High.

She married her first love, Eugene McGregor, right out of high school and they had two children, Scot and Bonnie McGregor. In 1979, she moved to Oak Circle, the street that she used to trick-or-treat on when she was a little girl and ever since wanted to live there.

In 1980, she married her second husband, Russell Wassell, and they traveled around the U.S. on his motorcycle. They loved camping, fishing, jet skiing and traveling far and wide. Patti sold real estate in the Crescenta Cañada area for about 35 years.

She cared about others’ needs often times more than herself.

She went all out when it came to the holidays, especially Christmas. For about 25 years the couple put up a “wishing tunnel” over the sidewalk in front of their home and set up a mailbox for children to write to Santa. Oftentimes there were over 500 letters in the mailbox.

Patricia was 72 when she was taken by our Lord after battling cancer for just two months. She died at Huntington Memorial Hospital on April 22.

She is survived by her brother Bill, son Scot, daughter Bonnie, and grandchildren Kyle and Brandon McGregor. There will be a service for Patty on May 12 at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society or visit http://www.bvmsisters.org/support-our-mission/online-donations.

April 11, 1963 – April 23, 2018

Louis Rene Parker III, 55, passed away on April 23 at his home in Glendale.

Louis was born in Virginia on April 11, 1963 to Louis Rene Parker II and Gladys Parker. He had a successful career as a baking representative for 30 years, and considered his devoted coworkers as family.

In his spare time, Louis enjoyed watching his favorite sports team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Louis is survived by his sister Vanessa Wofford and his aunt Roslyn Parker. He is preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Louis’ roommate Robert Mitchell and Crippen Mortuary.

Funeral services are scheduled for today, Thursday, May 17 at 11 a.m. at the Crippen Mortuary Chapel at 2900 Honolulu Ave. in La Crescenta.

Funeral directors: www.CrippenMortuary.com

Dec. 14, 1926 – May 5, 2018

Frank R. Manzano, 91, passed away peacefully on May 5 in Gunnison, Colorado.

Frank led an extraordinary life. He was born on Dec. 14, 1926 in Hurley, New Mexico. Frank was the eldest of seven siblings and was a star basketball player for Hurley High School. Excited to serve his country, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII and served as a secretary to General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Following the war, Frank moved his entire family to beautiful Southern California. Frank worked 22 years for the County of Los Angeles, first as a deputy county clerk and then as a court clerk. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Marjorie. Frank and Marjorie were married for 41 loving years and had three children together. While working at the County of Los Angeles, Frank attended USC and received a degree in public administration.

Frank then attended Southwestern University School of Law and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1966. In 1967, Frank began working for the City Attorney’s Office in Glendale. He served as the city attorney in Glendale for 12 years, from 1977 to 1989.

Frank enjoyed opening day at Crowley, camping in his motorhome, big game fishing, world travel, flying his Cessna 182 and eating New Mexico enchiladas at El Sol in La Crescenta.

Frank was an exceptional man and he will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, six siblings and his beloved wife Marjorie. Frank is survived by his three children: Rick Manzano, John Manzano and Linda Manzano-Larsen; seven grandchildren: Richard Larsen, Robert Larsen, Michael Larsen, Maggie Manzano, Katie Manzano, Harrison Manzano and Dominic Manzano; and his two great-grandchildren: Tyler Larsen and Hunter Larsen.

The service was held on Monday, May 14 at Forest Lawn in Glendale. The family has designated the American Cancer Society for memorial contributions. www.cancer.org.

Glendale Police dog Yudy passed away on May 15. Glendale Police Chief Carl Povilaitis released the following statement:

“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of retired K9 Yudy.

“Yudy was born in Germany on April 5, 2004 and began her career with the Glendale Police Dept. in September 2005. She was partnered with Ofc. Maribel Feeley and they worked together until Yudy’s retirement in January 2014.

“Yudy was trained in apprehension and detection – meaning she helped the police department track down bad guys, locate missing children and find hidden drugs. During her career, she found and apprehended numerous suspects involved in a myriad of violent crimes. She also located over half a million dollars in drug money and hundreds of pounds of narcotics (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and opium).

“In addition to her official police duties, Yudy also participated in a number of K9 competitions. She won awards in both narcotics and protection work, including several first place trophies. In her best performance, she won ‘Top Dog,’ which distinguishes the number one dog in narcotics detection, obedience/protection work and agility.

“Yudy was well-known and loved in the community – she made countless appearances at schools, hospitals, businesses, retirement homes and neighborhood groups. Yudy was even lucky enough to be asked to walk in the 2014 Rose Parade. Yudy was a true working dog and came out of retirement in 2014 to participate in the Army of Pink, a cancer awareness campaign sponsored by Glendale Adventist Hospital.

“Yudy spent the last few years of her retirement getting spoiled at home and going for hikes in the mountains. But she will always be remembered as a fantastic police K9 and great partner. She kept Glendale safe and protected her handler and all of her GPD partners. She will be greatly missed.”

Nov. 23, 1918 – June 1, 2018

Bernice Treser Stimson, born Nov. 23, 1918 in Lincoln, Idaho, passed away on June 1 in Surprise, Arizona at the age of 99.

Bernice moved to La Crescenta from Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1939 with her husband Phil M. Stimson and had two sons, Erik Philip and Chris Jack Stimson. Erik attended Glendale High School and Chris graduated from Crescenta Valley High.

Bernice resided in La Crescenta for 73 years. She is survived by her youngest son, Chris, who with his wife Caryl looked after his mother in Bernice’s final years at the Carrillon’s GenCare facility in Sun City, Arizona and then at Solano at the Park Assisted Living in Surprise, Arizona.

Bernice worked for Sparkletts Water Corp. in Eagle Rock for 13 years as manager of its credit union and retired from there. She then worked for the City of Glendale for another six years in its credit union. During retirement she traveled to Ireland and to mainland China. She always had a sovereign, self-sufficient spirit that gave her the longevity she enjoyed. Her friends will deeply miss her. May she now rest in peace.

Internment was at West Resthaven Cemetery in Glendale, Arizona. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended the La Crescenta and Verdugo Hills Wards for over 40 years.

Aug. 9, 1927 – May 26, 2018

La Familia Oseguera de La Cañada regrets to announce the passing of Amparo Oseguera Balbuena.

Amparo was born on Aug. 9, 1927 under a pepper tree on Indiana Street in what is now Old Town La Cañada. She passed away on May 26 in Montrose.

Amparo was the second of 10 children born to the La Cañada pioneering family of Jesus and Braulia Oseguera. Four sisters and two brothers preceded her in death. She is survived by her four children and, locally, by a nephew and niece.

Amparo was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt and godmother. She was accomplished in the art of crochet and needlepoint. Amparo had a never-ending big smile that always brightened up our lives. She was always there to help where and when needed. She loved to cook and made the tastiest fried chicken, enchiladas and Jello dessert. Her gravy was to die for!

She loved to travel across the border with her parents and nephew to visit relatives in Mexico. She enjoyed doing word puzzles, coloring, watching old movies and, especially, reading Alfred Hitchcock short stories.

For many years she could be seen driving up and down Foothill Boulevard in her blue 1967 Chevy Nova SuperSport.

Amparo enjoyed visiting Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada. She loved to play the slot machines and had the Midas touch with everything she came in contact with.

She was well-known and loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

1939 – 2018

Marcella P. Crawford, 78, died on June 11, after living fully and courageously for nearly six years with Stage 4 breast cancer. Marcy was a long-time resident of La Cañada Flintridge before moving to northern California.

Marcy was born June 27, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York to Vincent Moran and his wife, Ruth Lancieri. Her parents, sister Barbara, and husband Joe preceded her in death.

Marcy was an incredibly positive person, a character trait doctors said contributed to her living beyond expectations. She maintained a level of optimism throughout her treatment that gathered everyone in its wake and served as a beacon to others struggling with their own health and life challenges.

At 17, Marcy married her first husband, Jim Gallagher, who died April 11, 2018. A job offer in 1971 brought the family to La Cañada.

As her kids grew, Marcy returned to the workforce and enrolled in college. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands and retired as dean of students at Whittier Law School. Marcy married Joe Crawford in 1989. They built a second home in the Sierra Nevada, moving to the mountains fulltime in 2007.

Marcy was beautiful, smart, kind, caring, giving, loving and sincere. She also was a leader in her family and her community. In 2013, Marcy was honored for her volunteer work by the Calaveras County Commission on Aging as Senior Woman of the Year, stating, “Marcy has been known as a person who gives more than she receives, having done so unselfishly for many years.”

Marcy was close to her children who miss her greatly. She is survived by Carol Kramer (Bob), Jim Gallagher (Paula), Dan Gallagher (Dawn), stepson Tim Crawford (Rosel); grandchildren Donny (Theresa), Jason (Carolyn), Sara, Tanya, and Tanner Gallagher, Christopher Kramer and Alex and Max Crawford; and great grandchildren Muri and Lucas Gallagher. She is also survived by her brother Michael Moran and numerous nieces and nephews.

1938 – 2018

Virginia M. Siman was born in Youngstown, Ohio on the 22nd of February 1938. Her parents were George Siman and Virginia (Kloppenberg) Siman. She was a very faithful Catholic and regularly attended St. James the Less Catholic Church in La Crescenta. She went to nursing school in Cleveland, Ohio and after graduation came to California in 1964.

After working at hospitals in Los Angeles, she heard that nurses were needed in the film business, so she went to work for Universal Pictures. She worked for Universal for the next 40 years! She spent most of her time as a location nurse and did her nursing work all over the 48 states plus Hawaii. She also spent time in the “on lot” hospital at Universal and Disney. She worked with every star that you might think of and got the nickname of “Thumper.”

After she retired and could relax, she went to work as a volunteer nurse at St. James the Less School where she served for 10 years.

She married Barret H. Wetherby in Boardman, Ohio in August 1982, where they had a great reception, and upon their arrival back in La Crescenta had another reception. Barret and Virginia had a great life with lots of visits to her hometown every couple of years for a family reunion. They were also able to take a visit to Wetherby in England, onto Rome to see Dr. Costigan renew his marriage vows, and afterward ended their trip in Slovakia where they visited her family’s hometown.

Virginia attended the gym at the YMCA in Glendale for the last 15 years as many may know. She then got involved with three different crochet groups where she had a fantastic time.

As a conclusion, Virginia had more friends “than Carter had pills,” and she loved each one and they all loved her!

She will be missed, but we all know that she is now in a better home. A funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, June 20 at St. Bede the Venerable Church in La Cañada.

Funeral directors: www.CrippenMortuary.com

July 25, 1947 – June 7, 2018

Ingrid was born in Tucson, Arizona on July 25, 1947. Her mother Willifred “Willie” Robinson of Lawton, Michigan was a longtime resident of Coronado. Her father Harold Alven of Muskegon, Michigan lived in Santa Barbara.

After her parents divorced, Ingrid lived in Santa Barbara and Seattle. She earned her degree from the University of Washington. She married Preston Porter in 1973. Preston was a marine biologist and dutifully served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After they married, Ingrid and Preston settled in La Jolla. Ingrid began her career in teaching and raised two daughters, Ameri and Betany.

The family moved to Laguna Niguel. “Mrs. Porter,” as her third and fourth graders knew her, was a dynamic, engaging and compassionate teacher at Lake Forest Elementary. A veteran teacher for over 25 years, Ingrid was known for putting on elaborate “Poetry Plays” to the delight of all.

Upon her retirement from teaching, Ingrid and Preston settled in Coronado and lived on D Avenue. Ingrid was frequently seen on walks with her loyal Pyrenean Mastiff, Julio, by her side. She loved going for walks on Orange Avenue and hanging out at the beach.

After enjoying the beach life for many years, and now a widow, Ingrid moved to La Crescenta to be closer to her grandson, Rio. They were fond of taking out their scooters (GoGo and Razor, respectively) to the quaint sidewalks of Montrose.

As her health began to fail, Ingrid was guided by her faith in Christian Science. She never complained and remained true to her faith.

Ingrid brought a smile to everyone she met. She loved the beach, dogs, playing Scrabble, watching tennis and spending time with her grandson. She touched the lives of many and will forever remain in our hearts.

She is survived by her two daughters, Ameri (Alex) Ramirez, and Betany Porter, and her grandson, Rio Ramirez.

May 31, 1936 – June 5, 2018

Rosemarie Jerz was a Tujunga resident for 55 years. She moved to Tujunga from Berlin, Germany in 1963.

She would often be seen cruising around the local parks, especially Sunland Park and Howard Finn Park, with her min pins Blitz and Maus.

Rosemarie was very active in keeping the community neat and tidy.

She was the “go-to” person in her neighborhood whenever there were problems that needed to be addressed. She had a sense of humor and made friends with everyone she met.

Rosemarie died peacefully in her home in Tujunga surrounded by family members. She is survived by her four kids, Virginia Ward of San Diego,

Mario Jerz of Tujunga, Marina Dahlen of Sunland, Marlies Reno of Acton; her six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. There will be an open house memorial in her home on Saturday, July 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those who plan to stop by – whether for five minutes or for the whole three hours – should please RSVP to marinad321@yahoo.com.

Please, no flowers.

July 25, 2018

Felicia J. Sebesta passed away July 25 at the age of 85. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert F. Sebesta and daughter Kim Sebesta.

Felicia will always be remembered by her three children: Kathy Frick, Karen Forrand-Byrnes, and Bobby Sebesta; her seven grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and her sister Lillian Christopher.

Services will be held in the Chapel of Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary followed by interment at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

1944 – 2018

Dr. William Martin passed away peacefully on the morning of July 25 with his wife, daughter and son by his side. He was born in Bakersfield and soon moved with his family to Pampa, Texas where he grew up.

He participated in many sports while growing up, but he excelled in track and field, specializing in the high jump. Upon high school graduation, he attended the University of Oklahoma on a track and field scholarship. He later went on to receive his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas in chemical engineering. He then continued on and went to veterinary school at Oklahoma State University. Although he attended three rival universities, the Oklahoma Sooners always had his heart and loyalty.

In the mid 1970s, he moved to Southern California where he began practicing veterinary medicine. Dr. Martin later went on to own Parkview Pet Clinic in Glendale, which was his greatest accomplishment and life long passion, second only to his children. Dr. Martin ran Parkview Pet Clinic for over 30 years where he treated and saved the lives of countless small animals of all shapes and sizes. Parkview Pet Clinic also served as the location where he met the love of his life, Cynthia Miles of Glendale.

Outside of work Dr. Martin enjoyed gardening at his La Cañada home, attending his children’s sporting events, stamp collecting, bike riding and watching his favorite sport teams play. Dr. Martin will be greatly missed by his family, friends and clients (both animal and human).

He is survived by his wife Cynthia; his four children Ann Marie, Dana, Megan and James; his son-in-law Michael; and his three grandchildren Jack, Ian and Katherine. There will be a celebration of life held on Aug. 12 for his family and friends.

June 22, 1920 – July 28, 2018

Angelina Veronica Pagliuso, 98, was born on June 22, 1920 in St. Louis, Missouri. She passed away July 28. She was the daughter of Joe and Josephine Russo of Alhambra. She resided in Glendale at the time of her death.

She was married to the love of her life, Lester C. Pagliuso, Col., U.S. Air Force, retired (preceded in death) for 56 years. She is survived by her children Donna Clubb (Dick), Joyce Fria (Bob), Edward Pagliuso (Lisa), grandchildren Chris and Angela Clubb, Nicole Wendell, Matthew Fria (preceded in death), Michael and Edward Pagliuso; great-grandchildren Lauren, Calista and Mattea Wendell, Tyler and Avery Pagliuso and Addisyn Denzin.

Family was paramount and she arranged her life to build flourishing relationships with each family member. Everyone who knew her was the beneficiary of her generous heart. Angelina was the lifeblood of her family and friends. Her home was always open and was the center of all celebrations and gatherings. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in memory of Angelina to the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, 16461 Sherman Way, #180, Van Nuys, CA 91406, or the American Heart Association of Los Angeles, 816 Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90017. The celebration of life service was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale at the Little Church of the Flowers on Aug. 7 at 2 p.m.

June 21, 1929 – July 21, 2018

Moria (Marie) Hansen passed away peacefully in her home July 21 at the age of 89. Moria was born June 21, 1929 in Burbank. She graduated from Herbert Hoover High School.

Moria is survived by two daughters, Nancy (Hansen) Manley and Karen (Hansen) Baird, and one son, Richard Hansen. Her life will be forever remembered in the memories of her children and extended family, which includes five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

On Sept. 16, 1950 Moria married Herbert Hansen, who preceded her in death on Oct. 3, 2017. The family moved to La Crescenta and Moria quickly became involved in raising her family along with part-time work at various local banks. As her children grew self-sufficient, Moria involved herself in civic volunteerism. Most notably she volunteered for 20-plus years at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital logging over 26,000 hours of service. During that time she served on the Women’s Council as Membership chairwoman as well as a member of the local La Crescenta PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) chapter.

The memorial service is scheduled for Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. at Saint James the Less Catholic Church in La Crescenta. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Moria’s life.

Funeral directors: CrippenMortuary.com

Feb. 4, 1959 – July 17, 2018

It is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of this talented young man, Thomas Jason Cataldi. Thomas passed away suddenly at his home in Montrose at the young age of 59.

Born in Los Angeles (Echo Park area), Tom spent his early years growing up with his brother and many cousins. Raised by his father, Rudy, and grandmother, Nona, Tom enjoyed going on camping trips, exploring the neighborhood and raising a little hell here and there.

In 1970, the family moved to La Cañada Flintridge. It was there Tom was blessed with a sister, Christina, with whom he became very close. Tom began to blossom as a smart, funny and intelligent teen. Just before moving to La Cañada, Tom bought an electric guitar at the Sav-On drug store in Silver Lake Heights for $15. It was then he knew he wanted to play rock and roll.

Tom was able to teach himself to play. He had an extraordinary ear for music and a wonderful talent for writing lyrics. In the mid ’70s he started his first band, TEA, and had played many gigs throughout the foothills from Tujunga to Pasadena. Eventually the band was renamed Bad Angle. In the ’80s, Tom’s band played to packed venues like the Hollywood Palladium and Gazzarri’s on the Sunset Strip.

Among other things, Tom was a handy man. He was great at electronics and also worked as an animation timing director in the ’90s for several studios such as Hanna-Barbera and Saban.

Tom never married and is survived by his father Rudy and mother Consuelo and also an older brother, John, and younger sister, Christina.

The memorial service will be held Aug. 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church at 215 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada.

Funeral directors: www.CrippenMortuary.com