Nadine(nee Marshall), beloved wife of Jose (Joe), devoted mother of Debbie (David) Nicholas, loving aunt, sister and friend. She was a bookkeeper and her last job was secretary for the principal of Holy Innocence Grade School. Any student knew if they needed a hug or a shoulder to cry on, all they had to do was go to the office and get one from her.

Joe and Nadine retired in 1991 to Montrose to be with Debbie. Year round flowers and green trees were Nadine’s favorite things about her new home.

There will be a small memorial when her and Joe’s ashes are scattered together from the hills surrounding Montrose overlooking their home with a view to downtown Los Angeles.

In lieu of flowers, she would be happy if contributions were made to the American Diabetes Association.

Memorial tribute on CrippenMortuary.com for Nadine.

Feb. 20, 1930 – May 8, 2014

Knoll, Robert E., Dr., 84, of Glendale passed away after a lengthy illness on May 8.  He was born in Pasadena on Feb. 20, 1930. He was born to the late Gordon Gould Knoll and Elta (Molly) Florence Learn.

He graduated from Glendale High School, Glendale College (A.B.), UCLA (B.A.), UCLA (M.S.W.), USC (doctorate). He was a college and university professor and lecturer at Pierce College, San Fernando Valley State College and USC.

He is survived by daughter Susan Spatola-Knoll and her husband Domenico Spatola-Knoll and two grandchildren, Clare Spatola-Knoll and Jonathan Spatola-Knoll of Olympia, Washington. He is also survived by a brother, Phil Knoll, and his wife Aldene Knoll; niece Julie Tibbets and her husband Mark Tibbets and great nephews Kyle Tibbets and Kirk Tibbets of Orange, California. Additionally, he is survived by a nephew, Steve Knoll, and a great-nephew, Ethan Knoll, of Lake Forest, California. For a period of time he was the director of The Catholic Youth Authority in Glendale.

The funeral will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Glendale at 134 N. Kenwood St. on Wednesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. and there will be a burial service with honors at the National Cemetery in Riverside at 2:15p.m. ono the same day. He served as a lieutenant in the Navy during the Korean War.

Memorial tribute on CrippenMortuary.com.

Aug. 9, 1960 – April 9, 2014

James Anthony Grimaldi, 53, of Glendale, passed away April 9 in Turlock, California.

Jim was born in Glendale to Anthony and JoAnn Grimaldi on Aug. 9, 1960. Growing up, Jim was a talented Little League player and graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 1978. He worked several technical jobs over the years but is most remembered as a master tile installer, beautifying many homes in Southern California. Most recently Jim received his certification as surgical technician and was employed by the Northern California Surgical Center in Turlock at the time of his death. He enjoyed all sports, especially basketball and baseball, rooting for his Lakers and Dodgers.

Jim is preceded in death by his father Anthony and his Uncle Louis.

Jim is survived and loved by his mother JoAnn; brother John (Michele); sons Anthony (Leia) and Matthew (Alana); two grandchildren Jacob and Sean; and his aunt Marie Grimaldi as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 611 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 900 Los Angeles, CA 90017 or the Community Hospice, 2201 Euclid Ave. Hughson, CA 95326.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Alexander Cohen Hospice House for their support in his final days.

A celebration of life memorial Mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church at 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose on May 24 at 10:30 am.

Directors Crippen Mortuary

Oct. 31, 1932 – May 21, 2014

Barbara Joan Fogarty was born Oct. 31, 1932 in Weehawken, New Jersey. She left this earth on May 21 to join her family in heaven.

She is survived by her brother James Edward Donahoe, daughter Diane Marie Fogarty, son Kenneth Robert Fogarty and two grandchildren, Molly Erin Farragher and Colleen Faith Farragher. Her first two children, who predeceased her, were Claire Patricia Fogarty, born Oct. 28, 1956, and Paul Kevin Fogarty, born April 11, 1959.

Barbara was the daughter of the late James Edward Donahoe and Florence Elsie Donahoe (Smith). Her father joined the U.S. Navy and fought World War I before becoming a New York City police officer and later a distinguished civil engineer. Her mother was part of a troupe in the popular Ziegfeld Follies before becoming a loving mother and homemaker.

Barbara grew up in Bronx, New York when her family moved to a home on St. Andrews Avenue. She attended grade school at St. Nicholas of Tolentine before graduating from Aquinas High School in Bronx, New York in 1952. She was courted by a dashing fellow named John Patrick Fogarty. They married on Oct. 30, 1954 at St. Francis of Rome Church in New York. “Babs” and Jack eventually relocated to California, where they lived in Costa Mesa before buying and settling into their first home in the foothills of La Crescenta.

In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Barbara worked as a reporter for the Montrose Ledger and submitted articles focused on the current social and fashion scenes of the late 1960s and 1970s. Later she went on to work as a teacher’s assistant in the Glendale Unified School District and focused on working with children who had learning disabilities. She had a lust for life and an affinity for baseball. When she wasn’t being a doting grandmother, you could find Barbara rooting on her beloved Dodgers and taking in games with her brother Jim.

Although her passing was sudden and unexpected, there is comfort knowing that she was surrounded by her family and friends. The measure of a person can be found partly in how they treat others. Barbara was never absent of a warm smile and a kind word. She lit up a room and her love was unconditional. She will surely be missed by many.

“Our mothers give us so many gifts. They give us the precious gift of life, of course, but they also leave treasured lessons that can guide us along our journeys even when they are no longer with us.” ~ Maria Shriver

Aug. 18, 1910 – May 2, 2014

Born Pauline Cynthia Wagner on Aug. 18, 1910 in Shattuck, Oklahoma, Polly slipped quietly away in Montrose on May 2. She will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Cemetery with her late husband, the Honorable Alfred J. McCourtney.

Being endowed with exceptional beauty and great spirit, Polly lit up the lives of all she encountered during the 11 decades of the changing world of her time. After graduating from Santa Monica High School in 1927, she won the title of “Miss Los Angeles.” Polly is recognized as a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild, was recently twice celebrated by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and three times honored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for her service to our community.

During the second half of her life, she lived in Antelope Valley and Glendale.  She was an exceptional painter, opened a baby store in Beverly Hills, wrote a book and was an advocate for children involved in our juvenile court system. She was the Antelope Valley Emblem Club #76 president 1955-56 and was the California Nevada Hawaii Assoc. of Emblem Clubs state president 1962-63.

She is survived by her sons Mike and Bruce, her daughters-in-law Sharon and Debbie, her niece Maureen, her grandchildren Michele, David, Scott and Tyler, her great grandsons Ryder and Dylan and by her friends, neighbors and fans that she loved and treasured. None will soon see her likes again nor will any forget her.

Memorial tribute on CrippenMortuary.com

Dec. 19, 1923 – June 7, 2014

Our wonderful mom Sally died following a brief illness with her daughter and son-in-law at her side. Mom was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, an only child to adoring parents Ralph and Ruth Bannerman.

She was always looking for adventure! She went to college, joined the Navy during World War II and, after her service, started teaching in North Carolina, only to end up in Glendale by 1956.

She had four children with first husband, Owen Knapp, and one with second husband, Richard Burns. She loved teaching but also had a keen business mind. While working at Hoover High School, she had a successful home business and also bought fixer-uppers, using cheap labor (her kids) to clean them up to rent or sell. In 1975, when Saigon fell, she sponsored Vietnamese refugees and helped them find housing and jobs. To this day, these families speak about her with great love and reverence.

In the mid-80s, she bought a huge parcel of land in the desert near the Colorado River and oversaw the building of five houses, one for her and the others for friends. When guests arrived, Sally would greet them in her dune buggy!

In 1987, she was joined by her third husband, charming Englishman James Eason who, she met on a Mediterranean cruise. Following James’ death in 2000, she moved back into the L.A. area and made new friends before moving into an assisted living facility due to progressive dementia. She never lost her infectious smile, and all who met her couldn’t help but love her.

To quote her Vietnamese “granddaughter,” Kim Liang: “She was truly one of the most open and giving human beings I have ever met. I have learned lifelong lessons through her kindness and, in her memory, I will walk through life with a bigger heart.”

Sally is survived by her five children Margaret (Richard), Toni (Jim), Katherine (Danny), Robert, and Rich (Katie); eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; also five step-grandsons and their children.

Services will be held at Crippen Mortuary on June 21 at 2:30 p.m. with a reception in Montrose to follow.

March 13, 1942 – July 2, 2014

Judith Frances Rusch was born on March 13, 1942. She passed away on July 2, 2014. She was proud of her Irish heritage and she loved Notre Dame football.     Mass of Resurrection to be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 10267 Tujunga Canyon Blvd. in Tujunga on Friday July 18, at 6 p.m.

Arrangements made by Crippen Mortuary.

March 11, 1940 – July 7, 2014

Richard “Booty” Mark, 74, a longtime resident of La Crescenta, passed away on Monday, July 7 after a battle with prostate cancer.

Richard was born in Los Angeles on March 11, 1940 to proud parents Carl and Bertha. He graduated from Marshall High School. He was an automotive internal machinist and was an owner in two businesses: M&R Machines and Crankshaft Grinding. After retirement, he enjoyed selling and socializing at several southland auto swap meets.

In his free time, Richard enjoyed bowling in a Glendale bowling league. His team name was One for the Road. He was also an avid NY Yankees fan and enjoyed going to games when they played the L.A. Dodgers; his favorite player was Mickey Mantle. One of his life highlights was attending a NY Yankees game with family and friends in New York the last season they were in their old stadium.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sharon Mark; three children, Nicole, Matthew and Garey; as well as grandchildren Brittini Fasano and  Annika Mark and one great grandchild, Christian Gomez. Richard is also survived by sister, Patricia, and many dear family friends.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the Glendale Elks Lodge, 120 E. Colorado Blvd. in Glendale on Sunday, July 20 at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Richard Mark’s name to City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA  91010.

June 13, 1950 – July 8, 2014

Victor Anthony Ortega passed away at Verdugo Hills Hospital after a tough fight with Multiple Myeloma secondary to exposure to Agent Orange.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy Ortega and Angela Muñiz Ortega, and his beloved son Anthony to whom he was deeply dedicated.

Victor was a fun-loving happy person his entire life. He brought much joy to others, and helped many people with his skills in engine repair and craftsmanship. He was a skilled mechanic and machinist. His work with hand power tools, and in woodworking was precise and impeccable. His touch and talents are evident in the homes of his brothers, the cars of his friends, and in many other facets of the lives of his friends.

Victor served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, and served in Vietnam stationed at Da Nang where he was exposed to Agent Orange.

After the war, Victor worked at the “Skunk Works” for Lockheed. He also worked for JBL. He was a cabinetmaker for Tom Lawler for over 17 years, where his templates and “way of doing things” is still a legacy to this day.

Victor had an innate love of music, and played drums for over 50 years. He was in innumerable bands over the years, including the Stage Jazz Band at Franklin High School, taking All City in 1968/69. His first band was the Red Velvets. His latest band and one with which he found the greatest expression was made up of his closest friends: The Tujunga Trail Dogs. They played for many years in the home studio of Rick Stratton, working through many different styles, and literally hundreds and hundreds of songs. They decided to start gigging shortly before Victor’s passing and almost immediately after Victor lost his son Tony.

Victor dedicated all of his time and life to his son Anthony who endured a lengthy illness. They shared many hours watching their favorite football team, the Raiders.

Victor is survived by his wife of 22 years, Teresa Leticia Ortega; brothers Henry J., Joseph A. and Raymond J. Ortega; sisters Christina Ortega Knoll and Martha York; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.

Mortuary arrangements made through Crippen Mortuary. Memorial tribute for Victor on CrippenMortuary.com.

March 17, 1929 – July 12, 2014

Albert Edward Copping Jr. passed away on July 12 at the age of 85.Al was born March 17, 1929 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the first of two sons of Louisa Alberta Copping and Albert Ernest Copping. He spent most of his life in the greater Burbank/Glendale and La Crescenta areas where he attended public schools and graduated from Burbank High School in 1948.He began work as a machinist out of high school and moved on to become an aerospace manufacturing engineer at Sterer Engineering in Glendale where he worked for 40 years until his retirement.

After high school Al began building, painting and professionally racing motorcycles winning countless races and custom motorcycle painting competitions. He absolutely loved to build and race, and was a top-notch mechanic as well.

Al met the love of his life, Mary Anne, at age 17 while in high school. They were married soon after and lived a wonderful life together. They welcomed three sons, Nick, Al III and Matthew. The family moved to La Crescenta near his parents and Al and Mary Anne spent the remaining years raising beautiful champion Irish Setters and traveling to dog shows throughout California. Mary Anne passed away in 2011 at age 81, and Al continued to show his last Irish Setter, Katie, up until just a few months before he left us.

Al was an amazing man, a devoted husband and father, and a craftsman at all he did in life. He treated people as friends and was well respected throughout the community. He loved to work in his yard and design new additions to the house, right up to the last breath he took. He even drew a picture of a new front porch handrail from his hospital bed the very last day!

The final few months became difficult for Al due to his heart becoming weaker. Finally his heart could no longer keep up with his many ideas and dreams, and he slipped quietly and peacefully into eternal sleep.

Al is survived by two of three sons, Nick and Al III, after the unfortunate passing of his youngest son, Matthew, at age 49 from cancer. He also leaves six granddaughters, one grandson, and one great granddaughter. Al will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Services will be at Forest Lawn, 1712 S. Glendale Ave. on Saturday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at The Little Church of the Flowers

Dad,

Wherever we go, no matter how far, you will always be in our hearts

Thank you for being in our lives, and giving yours unconditionally

Look up to the stars and feel the wind blow across the water

May God speed your way to eternal life, we will always be with you

Love forever,

Al III, Nick, Patricia, and our families

Jan. 25, 1919 – July 12, 2014

Lucille Godfrey, aged 95, died peacefully in her sleep on July 12 at Chancellor Place Assisted Living in Pasadena. Lucille was born Jan. 25, 1919 in Eagle River, Wisconsin to Ethel Sophia Ervin and Chauncey Alanson Hickok.

Lucille met Lee Godfrey when they both worked at Gimbel’s Department Store in Milwaukee. They married in 1942. Lee worked for the Army Signal Corps in Michigan. In 1944 they moved to California for Lee’s new defense job.

Lee and Lucille moved to Pasadena in 1947 and became members of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Altadena from then until 1982. She was a homemaker and active member of the Mother’s Club of St. Elizabeth School.

Lucille was an accomplished actor who performed in many plays in community theater and at St. Elizabeth in parish melodramas.

After moving to La Verne in 1982, she became a member of Holy Name of Mary Parish and served as a sponsor for the Rite of Christian Initiation. Lucille was very creative and artistic; she was an excellent seamstress and tailor, and for many years she created floral cards and other floral projects with dried and pressed natural flowers. She moved back to Pasadena in 2008 to reside at Chancellor Place.

She is survived by four children: Julianne Godfrey Titus, Jim Godfrey (Victoria), Jeanne Godfrey Long (Hartwell), and John Godfrey (Diana); eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation vigil will be held at Cabot’s Mortuary today, Thursday, July 31 at 7 p.m. The funeral will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth’s of Hungary Church on Friday, Aug. 1 at 11 a.m.

Should friends desire, prayers-cards-flowers are welcome or contributions may be sent to:

Haven House Woman’s Shelter, P.O. Box 50007, Pasadena, CA 91115,
(626) 564-8880.

April 06, 1926 – July 20, 2014

John Cacioppo, a loving husband of 64 years to wife JoMarie, peacefully passed on July 20 to be with our Lord. He was a proud and devoted father to four daughters – Rosanne, Marleen, Sharie and Carole; a dearly loved grandfather of seven – Sean, David, Nicholas, Michelle, Mychal, Jennifer and Christopher and six great-grandchildren – Marie, Hannah, Remy, Sophie, Adam and Daniel. He was a dear friend to all who knew him. He will be extremely missed.

Memorial Mass will be held
Aug. 9 at 12:30 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose.

Memorial tribute on CrippenMortuary.com.

Aug. 29, 1922 – July 19, 2014

Webster Wiley Jr., 91, of Glendale, passed away July 19 at his home in Apple Valley. Son of Webster Sr. and Theldra Wiley, he was born in Los Angeles in 1922, and attended Glendale High School and college before serving in the Army Air Force during WWII. He is survived by his loving wife Carolyn; children Webb and Laurel Wiley of La Cañada; Sheryl and Paul Zelhart of Commerce, Texas; Chris and Wolfgang Krause, La Cañada; and Annette Wiley of Corona del Mar; eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Noted homebuilder and real estate developer, he built almost 1,000 homes during the 1950s through the 1970s throughout the La Crescenta-La Cañada Valley, known for their contemporary styling and progressive amenities. They are prized today for their “mid-century modern” aesthetic. Self-taught and visionary, an entrepreneur with marketing savvy, he was an accomplished private pilot, president of the local Building Industry of America chapter, involved in his community, always impeccably dressed and the life of any party.

A private family celebration of life was held on Aug. 1. Memorial donations may be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org.

July 27, 2014

Andy Beattie, La Cañada’s proudest volunteer for the last 23 years who served as everything from president of the La Cañada Unified School Board to president Emeritus of the LCHS Spartan Boosters and most recently as a public safety commissioner for the City, passed away on July 27.

Andy modernized our school buildings and programs and made our town safer.

A loyal Occidental College Tiger, Andy was a longtime member of the alumni board, again volunteering for the betterment of his alma mater.

Andy was a talented servant of the Democratic Party and a favorite volunteer with the White House Office of Advance. It is not surprising given Andy’s humble way that many of his friends and neighbors were unaware of his important and oft times sensitive travels with Presidents Obama and Clinton, their respective Vice Presidents and the First Ladies.  Most recently, Andy traveled to Baghdad, Santiago, Seoul, Warsaw, Mumbai and, of course, Beverly Hills on behalf of the White House.

In addition, he was a senior vice president of Strategic Partners, where he headed their Classroom School Uniforms Division. A lifelong apparel man, Andy was most proud of starting his own line of pajamas with his wife Kim. It was named Liz & Lauren in honor of their eldest daughter Lauren Elizabeth.

On July 26, Andy and Kim celebrated with family and friends Lauren’s wedding to Anthony Marino of Chicago, Illinois. Andy was the ultimate proud father of the bride, proud husband to Kim and proud father to Sarah and Katherine.

On the morning of July 27, while walking his beloved Golden Retriever Brodie, Andy passed suddenly from a massive heart attack. Brodie never left his side.

Andy is survived by his wife Kim; daughters Sarah, Katherine, Lauren and her husband Anthony Marino; his mother Marilynn; brothers Neil and John Beattie of Ventura, California. Andy was preceded in death by his father, Louis Andrew Beattie Sr., who passed away July 7.

A memorial service was held at Occidental College on Aug. 10. In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of Andy’s commitment to bettering La Cañada, the family asks that donations be made to the YMCA of The Foothills in the name of Andy Beattie designated to support the building of additional parking for the YMCA.

June 10, 1927 – July 28, 2014

Homer S. Carder, age 87, died on July 28 in Glendale. Homer was born in Glendale on June 10, 1927. His parents were Stella Carder and Noel Carder, both of whom predeceased Homer.

Homer grew up in Glendale and graduated from Glendale High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from December 1951 to December 1955. His early jobs involved working as a newspaper press operator.

One of his favorite pastimes was traveling the world, and he visited many foreign lands as well as traveling around the U.S.

Homer always had an interest in firearms and garnered many target shooting medals both in the Navy and afterwards. He excelled in competition matches, and his interest and knowledge led him to employment with the City of Glendale as a firearms instructor where he served for many years.

Homer is succeeded by one brother, Richard Carder of Tujunga, and two nieces, Sharon Carder and Julie Sievert.

There will be a scattering of ashes at sea arranged by the Neptune Society.

Marilyn Catherine Stockemer, 85, of La Crescenta, California passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on September 13, 2014.  Marilyn was born to Robert and Edith Muller on September 25, 1928 in Los Angeles, California.

In 1946 Marilyn graduated from Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles.  She earned her degree in Education at the University of Southern California where she joined her sister Patricia Muller Hickey’s sorority – Gamma Phi Beta.  While at USC she enjoyed cheering on her Trojan football team at games, attending various social events at her sorority and with neighboring fraternities and working on philanthropic projects with her sorority sisters.  She loved to tell the story that while she was at USC the infamous mascot (dog) Tire Biter was there during that time as well.

Marilyn met the love of her life, Joseph Walter Stockemer, when they were set up by their mutual dentist and his wife (aka Dr. and Mrs. Cupid).  The introduction worked out so well that on February 23, 1957, Joe and Marilyn were married at Joe’s boyhood parish, St. Brendan’s Catholic Church.  Champagne, music and laughter flowed so steadily that those in attendance always spoke highly of their wondrous time, even decades thereafter.

Shortly after their wedding, Marilyn & Joe purchased a home in La Crescenta and lived there for the remainder of their lives.  They were both blessed with three loving sons – Robert, Joseph and Thomas and welcomed all three into the world with open arms and heartfelt love.

Prior to starting her own family, Marilyn taught second grade at Apperson Elementary School in Sunland/Tujunga, where she went to after graduating from USC, and taught there up until she was pregnant with her first son Robert. Marilyn never lost her thirst for knowledge. She was always up on current events and could talk about any subject at all – politics, business, sports and entertainment, just to name a few.

Marilyn was a devout Catholic and with her husband Joseph was a founding parishioner of Saint James the Less in La Crescenta. She remained a parishioner of St. James until her recent passing and over the years was actively involved in her church with such ministries and events as the Altar Society, the running of the business office for CCD (religious education), chairing the cotton candy booth at the annual carnival, performing as a Eucharist Minister for Sunday masses, as well as being active with the Christ Child Society Group.

Marilyn was wholeheartedly involved in all of her sons’ lives, as well as all of their activities at school and was always home room mother, bringing in treats to classes, chaperoning and driving on field trips. She loved to read all the classic children’s books to her sons and was a key member of the Phi Kappa Psi Mother’s Club at her son Joe’s fraternity at USC.

Some of Marilyn’s favorite recreational activities included tailgating at homecoming football games at USC, aerobic dancing, card playing, golfing and music. However, cruising was her favorite past time and was a love she shared with her husband and sons.  Joe and Marilyn traveled on 18 different cruises to various exotic locations.   On their 50th Anniversary they renewed their vows while on a cruise to Mexico surrounded by family and friends.  Her favorite destination was Hawaii.  In her lifetime, she visited the islands ten times, where she fell in love with the music, Mai Tai’s and sunsets.  Marilyn loved all social events, but most specifically those with a family focus.  She especially delighted in finding a “good deal” or sale and always seemed to have a coupon for everything.  She loved to laugh and read murder mysteries especially those penned by Mary Higgins Clark.  She loved all the holidays and had decorations for them all.  Marilyn probably loved Christmas festivities the most and had enough ornaments to fill half a dozen Christmas trees.

Marilyn is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law Kimberly, her sister-in-law, Janet Muller, her brother-in-law Joseph Hickey, her nieces Angela Stockemer, Teresa Stockemer, Robin Manson, Shelia Hickey, Connie Stockemer and Diane Muller and her nephews David Stockemer, Richard Muller, Steven Muller, Michael Muller, Gregory Hickey, James Hickey Brandon Muller and Greg Roberts.  Marilyn was preceded in death by her big sister Patricia Hickey and her big brother Robert Muller.  The Funeral Mass for Marilyn will be held this Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. located at St. James Catholic Church in La Crescenta. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Heart Of The Nation:  www.mysundaymass.org. Arrangements made by
www.CrippenMortuary.com.

Oct. 5, 1937 – Sept. 7, 2014

Christopher LaMorte, 76, of La Crescenta passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 7.  Son of Mary and Tony LaMorte, brother to Tony and friend to all, he was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania in 1937, and attended Glendale High School and Glendale College before spending four years with the U.S. Navy.

Chris had a very successful career at Rocketdyne Inc. where he spent over 15 years working on the new space shuttle program focusing on the instrumentation of the three main engines. After retirement, Chris spent his time traveling, visiting family and friends, golfing, working on his beautiful classic cars and watching his beloved USC Trojans.

A celebration of life for Chris LaMorte will be held on Friday, Sept. 19 at St. Bede Catholic Church in La Cañada at 9:45 am.

St. Bede Catholic Church is located at 215 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada.

April 22, 1925 – July 29, 2014

Betty Bittle, a wonderful person, left us for a better place. She got her wish to go home. Her sunset was no surprise; she lit up the heavens and made the world a brighter place. We will miss her daily prayers, her love, her kindness, her creativity, her charity, her Christian values and most of all her contagious laugh.

She loved to entertain and she loved Jesus. She raised four amazing hard working boys: Doug, Rick, Tom and Dan. She has eight very loved grandchildren, one great grandchild and two more on the way. We have had many great family memories at her home: games, good food and loads of laughs. She was a special lady who had many incredible talents. The angels rejoiced at her homecoming.

A memorial to celebrate Betty’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. at Montrose Church located at 2409 Florencita Dr. in Montrose.

Aug.11, 1932 – Oct. 4, 2014

On Oct. 4, John Armstrong Marshall died peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends.

John was born on Aug. 11, 1932 in the small town of Darlington, Indiana. His parents, Charles Marshall and Pauline Cox, raised John and his sister Janet in the Darlington house where his father was born. John was an Eagle Scout, attended Crawfordsville High School, graduated with honors from Northwestern University and served as a platoon leader in the United States Marine Corps.

John had an extensive acting career in television. He was an accomplished commercial actor, was known as “Captain John” in Florida and was the creator and star of “Big John’s Fun For All” and “Big John’s Talent Search.”

With his wife Diane, he settled in Glendale where they raised four children, founded Right On Programs and authored numerous books and videos. He was a diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association, a certified provider of Continuing Education for Alcohol and Drug Counselors and was a long time practitioner of tai chi and qigong.

John’s entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his passion for emotional, physical and spiritual health, left us an inspirational legacy of promise for generations to come.

In heaven, John joins other loved ones: wife Diane, sister Janet and grandson Logan. He is survived by his son John Marshall (wife Kari); daughters Jennifer Hall (husband Steve), Cyndi Marshall (husband Steve) and Cherie Marshall (partner Pat).  He has 12 grandchildren: Jessica, Megan, Matt, Michelle, Emily, Ali, Jake, Logan, Sheridan, Sierra, Peyton, Kaisa; and eight great grandchildren: Cade, Brynne, Sloane, Teagan, Tatumn, Henley, Orion and Owen.

Our dearest Grandman … we love you and will miss you. Thank you for your love, laughter and light. We will carry it with us … always.

Services for John Armstrong Marshall will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 at Glendale Presbyterian Church, 125 S. Louise St. in Glendale.

Please visit a memorial tribute for John on CrippenMortuary.com.

Oct. 10, 2014

Charlotte Frances Swiney passed away Oct. 10. We will miss her love, her caring, her kindness and her always giving to those in need. She was loved by everyone who ever met her. Her laughter was contagious, her generosity never-ending.

In 2011 Charlotte moved to Nipomo, California to enjoy “the slower life” in retirement. She quickly got involved with bunko, bingo and Newcomers.

Charlotte is survived by her son Jeff Jones and two grandchildren, Kendell and Clay Jones. She also leaves behind numerous family and friends.

Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 1 at Center for Spiritual Living, 4845 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta. Services begin at 11 a.m. with lunch served after.