Orange County Register Obituaries

Albert Fernandez Franco

gqlshare — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Albert F. Franco passed away peacefully at his home in Fullerton on January 11th, 2024, with his family by his side. He was born March 18th, 1935, in Camarillo, Ca. to Florencio and Adelina Franco. The family moved to Los Angeles where he attended Belmont High School. He joined the National Guard and attended a trade school and later secured a rewarding 25-year career at Hughes Aircraft Company. There he met and married Sally, and recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. He was an avid baseball fan (Dodgers) and boxing fan. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and loved vacationing in Cancun. He is survived by his wife Sally, daughters Suzanne (Don) and Michele, son Albert Jr. (Denice), brothers Abe (Joan), Art (Corrine), five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Florencio and Adelina, brother Ernie, sister Hortencia, and son Anthony. Albert was a kind and generous man who will be greatly missed. A service will be held on February 24th at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Fullerton at 11:00 am.

Patty Anthony

gqlshare — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Patty Littleford Anthony, 96, of Fullerton went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 23. Patty was born in Bristol, Tennessee. She joined the Women’s Army Corp (WAC’s) in 1944 and served two years as a medical tech. She was a faithful member of Eastside Christian Church and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde; parents, Pauline (McCorkle) and Hal Littleford, and her brothers, James, Hal, Donald, Kenneth, Bill, and David. Funeral services will be on Sunday, February 11 at 2:30 pm at Memory Gardens Memorial Park, Brea.

Robert Earl Block Sr.

gqlshare — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Robert Earl Block Sr. passed away peacefully, at age 94 on February 4th, 2024 with his son Robert Jr. by his side.Born on February 13,1929 in the state of Missouri to parents George and Frances Block. He had one older sister and one younger brother.He joined the United States Marine Corps at a young age and served his country with honor and bravery until his retirement at rank of Major in 1966. After retiring with honors from the US Marine Corps he enjoyed a successful career as a State Farm Insurance Agent for 25 years, until his retirement in which he enjoyed home life, gardening and investing.He is survived by his three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.He was generous and steadfast in the support of his family. He will be greatly missed.Now reunited in heaven with his USO doll Verna Irene Block, may they dance forever in love.Laid to rest in a private service by his immediate family.

Dr. Michael Sigband

gqlshare — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

It is with heavy hearts and a profound sense of loss that we recognize the extraordinary life of Michael H. Sigband, M.D. Born in Chicago on March 26, 1935, the eldest of Leo and Lillian’s children and older brother to Anita and Danny. He was known to his friends as Mickey and then later as “Doctor Mike” throughout his illustrious career in Ophthalmology. His journey was marked by academic excellence, graduating with honors from the University of Illinois Medical School in 1960.Dr. Sigband served as a Captain in the United States Army, completed his internship at Cook County Hospital and residency at LA County Hospital. He opened his Ophthalmology practice in Westminster, California, serving the rapidly growing Orange County community. His leadership extended beyond his practice, as he assumed the role of President of the Orange County Medical Association (OCMA), Chief of Staff of Fountain Valley Hospital and active participant in various medical associations. His tireless commitment to patient care persisted for 36 years until his well-deserved retirement in 2002. He wore many hats. He was a youth sports coach, an avid storyteller, owner of Sigband Stables and many successful thoroughbred racehorses, and a very keen stock picker. Nydia, his wife of 64 years, was right alongside him for most of these adventures. Together they welcomed three children, Mitch, Alison and Leslie to the family. He deeply loved his seven grandchildren, actively supporting them in various sporting and scholastic events, and rejoicing in their accomplishments.Warm memories include his stories of playing street stick ball as a kid in Chicago, rooming and tutoring the Fighting “Illini” football team in college, being an Army medic, traveling the world, and “winning” at the Las Vegas craps table with his wife.His warmth, wisdom, and generosity endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we bid farewell to this exceptional individual, we acknowledge the deep void his absence leaves. We express our condolences to all who were fortunate enough to know him.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any charity supporting the practice of Ophthalmology, reflecting Dr. Sigband’s commitment to the well-being of others.

Prominent New York City trans rights activist Cecilia Gentili dies

New York Daily News — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:25:47 +0000

By Elizabeth Keogh

Prominent New York trans rights advocate Cecilia Gentili has died.

“Our beloved Cecilia Gentili passed away this morning to continue watching over us in spirit,” stated a message posted to her Instagram account on Tuesday.

Gentili was an award-winning author, activist, actor and founder of Trans Equity Consulting, a New York City-based firm that offers guidance to the LGBTQ community. Previously, she was the director of policy at Gay Men’s Health Crisis, a nonprofit AIDS service organization.

“New York’s LGBTQ+ community has lost a champion in trans icon Cecilia Gentili,” NY Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote in a post on X. “As an artist and steadfast activist in the trans rights movement, she helped countless people find love, joy, and acceptance.”

Gentili often made appearances at city LGBTQ protests and Pride events.

Originally from Argentina, Gentili came to New York in pursuit of a safer life as a transgender woman, according to her biography on Trans Equity’s website.

Blake Hougland

gqlshare — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Blake Hougland passed away on December 17, 2023, at Saddleback Hospital in Laguna Hills, California entering eternal life in heaven. Born December 29, 1958, to parents Mary Lou Hougland and William Robert Hougland in Orange, California. He was a blessed father, husband brother and friend. Blake grew up in Tustin moved to Cypress attending Cypress High School and Orange Coast College before starting an illustrious career in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Industry initially as a District Manager for a Wholesale Control Distributor and ending his successful career as a Regional Sales Manager. He was well liked by coworkers and customers known for his positive enthusiasm and drive to provide excellent customer service selling the best quality products. Blake enjoyed all sports throughout his life. He excelled in track and field long distance running setting the record for the 1320 race at Lexington Junior High School. As an adult he ran the Los Angeles Marathon and numerous 10k races throughout Southern California. He also enjoyed hiking and climbed Mt. Whitney, Mt. San Gorgonio, and Saddleback Mountain. He enjoyed taking long distance bike rides. Blake married Karen his wife of 33 years and had a daughter Andi and son Dylan. Together they were dedicated to their family ensuring they had every opportunity to be successful in life. Blake was very proud of Andi and Dylan’s accomplishments. Blake had a larger-than-life personality. He had a great sense of humor and compassion for all people. He loved to dance and listen to music. He enjoyed life to its fullest and was always entertaining in social settings. He definitely broke the mold when he was born. He will be missed by all who knew him. Blake is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Andi, son Dylan, sisters Cheryl and Hilary, and brothers Andy and Wade. A memorial celebration of life was held on January 13, 2024, along with the dedication of his ashes at sea off Dana Point Harbor.

Geni Ugolini

gqlshare — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Geni Ugolini (nee Santi) was born on December 10, 1929, being raised in Fishburn, England where she helped her parents run their snack and ice cream shop. There she met her beloved husband, Antony Ugolini. In the 1950’s, she and Tony, along with in-laws Lucy and John Dutton and mother-in-law Duse Ugolini, immigrated to Donora, Pennsylvania. Soon after, they came to California and settled in Fullerton where Geni and Tony opened the first of many successful businesses including La Rocca, The Pumpernickel, The British Grocer and The White Heart tea shop. After selling the businesses, Geni went on to work as a real estate agent and travel agent, enjoying many trips with husband Tony. She was an excellent cook and shared that talent by teaching cooking lessons to many. Geni, a very independent and strong woman, lived a full life and enjoyed every moment with a positive outlook that was an inspiration to many. Her very British sense of humor and catch phrases will be fondly remembered by those who knew and loved her. Geni passed away peacefully with her son, Paul, by her side on January 31, 2024. She is survived also by daughter-in-law Michelle, nephew Mark, nieces Liana and Melissa as well as grandchildren Paul, Jessica, PJ and Aiden, and grand-nieces Makena and Mazzy, who loved her deeply and will all miss her dearly. A graveside service will be held on February 7, 2024 at 1pm: Loma Vista Cemetery in Fullerton.

John “Jack” Peter Wareham

gqlshare — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Noted corporate leader and philanthropist John P. “Jack” Wareham passed away Thursday January 25, 2024 in Orange, California.Born August 12, 1941 in Clinton, Iowa to Lyman and Ullainee (Pitts) Wareham, John Peter Wareham was named for his paternal and maternal grandfathers. He attended St. Mary’s High School in Clinton where he excelled in athletics, academics and the arts. He was recognized for academic excellence as well as leadership and his beautiful tenor voice was in demand for choral concerts, weddings and funerals.Jack majored in pharmacy at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska graduating with multiple honors. He went on to study chemistry in graduate school at the University of Illinois Chicago and later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Washington University in St.Louis, Missouri.In Omaha, Jack met and fell in love with Lois Cecilia Robinson. They were married in 1965 and together they built an extraordinary life and extended family.Jack worked with his father at Milo John Rexall Drugs in Clinton before working his way through business school as a pharmacist. From there, he was recruited by the pharmaceutical company Smith, Kline and French where he held various positions at the Philadelphia headquarters and at subsidiary and affiliated companies. In 1979, the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska when Jack was promoted to the role of president at Norden Laboratories, a division of SmithKline.Shortly after SmithKline acquired Orange County-based Beckman Instruments, Jack was asked to relocate his family to Southern California in order to lead the Diagnostic Systems Group for the company. His leadership and management skills proved vital to Beckman’s growth and, in 1993, he was named President and Chief Operating Officer.As COO, Jack was the driving force behind the successful 1997 merger of Beckman Instruments with Coulter Corporation, the leading manufacturer of systems for blood and other cell analysis. In 1998, he was named CEO of the newly formed Beckman Coulter and, in 1999, became Chairman of the Board of Directors, as well. He held those positions until his retirement in 2005.In “retirement”, Jack was an active member of multiple corporate boards including Accuray, Greatbatch, ResMed, Integer Holdings and Steris Corporation, where he served as Independent Chairman of the Board from 2005 to 2018.Active and respected in the medical diagnostic equipment industry, Jack served as Chairman of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed). In 2017, the organization honored him with the fifth annual AdvaMed Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also honored as a distinguished alumnus of Creighton University and Washington University.Locally, Jack served on the Advisory Boards of the John Henry Foundation, the University of California, Irvine Medical Center Advisory Board and the Bowers Museum. Jack was also a member of the Center for Corporate Innovation in Los Angeles.The John P. and Lois C. Wareham Foundation supports research and scholarship at a range of institutions including Creighton University, Washington University and The University of California, Irvine Medical Center. Jack and Lois actively participated in the education of their children and grandchildren and they graciously extended financial support to many other family members and friends. They had an abiding interest in young people and an eagerness to mentor, as well, and their gifts of education have created a legacy that will endure for generations.A remarkably accomplished and deeply loving man, Jack was predeceased by his wife Lois, his parents, two infant sons and his daughter-in-law Noelle (Schwartz) Wareham. He is survived by daughter Jackie (Craig) Hemke of Lenexa, Kansas and son Matt Wareham (Diana) of Tustin, California; granddaughters Sabrina Wareham of Austin, Texas, Madeline (Ryan) Hostetler of Lone Tree, Colorado and Samantha Hemke of Omaha, Nebraska; and by brothers Jim (Patricia) Wareham of Scottsdale, Arizona and Jerry (Anne) Wareham of Chagrin Falls Ohio.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all memorial donations be directed to The Prince of Peace School Foundation. Please designate “Wareham” in the memo section and send checks to: 312 South 4th Street, Clinton, Iowa, 52732

Kenyon, Mary Elizabeth

gqlshare — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Mary Elizabeth Kenyon February 05, 1932 – September 27, 2020 Happy Birthday in heaven, Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandmother. We are wishing you the kind of birthday you would enjoy if you could be here with family and friends: A good meal, a good song, and a good glass of wine. We love and miss you, Debbie & Family

Roy Calman Zukerman

gqlshare — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Roy Calman Zukerman, at the age of 91, passed away on October 17, 2023 in Cochise County, Arizona, of natural causes. Roy enlisted in the US Army and served in the Signal Corp where he learned Morse Code and operated a radio in Japan during the Korean War. It was there that he learned to use and operate an Amateur Radio, which is now commonly known as Ham Radio, communication which he turned into a hobby that he enjoyed for the rest of his life.While stationed in Japan, he met the love of his life, the beautiful Mitsue Kezuka, whom he married (after dealing with the US Army red tape). Mitsue was his bride of 66 years until she passed away in November of 2020. Upon returning to the States, Roy and Mitsue settled in Southern California, more specifically Orange County where Roy got a job as a reporter for the newspaper, the Orange County Register. He was assigned to the Courthouse Beat where he wrote and reported on the criminal and civil trials pending in the Orange County Superior Court. This experience awoke in him a burning desire to study law. In 1960, Roy started the study of law at the Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, California, graduating at the top of his class in August 1964 with a Juris Doctor Degree. He was admitted to the California Bar to practice law in 1965 opening his own office in Westminster. He later moved to Fountain Valley and after 10 years of practice, became the General Counsel for a national bank, retiring from that position after 30 years of service. Upon retiring, he became associated as ‘of counsel’, with the Law Offices of Jose Mariano Castillo in Los Angeles where he handled international civil matters while at the same time assisting the Superior Courts of Los Angeles and Orange County by volunteering as as pro tempore judge in the Small Claims and Traffic Court of those counties.Roy and Mitsue are survived by their two children, Deborah Lynne Doyle of Arizona and Nathaniel Tomiki Zukerman of Virginia; their grandchildren Tabitha Erin Scallan, Samuel Merritt Kikugiro Doyle, Jennifer and Diane Zukerman; and four great-grandchildren Eva and Eli Doyle, and Joseph and Waylen Scallan. Roy has also left behind his loving companion, Sally Sussman, whom he spent the last few years with. Roy was predeceased by his parents, Sam and Diane Zukerman; his siblings, Connie, Kaye and Neil; and his “bride” Mitsue. During his life, Roy enjoyed his Ham Radio and was a licensed operator providing communication on a voluntary basis in cases of emergencies. He belonged to the Kiwanis organization and loved to read to the children at the libraries and schools. Roy and Mitsue traveled over the western half of the United States with their children, then traveled to Japan, Europe, Mexico, Honduras and other countries with their daughter and friends.A Celebration of life will be held in Playa Vista, California on February 18, 2024 at 1 PM. Roy’s ashes will be interred with his bride in Sierra Vista, Arizona on March 3, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Southwestern University School of Law General Scholarship Fund in recognition of the school affording him and other deserving students an opportunity to excel. RSVP’s to the Celebration of Life are being accepted at 213-622-6555 Attn: Maria or mromero@castillolaw.com.