Archive for the ‘Obituary’ Category

In memoriam: Antioch homeless resident Tyrone Marshall passes at 64

Wednesday, January 5th, 2022

Vigil Thursday evening

Tyrone Marshall

Sunrise August 2, 1957 – Sunset December 20, 2021

Tyrone was born to the late Dorothy and Mayweather Marshall. In 1969 he earned his Scholarship of Fine Arts from UC Berkeley. Tyrone used to work for the shipyard, loved to exercise and studied martial arts from a Bruce Lee book. In 1981 he had his first and only child, April.

Tyrone will be remembered by his daughter; April, grandchildren; Eric and Cheyenne, sisters; Renee, Denise and Monica, brothers; Lamont, Spencer and Robert. His countless loving cousins, nieces, nephews and the community.

The viewing of the body is from 11am -12 and his funeral is from 12 to 2 pm at Dan Scales Funeral home at 107 W. 8th Street in Pittsburg, CA on Friday February 7, 2022. The burial will be at Oak View Memorial Park at 2500 East 18th Street in Antioch, CA.

“And now abide; faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

In Memoriam: Antioch resident Dan Fanucchi passes at 57

Tuesday, January 4th, 2022

Daniel ‘Dan’ Enzo Fanucchi

May 9, 1964 – November 18, 2021

Dan Fanucchi, 57, passed away suddenly at home on November 18, 2021, from congestive heart failure. Dan was born on May 9, 1964, in San Francisco, CA to his parents Enzo and Diva Fanucchi. Dan and his older sister Jeannie were raised in Daly City, CA and years later the parents and Dan moved to Foster City, CA. He and his wife Tami moved to Antioch in 1997.

Dan worked for a Bomb Detection Company in Fremont, CA for 25 years as a Facilities Tech and an EHS Specialist. Dan was happily married to Tami Fanucchi who was his partner in life for 29 years at the time of his death. Besides spending time with his family and friends, Dan had a passion for music, hiking, nature, sunsets and sunrises, long drives and watching sports.

Dan was known for his contagious, fun loving, personality, hugs, big smile, and humble down to earth, loving soul. Dan was saved and was known for his service to God at Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood, CA and at Laurel Ridge Community Church in Oakley, CA. Dan was a great witness to the public. He is survived by his wife, two children, older sister, many aunts and uncles and cousins, nephews, and great nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 11:00 am at Laurel Ridge Community Church at 2459 Laurel Road in Oakley, CA.

 

Long-time Antioch resident passes at 79, survived by 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren

Monday, June 28th, 2021

Virginia (Gini) Kay Christensen

February 1942 – June 9, 2021

Virginia (Gini) Kay Christensen, 79, a long-time resident of Antioch, CA, passed away after an extended illness on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

Gini was born in Long Beach, CA, to James and Norma Caughron in February 1942. At the age of three Gini moved with her mother to post-WWII Germany, where her father was an officer in the US Army, in her early teens the family moved back to Southern California, relocating to Northern California in her early twenties. Gini began her work life as a Mermaid at the Disneyland Submarine ride, trained as a nurse in her early twenties, then a clerical worker employed by the Daily Ledger and the City of Antioch, City Clerk’s Office, finishing her career in the private sector.

Gini was a quiet lady with an artist’s heart. She loved painting, quilting, porcelain doll making and stained glass. Gini very much enjoyed singing, musicals, dancing, and animals-especially dogs. Gini was navigationally challenged resulting in many family trips that began with a plan that became an adventure…never lost.

Gini was preceded in death by both her father and mother, in 1986 and 2012 respectively, and her husband, Loren E. Christensen in 2000. Gini will be missed by her brothers, James Caughron and Robert Caughron, her children and stepchildren, Jeff Varner, deAnne McCoy, Victoria Varner, Lori Christensen Maxwell, Loren David Christensen, Mari Christensen Bourret, their spouses/partners, 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, as well as a multitude of extended family and friends.

Gini’s family is planning an informal Celebration of Life on July 24, 2021 from 1-3pm at the Antioch Community Center located at 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA.

 

Pittsburg man from construction business family that helped build homes in Antioch passes at 62

Friday, June 25th, 2021

Leonard (Lenny) Kolias Jr.

Feb 12, 1959 to June 2, 2021

Leonard (Lenny) Kolias Jr. of Pittsburg, CA passed away on June 2, 2021.

Lenny was born in Oakland, CA on February 12, 1959 and lived in the Bay Area his whole life. He graduated from the school of Hard Knocks and started working at age 13 in the family business, Kolias Grading and later for B & B Paving and Grading. He made house pads for thousands of the houses from Antioch/ Pittsburg to Danville/San Ramon and Vallejo/Napa as well as many other areas in the Bay Area. He loved his work and took pride in being a Dirt Pusher/Heavy Machine operator for over 40 years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family the most! Some of his favorite times were at the family cabin on the Sacramento River catching catfish and running through the corn fields. He loved fast cars and big trucks. If you knew Lenny, you knew he had a presence, he was big, loud, giving and always happy.

Lenny is survived by his partner Debbie Melia, daughters Jamie Kolias and Krystle Melia, beloved grandchildren Jesslyn Marie, Jayla Ann, and Aidan Leonard, his sister, Cyndi Vipperman (Ken), brother,  Don Kolias (Tracy) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Lenny is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Carole Kolias, his brother Christopher Kolias, his grandmother Francis Gates and his nephew Bradley Reid.

Lenny was loved by many and will be missed ♥️.

In Memoriam: Former Antioch school librarian Joyce Lavonne Bergerhouse passes at 86

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

Joyce Lavonne Bergerhouse

November 10, 1934 – May 9, 2021

Mother of Antioch school district leader and former principal Scott Bergerhouse and former Antioch Police Officer Steve Bergerhouse

Joyce Lavonne Bergerhouse passed away peacefully at home with her loving husband by her side on Sunday, May 9, 2021 (Mother’s Day).  She was 86 years old.

Joyce was born in Dwight, Kansas on November 10, 1934. She married William (Bill) Bergerhouse on December 26, 1954.  Bill and Joyce were married for 66 years.  Together, they had three children whom they raised in Kansas before moving to Antioch, California in 1965.  In October of 1967, Joyce began her career in California at Fremont Elementary School where she was an instructional aide, typist clerk, and then became the school’s Library Tech. (Librarian) in 1979.  She retired from Fremont Elementary School in March of 1997.

Joyce enjoyed traveling with Bill hauling their 5th wheel to many places throughout the country.  She loved to read and had so much love to share with family and friends. Joyce was a loving, kindhearted and amazing woman.  She always embraced life as it came.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Pearle and her brothers, Larry and Loren Nickoley.  She leaves behind her husband, William Bergerhouse, her son and daughter-in-law, Steve & Marilyn Bergerhouse, her daughter and son-in-law, Susan & Robert Barmore and son, Scott Bergerhouse. Joyce also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Jennifer, Randy, Jason, Trevor, Nicholas, Carly and Stefani, and ten great grandchildren: Jayse, Jake, Landon, Rylan, Quinn, Carson, Tristan, Rylee, Liliana and Kailiana Joy.  She will forever be in our hearts.

A “Celebration of Life” memorial service will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Beede Auditorium, Antioch High School, 700 W. 18th Street, Antioch, California. All are welcome.

Long-time Antioch resident, Holy Rosary Church member Lucille Artz passes at 92

Monday, March 22nd, 2021

Mother of five sons, grandmother to nine and great grandmother to four

Lucille Bernice Artz

August 9, 1928 – March 18, 2021

Lucille and Donald Artz on their wedding day March 31, 1948

Lucille Artz peacefully went to rest and awoke in heaven the morning of March 18, 2021.

Lucille was a sweet, Midwest girl. She was born on August 9, 1928 in Hoven, South Dakota to Henry and Eva Peters. She had an older sister, Gladys and two younger brothers, Bill and John. She was the head cheerleader at the high school in Hoven and had many friends, including her best friend Evie Artz.

When Donald Artz came home from WWII, they fell in love and the two were married on Friday, March 31, 1948. She refused to be married on that Saturday since it was April Fool’s Day. The two were very happily married for 39 years, until Don’s passing in 1987.

They moved to Antioch, California in 1955 where they raised their family of five boys. Lucille and Don became active members of Holy Rosary Church. She loved baking for the church’s annual harvest festival and was active in many parish clubs. She was always willing to help contribute to the community.

Lucille Artz and sons on her 90th birthday.

After she raised her family, she worked in the 1980’s and 90’s as a bookkeeper for Antioch Marine Sales.

Lucille was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, Grandmother (Nana) and Great grandmother. She and Don raised five sons Daniel (Christine), David (Kate), John (Alice), Timothy (Kimberly) and Thomas (Kathleen). She was proud of her boys and her nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She will forever be remembered as a kind, happy woman who always had a smile on her face and loved to laugh.

She is preceded in death by her husband Donald Artz and her son John Artz.

She is survived by her sons Dan, Dave, Tim and Tom.

In Memoriam: Antioch FastSigns owner Randy Sabatte loses battle with cancer, goes home to be with the Lord at 60

Tuesday, August 4th, 2020

Member of the Berkeley Farms Dairy business family.

Randall Allen “Randy” Sabatte

January 3, 1960 – July 23, 2020

On Thursday, July 23, 2020, Randall Allen Sabatte passed away after a short battle with cancer. He went home to be with the Lord at the age of 60.

Randy was born on January 3, 1960, in Oakland, CA. He graduated from Washington High School in Fremont in 1978. His career path took him from real estate to working at the family business, Berkeley Farms Dairy, to eventually owning his own franchise business with FastSigns in Antioch, California.

One of his most memorable jobs was frying chicken at Kentucky Fried Chicken where he met the love of his life, Debbie Renee Hunter. Randy and Debbie shared a spiritual journey together in marriage for 38 years after marrying on October 17, 1981. They traveled extensively between ski slopes, the Grand Caymans, cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska, snorkeling in Mexico and most recently to Wyoming in a blizzard on a snowmobile. One of their proudest accomplishments was raising their three beautiful children – one daughter, Kristin, and two sons, Michael and Joel.  Randy adored his four grandchildren Esmae, Adelynn, Sage, and Jack (and one on the way he would call, “Jeff”).

Randy had a strong passion for volunteering and serving his local community, especially working with small businesses to help them achieve their individual goals in growing their own brands. Many in the community admired and respected Randy for his humble, kind spirit and his love for taking on any challenge.  He tackled any project whether it be big or small with enthusiasm. The expression of his artistic talents and attention to detail resulted in products that were admired and valued by many. Randy highly valued the relationships he worked hard to build with his clients. He went out of his way to keep his customers and own staff happy.

Randy shared his faith with teens and adults alike through the ministry of Young Life. He and Debbie were part of the team that helped launch Young Life in Brentwood, CA in 2006. He had Young Life clubs in his living room where 30-40 teens would gather weekly. He served as a volunteer leader, committee member, donor, and behind-the-scenes specialist. Because of their involvement in this ministry, Randy and Debbie’s home was an open door to many.

Randy loved the outdoors including camping, jeeping, running, snowboarding, and coaching for his sons’ teams (soccer/baseball/Boy Scouts).  Randy was a kid at heart.  He loved being around and helping children. He was known as The Leprechaun, Olaf, and “Mr. Debbie” at Apple Tree Christian Preschool, the business Debbie owns.

Randy is survived by his parents Norman Sabatte and Joanne Spiller, Pete Spiller; wife of 38 years Debbie; daughter Kristin (Kevin) Hazelton; son Michael (Chelsea); son Joel (Jessica); sisters Denise Sabatte-Pedersen, Janine Sabatte-Caspillo, Deanne Sabatte, and his five grandchildren: Esmae, Adelynn, Sage, Jack (+1 on the way).

A celebration of life service will be held on August 13, 2020 at Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood at 9:00am. Check in begins at 8:30am for temperature scans. Bring your own chair and mask. In lieu of flowers and/or gifts, Randy requested donations would be made to Young Life’s Woodleaf camp, a ministry he was very passionate about. giving.younglife.org/randysabatte

 

Long time Antioch resident from one of city’s pioneer families Millie Peterson dies at 101

Friday, July 24th, 2020

Mildred Irma “Millie” Biglow Burris Peterson

September 9, 1918 – July 21, 2020

From City of Antioch

Mildred Irma “Millie” Biglow Burris Peterson had deep roots in the Antioch community, and was the matriarch and last of the Antioch Biglows, one of the city’s pioneer families from Gold Rush days. She passed away after suffering a stroke on June 30 at age 101  just a few months shy of her 102nd birthday.

Born on September 9, 1918, on 10th Street in Antioch, Millie attended Antioch schools from Kindergarten to 12th grade graduating with the class of 1935 from Antioch High School. She volunteered for the American Cancer Society, Delta Memorial (Sutter) Hospital for 20 years, and the El Campanil Theatre as an usher. She was involved in various organizations/clubs, including

  • Holy Rosary Church
  • YLI Young Ladies Institute for over 80 years
  • Native Daughters
  • Sons of Italy
  • Women’s Club
  • Historical Society

Millie exemplifies the Antioch spirit of perseverance and service. She will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.

Message by Antioch Historical Society

Every year Millie Peterson would attend the Victorian Tea at the Antioch Historical Museum. Her wedding dress is featured in the bridal room at the museum. She will be missed at our tea for sure.

In 2012, she was featured in an East Bay Times article, A Life of Work, Fun and Friends. Peterson’s advice to today’s youth was, “live life to the fullest; take every opportunity you get; be positive; and, have a happy attitude.”

Additional information gathered from CaliforniaObituaries.com for this report.