Donald Paul Byrns, 83 passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024, in Vacaville, CA.
Don was born on August 26, 1940, and was proceeded in death by his loving wife Gloria Jean of 50 years and Grandson Anthony DiGiovanni. Don was a carpenter by trade followed by a long career as a Building Inspector for the City of Antioch and Oakley, CA. For nearly 40 years Don and Jean made their home and raised their family in Antioch before retiring to Red Bluff, CA in 2004.
An avid outdoorsman, Don loved hunting, camping and firearms. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifleman’s Association. He had an amazing talent and passion for leather work. He tooled many beautiful items over the years. Those who possess these will cherish them forever. Don was a true Red, White and Blue American, and loved the USA only second to his family and friends.
Don is survived by his daughter Nancy (Frank) DiGiovanni, son Edward Byrns, daughter Paula (Mark) Toponce, 7 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren.
Funeral:
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Rockville Stone Church/Cemetery 4219 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield 94534
Viewing 10:00 am
Services 11:00 am
A luncheon will be served at the Bally Keel Estate 4286 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield 94534 following the services.
As Don was a life-long Cowboy, please feel free to wear your Western/Cowboy/SASS attire.
Former Plant Engineer at Crown Zellerbach, Inland Paper and Gaylord Paper
Services Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Antioch Police Officers Association Mourns His Passing
Frank Rupani, age 80, passed away suddenly at home with his wife by his side on Wednesday, July 10.
Frank was born on June 24, 1944, in Burgettstown, PA to the late Frank and Pauline (Combi) Rupani. After graduating from Union High School in 1962, he went on to the University of Akron earning his BS in Mechanical Engineering as well as the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. It was in Del Rio, Texas where he met Inelda Rendon, his wife of 54 years.
During the Vietnam War, Frank served as a navigator on the B-52 Stratofortress, based in Guam and Thailand. His missions over Vietnam earned him many medals including two Distinguished Flying Crosses.
After leaving the Air Force with the rank of Captain, Frank and Inelda settled in Antioch, CA where he took a job as Plant Engineer for Crown Zellerbach and Inland Paper, which ultimately became Gaylord Paper. After the plant closure, he remained to supervise the dismantling, remediation and ultimate sale of the property. During this time, he went to Golden Gate University to earn his MBA.
While still working his full-time job, at the age of 53, he was drawn to serve his community as a Reserve Officer with the Antioch Police Department for 20 years, retiring as Sergeant in 2017, then continuing to serve an additional 6 years in the VIPS (Volunteer in Police Service) program.
Frank was a man of exceptional character. He was loving, kind, caring, and selfless and was admired by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Frank Rupani and Pauline Rupani (Combi). He is survived by: his wife Inelda; his sister Marlene (Gary Lafever); his siblings-in-law, Sylvia Slater (Robert) of Oklahoma City, OK, Henry (Robin) of San Antonio, TX, Gerard of San Antonio, TX and Alfred Rendon (Liz) of San Antonio, TX; his nieces and nephews, Ryan Slater, Valerie Ochs (Matt), Christopher Galluze (C. J.), Matt Slater (Crystal) and Sarah Simpson (Tucker); his great-nieces and great-nephews, Allyson, Zachary Ochs, Lillian, Nina Slater and Christopher A. Galluze; and his goddaughter Donna Aiken (Tom).
Arrangements are by Higgins Chapel in Antioch.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the St. Ignatius Church, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd, Antioch, CA. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at the same location. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM at the Oak View Memorial Park (2500 E 18th St, Antioch, CA 94509). The military honors will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, at the Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery, 2500 E 18th Street, Antioch, CA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to your favorite charity in his name.
You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family, here.
Frank Rupani helps place the rose on the 9-11 Memorial during the 2016 Antioch Memorial Day Ceremony at Oak View Memorial Park. Photos by Allen D. Payton, Antioch Herald
Antioch Police Officers Association Mourns Passing
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you about the passing of Reserve Officer Frank Rupani. Frank was a dedicated member of the Antioch Police Department for over 26 years, serving our community with utmost commitment and professionalism.
Officer Rupani’s unwavering dedication to his duty and his selfless service to the Antioch community will always be remembered. He was a true asset to our department, and his loss will be deeply felt by all of us.
During his time with us, Officer Rupani exemplified the values of integrity, compassion, and bravery. He was not only a respected colleague but also a trusted friend to many. His positive impact on our community and the lives he touched cannot be overstated.
As we mourn the loss of Officer Rupani, let us also remember and celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to public safety and his unwavering commitment to serving others will continue to inspire us all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Rupani’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to those affected by this loss.
Please join us in honoring Officer Frank Rupani’s memory and the invaluable service he provided to our community.” (See related article)
Frank Rupani in a 2016 photo posted on his Facebook page and in his Antioch Police Reserve Officer uniform. Photo (right): APD
By Antioch Police Department
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you about the passing of Reserve Officer Frank Rupani. Frank was a dedicated member of the Antioch Police Department for over 26 years, serving our community with utmost commitment and professionalism.
He began his service on October 30, 1997, and has received numerous commendations and letters of appreciation from the public. In May 2014, Rupani was honored by then-Chief Allan Cantando as a Reserve Sergeant.
Prior to his retirement from the APD Reserve Unit in 2017, Rupani was assigned to assist the Parking Enforcement unit with a huge backlog of abandoned vehicles in the City. According to then-Police Chief Tammany Brooks, Rupani had been instrumental in getting the number down to a manageable level. He continued to serve the citizens of Antioch by transitioning to the Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program and could be seen at community events, including parades in downtown Rivertown, as well as Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.
Following his retirement Frank Rupani was honored with a plaque for his 20 years of service by then-Chief T Brooks as Captain Tony Morefield looks on during an Antioch Police Ceremony on May 17, 2018. Photos: APD
Officer Rupani’s unwavering dedication to his duty and his selfless service to the Antioch community will always be remembered. He was a true asset to our department, and his loss will be deeply felt by all of us.
During his time with us, Officer Rupani exemplified the values of integrity, compassion, and bravery. He was not only a respected colleague but also a trusted friend to many. His positive impact on our community and the lives he touched cannot be overstated.
As we mourn the loss of Officer Rupani, let us also remember and celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to public safety and his unwavering commitment to serving others will continue to inspire us all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Rupani’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to those affected by this loss.
According to his Facebook page, Rupani is from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and studied for his Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Akron.
Born on June 24, 1944, Rupani had just turned 80 and is survived by his wife Inelda who, according to family members, was by his side when he passed on July 10, 2024.
Please join us in honoring Officer Frank Rupani’s memory and the invaluable service he provided to our community.
Willie James Mims was born to Edward and Lillie Mims on November 30, 1944, in McCaul, LA. He was one of nine siblings. He lived in California since he was two years old. Willie grew up in West Pittsburg, now called Bay Point, California, where he attended and graduated from Pacifica High School in 1963. In high school, Willie excelled in sports, including track and field, basketball, and football. Willie was concerned about issues revolving around environmental justice, especially in Pittsburg. In 1963, he entered the political arena for the first time, passing out flyers supporting the Rumford Fair Housing Act. George Ealy, a local political activist, organized that event.
Willie married Darlene Lea-Mims on July 15, 1967, and they celebrated 52 years of joyous marriage before she preceded him in death. From this union, they have two children, Dana and Marcus; six grandchildren, Tasha Thompson, Nailah Thompson, Khiry Gosha-Mims, Zaheem Smith, Niara Mims, and Inaya Mims; and two great-grandchildren, Khira Gosha-Mims and Chance Gosha-Mims.
Willie graduated from Diablo Valley College in 1972 with an Associate of Arts Degree. He then transferred to San Francisco State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English/Creative Writing in 1974. He proceeded to graduate school, where, in 1978, he earned an M.A. Degree in English/Creative Writing. Willie’s thesis was a collection of short stories called “The Boy Who Threw Rocks,” loosely based on his childhood. Willie then earned a California Secondary Education Teaching Credential in English in 1979.
From 1965 to 1970, he was employed as a stevedore with the Concord Naval Weapons Station. From 1971 to 1987, he worked as a food service worker at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Martinez, California. Willie worked for the Vallejo City Unified School District for over 25 years, serving as Teacher/Teacher-in-Charge at John Finney High School, formerly Peoples High School. He retired from wage work in 2009.
Since retirement, he continued as an activist, advocating for the best interests of the community, parents, and students in the school system. Willie believed that parents and activists should monitor and observe the school districts in East County. This included monitoring and observing local governments and how they conduct the people’s business.
He attended local and county-wide meetings (mainly those in Central and East Counties), bringing issues of concern to School Boards, City Councils, and the Board of Supervisors. His goal on all issues was to support students, parents, or people in their grievance redress.
NAACP East County Branch tribute to Willie Mims.
Willie was a former mentor of the S.I.M.B.A (Safe In My Brother’s Arms) program, which focuses on boys from 8 to 16 to support self-esteem and served as a form of “manhood” training. He was a former East County Boys and Girls Club board member. He served as an “on-call” Educational Advocate for the YIN (Youth Intervention Network) Program. He served as a volunteer historian for the Parents Connected Organization. He was a representative of the Black Political Association in Pittsburg, CA, and a member of the Executive Committee of the East County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where he served as its Education Chair. He worked as a volunteer for the Greater Faith Food Pantry, an agency serving and feeding low-income and underserved citizens of Pittsburg. He was a member of its board and volunteered four times per month. He was a member of the Antioch School District’s African American Male Initiative, a former representative on the Contra Costa Community College’s Hiring Policy Review Committee, a member of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s Equity & Disproportionality Committee, and a member of the Vallejo Unified School District’s LCAP & LCFF Committees.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lillie Mims, his sisters Wilma Douglas and Isabel Medford, and his brothers Melvin Mims, Mack Mims, and Walter Mims. He leaves behind his two children, Dana and Marcus (Cassandra) Mims; six grandchildren, Tasha Thompson, Nailah Thompson, Khiry Gosha-Mims, Zaheem Smith, Niara Mims, and Inaya Mims; and two great-grandchildren, Khira Gosha-Mims and Chance Gosha-Mims. He is also survived by sisters: Hilda Murdoch (Pittsburg), Nancy Mims-Burt (Pittsburg), and Ruth Mims-Jemerson (Oakland), Melodye Montgomery (Alameda), daughter-in-law Cassandra Waller-Mims, a brother-in -law/friend Larry Harold, who was always by his side, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and lastly, the East Bay Community.
Willie’s main goal was to educate, motivate, and support his community. He leaves a legacy of love, compassion, and service that will continue to inspire all fortunate enough to know him. Willie James Mims will be missed by his family, friends, and the community.
You can send flowers to the family or plant a memorial tree in memory of Willie Mims.
Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Delta Bay Community Church, 1020 E. Tregallas Road in Antioch. Repast immediately following burial at Pittsburg Youth Development Center at 1001 Stoneman Avenue in Pittsburg.
To watch online visit zoom link ID: 740 600 9196, Password: 2024
Monte Dean Albers, son of Robert Albers and Pauline Bloom Albers, was born on November 24, 1939, in Eugene, Oregon, died peacefully in his sleep on May 7, 2024, in Brentwood, CA at the age of 84.
Monte attended the University of Oregon, lived an adventurous life, moving first to rural Idaho, then to Houston, Texas and settling finally in California. He went to work for United Airlines where he continued to work for the next 37 years.
Monte met his wife Lucia in San Francisco and together they built a house in Brentwood, California where they have lived since 1987.
He retired from United and dedicated his life to his olive ranch where he enjoyed taking care of the olive trees and producing virgin, kosher olive oil.
Monte will be remembered for his kindness and never-ending love of jokes. He is survived by his wife Lucia, his daughter Elizabeth (Alan); son Monte (Michael); grandchildren, Alan, Erick, Ryan, Scott, Stephanie, Joseph and Jackson, as well as daughters Debbie, Dianne and Darcey from a previous marriage and their children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Monte was also preceded in death by his sister Judy Albers.
A memorial service for Monte will be held at Higgins Chapel in Antioch, California on Thursday, May 23 from 9:30 to 11:30 am followed by a private interment.
On January 21, 2024, the world lost a bit of its sparkle when Jordan Phillip Davis, age 29, exited the off-ramp from life in Antioch, California. He embarked on this adventure on November 12, 1994, and from day one, Jordan was all about making waves – both literally and figuratively. If life’s a highway, Jordan was riding wheelies down it. He rode his dirt bike with the gusto of a kid at a candy store and jet skied as if he had fins instead of feet. His BBQs were the stuff of legend—where the grill was hot, and the steaks were never at risk. Jordan’s camping tales were more gripping than a tent peg in the earth, and if fish could talk, they’d have asked for autographs. After moving from Pittsburg at age 14, he attended Antioch High School.
As for cars, he wasn’t just under the hood—he was the wizard waving the wrench. But the heart of Jordan’s world was his little co-pilot, Jordan, Jr.
Together, they navigated the bumpy roads of life with laughter as their GPS and unconditional love was their fuel. Jordan’s career was a mixed bag of gigs from Save Mart to Tesla; until one day he branched out and plated his own business, HD Tree Service with his best bud, Carlos. They were the dynamic duo, shaking the family tree of the tree service industry one branch at a time.
The cast of characters in Jordan’s life story is as vibrant as a rainbow after a storm. He leaves behind his mom, Dolly; stepdad, Jimmy; son, Jordan, Jr.; Aunt Christene; Uncle Robert; cousin Robert; Uncle Moe; cousin Kayla; Grandma Linda; Grandpa Richard; Cheri and Robbie; and his ever-faithful best friend, Cutty (Carlos), the Robin to his Batman, who also survives him along with a forest of friends and distant kin. We are busy planning the after-party, ensuring that Jordan’s final send-off is as lively as he was.
So, let’s not say good-bye to Jordan; instead, let’s rev our engines and honk our horns in celebration of a man who lived life in the fun lane. Here’s to Jordan, may we all keep our tires dirty and our grills sizzling in his honor.
Mark Anthony Smith (aka Markie) passed away on Feb. 10,2024 in a motorcycle accident. Markie leaves behind his parents Mark and Toni Smith, his brother Jacob, sister Jessica, his dog Deebo, many aunts and uncles, cousins and best friend Uriel along with many other good friends. Markie was full of energy with a little wild and lived life to the fullest.
Mark loved to duck hunt with dad and his dogs, Knuckles who passed away recently, Deebo who he trained, fishing and going to and watching 49er games, snowboarding with his sister and dad, playing disc golf and riding his Harley.
Mark often took his mom to Warrior games, went to concerts and festivals among many other things. Markie loved taking his brother Jacob to Monterey for long weekends, he would take Jacob putting at the golf course and concerts with his mom and sister Jessica. Mark always made everyone feel cared about and welcome no matter where or what he was doing. He made time for everyone.
Mark adored his dogs Knuckles and Deebo and often took them out for brunch on the weekends and took them to work with him on most days. When you were with Markie you knew it was going to be fun. Mark purchased his first home last September on the water and was looking forward to boating on the Delta.
Mark worked as hard as he played. Mark graduated from Antioch High School then Chico State with honors. Mark and his sister Jessica went to Chico together and lived down the street from one another, spending all their free time together. Mark just received a big promotion at work where he was a project manager and was loved and respected by his coworkers. He recently purchased his first home in Pittsburg.
Markie touched the life of everyone he crossed paths with. Markie will be missed by many and never forgotten.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Friday, April 12th, 2024, 4:30 to 9:00pm at Heather Farms in the Lakeside room, 301 N San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek, CA.
Everyone who knew and cared about Mark is welcome to come.
Dietra was born in Biloxi Mississippi on November 6, 1963, at historical Biloxi Memorial Hospital to Dennis Ray, Sr. and Etta Hicks. Her dad moved the family to East Oakland, California when she was three years old alongside her siblings. She attended Brookfield Elementary, Madison Junior High, and in 1981 graduated from Castlemont High School with a 3.0 GPA. Dietra was a “widow twice in one life” In November 1983-January 5, 1984 to Jimmie Rideout – (child Delitha Henson, mother-in-law Martha (Bob) Thornton) and August 11, 1990-August 23, 2020 to Eric Rowland-King – (children Eriesha Holmes, Eric King, Derek King).
Dietra was a resident of Antioch, California for over 30 years with her late husband Eric King, where the remainder of her life was lived. She attended and visited several congregations in Antioch and throughout California. During her adult life, she worked for the Internal Revenue Services, Naval Supply Center, VA/HUD Real Estate Loan Department, real estate agent for CJ Patterson Red Carpet Realty, Oakley Morning Star Real Estate Properties and the family-owned Dad’s BBQ Restaurant.
In 2005, she became co-owner/partner and manager of Dad’s BBQ and in 2006 obtained her real estate Broker License. She launched and opened her entrepreneurial real estate agency, called Hearts Realty. Her motto was “Heart to Heart, Home to Home,” and the home sale yardage sign was in the shape of a heart. From 2006-2008, Hearts Realty was growing and flourishing financially. Since Dietra’s businesses were being blessed, she wanted to give back the blessings by depositing a percentage of all home sales into an account funded for those in need and her 10 agents. Dietra educated and provided families the opportunity to own their own home and making sure her children owned a home before she departed which was a goal for her that was accomplished, even during her illness and fighting days. In 2008, the housing market collapsed, which caused millions of people to lose their jobs and many businesses went bankrupt but God Sustained Heart’s Realty and even during the 2020-2021 pandemic Dad’s BBQ was blessed to continue servicing their community. For the past several years, Dietra was a mentor to real estate agents, while training the family’s next generation to work and manage Dads BBQ. Dietra enjoyed traveling, reading, listening to gospel music, going to gospel and comedy concerts, hosting family and community gatherings. Over the past several years, Dietra was working on a book writing as a self-published author, her unique life’s memoir; to be released in the future.
Dietra Letitia Hicks-King departed her earthly life peacefully the early morning of January 7, 2024, at the age of 60, in the home of her daughter, Eriesha (De’Andre) Holmes and grandchildren. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and hospice support during the last days of her life.
Dietra touched and supported so many lives throughout her short, yet very memorable and special life’s journey. According to man, she is gone too soon; but it was God’s will that she departs from all those who loved and spent time with her. Dietra was ready to be offered, and the time of her departure was at hand. She fought a good fight, finishing her course for God’s purpose and glory, leaving a legacy.
Dietra was a Christian and her life lived was close to her Lord and Savior. Keeping the faith, being steadfast on her morals and values during her journey in life, confirmed that her goal was to live a life to please her Lord. Dietra’s life offered quality and quantity time for all those she touched. There are no goodbyes, because to have had the opportunity to enjoy the fellowship with Dietra and all the special memories will never be gone but live in our hearts and minds forever.
Dietra was preceded in death by her late husband Eric King, Sr.
Dietra is survived by her parents – Dennis and Etta Hicks, mother-in-law Clarice King, her children – Delitha (Van) Henson, Eriesha (De’Andre) Holmes, Eric King, Derek King, five grandchildren that called her “GrandD,” Jimmie’, Gizelle, D’Andre’, Dezmond, and Nyoko, and Godchildren – Deandrea Johnson and Dominic Woods. Her brothers – Dennis Ray, Jr., Cedric (Nina) Hicks, sisters – LaMonica (Ronnie) Samuel, and Amelia Hicks.
“Auntie” Dietra created a home where a host of her nephews and nieces spent quality time, had lots of fun, spreading contagious laughs and lifetime memories. A host of brother/sister in-laws, cousins and surviving aunts and uncles. Dietra’s “heart to heart and home to home” open door gathering environment for family, friends, employees and colleagues was to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, by encouraging and inspiring one another. Her one-of-a-kind sense of humor, realness and sincerity will be cherished forever in our hearts and minds.
Dietra, rest in peace with eternal life and may an angels’ chorus greet you in heaven. Your footsteps can never be filled, nor your love ever forgotten, because a spiritual journey doesn’t end with death. You were the cornerstone in so many lives, beautiful melody in the rhythm of our lives and the music of your life will live on. Your life well lived and spent; a powerful work of art. Beautifully created and rememberedby all who loved and knew you. The hours and minutes tick by slowly, and it’s finally time to say goodbye to no more of your beautiful smile, hugs and moments on this side of eternity; yet the beautiful memories bring comfort from the disbelief/heartache. You will be so dearly missed!
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” -Psalm 29:11
“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, on my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” – Psalms 146:1-2
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1Thessalonians 5:18
Viewing – Dans Scales Funeral Services 107 W. 8th Street, Pittsburg, CA 94565 Friday, February 2, 2024 4pm-6pm
Funeral – Solomon Temple Ministries 655 California Avenue, Pittsburg, CA 94565 Saturday February 3, 2024 at 11am
