Lafayette Grammar School Baseball Team 1950:Top row: Don Hayes, Ed Hunt, Jack Lloyd, Bob Reark. Lower row: Jerry Combs, Brad Johanson, Jack Luedemann, Mel Ferrarese, David Brown.

Pat Moriarty Carlson

Patricia Ann Moriarty-Carlson 1936 - 2012 Former resident of Concord Patricia Carlson died in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 17, 2012. She was born on Aug. 6, 1936 to Lilyan Mary Bangerter and James Edwin Moriarty in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was 9 years old when her father returned from WWII and moved the family to California.“Pat” graduated from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, CA in 1954. She met Neil William Carlson “Bill” and they married in 1959. They lived in several cities in Northern CA before moving to Huntington Beach, CA where Pat attended Golden West College and received her AA and RN degree. She worked as a nurse at Alta Bates Hospital and for Hospice, caring for terminally ill patients. They returned to Northern CA where she was an active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She leaves a legacy of hard work, integrity, and love for her family.Pat is survived by her husband, Bill, her 5 children: Laura Susan, Thomas James, Lisa Corrin, Kenneth William, Keith Edward, 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, her sister Jerry Chamberlain and a brother Brian Moriarty. She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 grandson,

Ed Lucas

A lifelong resident of the Lamorinda area, Ed Lucas, 76, died Monday June 11th following an extended illness. Ed was born to Daniel and Eugenia Davilla Lucas on May 14, 1936; he spent his entire childhood in Orinda and attended Acalanes High School. In 1959 he joined the then Eastern Contra Costa County Fire Protection District stationed in Moraga. He was a fire inspector, later a Captain, then an Assistant Chief of the Moraga Fire Department, and in 1986 he became the department's chief. He retired in 1992 following heart surgery the previous year. He loved being a firefighter and especially enjoyed living in his Town of Moraga since 1964.
He leaves his loving wife of nearly 56 years, Carole, along with his beloved children, Greg and partner Cindy Jarvis of Danville, Greg's two daughters, Ashlee Lucas and her fianc#233; Dane Blom of Roseville and Chelsea Lucas of Walnut Creek; his daughter, Dina Fiorio and son-in-law Danny of Gilroy and their three daughters, Hannah, Zo#235;, and Bailey Fiorio; and his son, Steve and daughter-in-law, Darla, of Orinda and their three children, Daniel, Lindsey, and Ben Lucas. Nothing made him happier than vacationing with all his family#8230;.except perhaps a good round of golf at the Moraga Country Club.
Ed is also survived by his brother Larry, of Antioch, his sister, Janet (Bill) Kentnor of Washington, and his brother, Dennis (Shirley), of Arizona, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Denny Hollenbeck

Denny Hollenbeck

Denny Hollenbeck May 19, 1936 - June 12, 2012 Resident of Concord The world is a lesser place today. Our family lost a husband, Dad, Uncle, Grandpa "Poppy", Friend and Hero. Denny was a fighter never giving up. His loving wife Irma stayed by his side till the end. His passions were cooking, BBQ entertaining and gardening. Denny owned H & K Body Shop in Oakland for many years. Denny left behind a wife of 25 years, 3 daughters Lorrie, Vicki & Heidi and 2 sons Rodney & Lloyd, Grand Children & Great Grand Children. Denny is proceeded in death by his brother Dale. Denny will be missed by many. Private services will be held at a later time.

George Ramsey

George William Ramsey
George was born in Arkansas on March 21, 1935. During the Great Depression along with hundreds of thousands of others George’s family moved to California. George’s family settled in Walnut Creek where he went to grade school and high school. George came from a modest background. In spite of being quite smart he did not aspire to go to college. After graduating from Acalanes High school in 1954 he entered the Navy. He spent most of the time in Korea on aerial reconnaissance.
Shortly after returning from Korea he met and married Virginia Poletti in 1959. They had two sons Greg and Steve Ramsey.
George loved fireworks. When he returned from Korea he loved helping on the San Francisco Fourth of July celebration. One year one of the great rockets he loaded into the fireworks canon exploded prematurely and George lost several fingers. This did not discourage him from his love of the fireworks displays.
George went to work for the Milan Salami Company of San Francisco. It was owned by Virginia’s family. He traveled the Western states finding more markets for the company’s products. Over time George rose to become the President of the company and maintained that position for the past thirty years. He would get up each morning early so he could be to work in San Francisco at 5:00am. He was very proud when he could take on the really big salami companies and beat them in taste and quality at a very competitive price.
Virginia passed away on her birthday February 13, 2004.
George passed away on April 6 2012.
He is survived by his son Greg and Lucy Ramsey, his son Steve and Shannon Ramsey and five grandchildren Bart, Jason, Wendee, Jeremy, Brandon and numerous other relatives
(Composed by Richard Munn)

Warren Sommers

Warren DeMilton Sommers
Warren DeMilton Sommers was born in Martinez, California on May 22, 1935. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a short illness on February 12, 2012. Warren was a lifelong Bay Area native. He was raised in Walnut Creek by his loving parents Cloyse and Georgie Sommers. At the age of 13 Warren started spending his summers at Lake Almanor. He quickly developed a lifelong love affair with the lake. He enjoyed spending time there at the family cabin with his family and friends. He graduated from San Francisco City College. His career was active and diverse. He was a Merchant Marine for Matson Navigation sailing back and forth between San Francisco and Hawaii while acting as a beverage auditor. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves. For brief periods he worked at Trader Vic’s restaurant and in construction. In 1966 Warren took a temporary job with the Piedmont Fire Department. Then some 26 years, 1 month and 10 days later he retired as a Lieutenant with the Piedmont Fire Department. Warren was responsible for many heroic acts during this time. He was especially proud of his role during the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 and the Oakland hills fire in 1991. In 1972 met his loving partner and wife Merry. They were married in April 1973. They raised two wonderful and loving children Chris and Kari. Warren’s spare time was often spent working oak wood into various pieces of furniture. He also loved reading, gardening and fishing. He loved his single malt scotch at home or at the Elk Lodge. Best of all Warren loved being with his two grandsons.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Leroy and David. He is survived by his wife Merry, son Chris and daughter-in –law Jacqueline, daughter Kari and son-in-law Chris, brother Charley and grandchildren Zachary and Jackson.

Patricia Leddy Moal

Patricia Aileen Moal Resident of Brentwood Passed away on Monday, December 26, 2011 in the presence of her loving family. Patricia (Pat) was born 1936 in Saint Cloud Minnesota to Floyd and Aileen Leddy and migrated to California while a young teenager. She is survived by her 3 children; Patrick (Cissy), Karen (Tom) and Mikael as well as 7 grandchildren. Pat married Donald Jones in 1955 and had her three children with him. Pat later married Rene Moal in 1986. Rene passed away in 1998. Pat worked as an administrative assistant for a variety of organizations including, Murray School District, City of Orinda, Safeway and Liquor Barn. Pat was happiest enjoying the company of family and friends. She had many friends throughout her life and always left her spirit with them. When Pat was diagnosed with cancer, she faced it with incredible dignity. Patricia's positive outlook enabled her to overcome many obstacles and live life to the fullest. Her passion was for her family and socializing with the many cherished friends she gathered throughout her life. Friends and family are invited to a service in the celebration of Pat's life on Saturday, December 31 at Brentwood Funeral Home, 839 First Street, Brentwood, CA at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow at Pat's home. Pat wished to quote Dear Abby in her obituary. "If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses, and all my prejudice against my fellow man. "Give my sins to the devil. Give my soul to God. If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever." Donations to NPR, Byron Kaleidoscope Organization, Hospice of the East Bay or a favorite charity are requested in lieu of flowers. Please visit patmoal.website-wishes.com for more information or to share your stories.
Published in Contra Costa Times on Decembe