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Post Members Submitted
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| | top |  Born September 14, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan, died January 23, 2008 in San Jacinto. James was 66 years of age. James retired as both a public and private tax accountant, worked as an accountant for Isomata in Idyllwild, and was the CFO of the Temescal Water Company in Corona.
James defended our country's freedom while serving in the Navy from 1958-1968.
He was a past officer of the Hemet Elk's Lodge #1740, Charter Commander of American Legion Post #848 and a 20 year member of the American Legion, and Life Member of the VFW. This was Jim's fifteenth year as “Chili Cook Off “ Chairman for the 5TH Area of The American Legion
James is survived by his loving wife, Diana of San Jacinto, who is the Department Vice Commander Representing Women 2007-08; son, James Drake, Jr. and his wife Vanessa of Hemet; mother, Dorothy Seiler of San Jacinto; grandchildren, Robert Weaver, Trevor Drake and Kevin Drake, all of Hemet. James was preceded in death by his father, James and his sister, Donna Bain.
Visitation will be Feb 1, 2008 at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 1501 W. Florida Avenue in Hemet from 11am-12:30pm. Graveside Services will follow at Riverside National Cemetery at 1:45pm, staging Area #8.
Please remember James by making memorial contributions to the American Legion.
Please send cards and letters to:
Diana Drake and Family, P.O. Box 1257, San Jacinto, CA. 92581
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Lowell Diggs
James Mc Dermott Post 172, Tracy
04/17/1925 — 08/04/2007
Services will be Wednesday for 20-year Tracy resident Lowell Allen Diggs, 82, who died Saturday at his daughter’s home in Fremont.
Born in Dial, Texas, Mr. Diggs was a veteran of World War II and was a member of Operating Engineers Local 3, VFW Tracy Post. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.
Mr. Diggs is survived by his wife of 61 years, Allie “Toby” Diggs; daughter, Connie Beat, and her husband, Thomas; sister, Arlene; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Wednesday’s services will begin at 1 p.m. at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd., in Fremont. Visitation will be observed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, also at the chapel. Interment will be in Irvington Memorial Cemetery, 41001 Chapel Way, in Fremont.
Donations in Mr. Diggs’ name may be sent to Pathways Hospice, 7901 Oakport St., Oakland 94621. | top |
Charles W. Delsescaux
Walnut Creek Post 115
April 2, 1919 - Dec. 22, 2006
Resident of Walnut Creek Charles passed away in Walnut Creek on Friday, December 22, 2006. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Charles was a police officer at U.C. Berkeley for more than 20 years. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. A native of Berkeley, CA, aged 87 years.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his sons, Bob and Jerry; and 2 grandchildren.
Interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. | top |
Raymond D. Derringer
Angels Camp, CA
Raymond D. Derringer, of Angels Camp, passed away Fri., Dec. 15, 2006. He was a member of Union Congregational Church in Angels Camp and Ironworks Union Local #377, also Veterans Foreign Wars and The American Legion. Funeral Service: Wed., Dec. 20, 2006, 11 a.m., Angels Memorial Chapel. Visitation: Tues., Dec. 19, 4-6 p.m. | top | It is with regret that I report the passing of Joseph Drogichen, known to most as "Joe D". He succumbed to a heart attack on December 16, 2006. Joe was Past Commander of San Gabriel Post 139, 18th District and the LA County Council.
Services at cemetery will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 2 pm at Home of Peace Cemetery, 4334 Whittier Blvd. (Whittier & Downey), Los Angeles, CA Reception after the service will be at Mission Inn, 8417 Mission Road, Rosemead, CA
Respectfully... Larry Johnson, Commander, District 18
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DROGICHEN , Joseph - Husband of the late Florence Drogichen. Survived by a sister, Evelyn, daughters Andrea and Cathi, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Veteran of WWII, postal service retiree. Active for many years in the APWU Local 4635, VFW, DAV, JWV, the 40 & 8, past commander of Post 139 and the 18th District of the American Legion, and Adjutant for the L.A. County Council and member of the Masons.
Services will be held at Home of Peace Memorial Park at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006
Published in the Los Angeles Times on 12/19/2006. | top |
Darby Duff
Morrison Memorial Post 574, Moreno Valley
It is my sad duty to report that Darby Duff, Commander of Morrison Memorial Post 574 (Moreno Valley), transferred to Post Everlasting on September 2, after a long battle with cancer.
Cynthia Gaffey, 1st VC of Post 574, reports that the family will hold private services.
May the blessings of his God, and the gratitude of the country which he served so honorably and faithfully, be always upon him.
Respectfully... Rees Lloyd, Commander, District 21 | top |
Leonardo Cardoza daCosta
James McDermott Post 172, Tracy
March 7, 1921---July 11, 2006
Memorial services will be Saturday for Manteca resident Leonardo Cardoza daCosta, 85, who died July 11 at his home.
Mr. daCosta was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts and eventually moved to Tracy , where he lived for 30 years. He relocated in Manteca in 1970.
He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II from 1943 through 1946 and again in Korea from 1950 through 1954. As a civilian he worked as a locomotive engineer for the Southern Pacific Railroad for 42 years. He also served as exalted ruler of the Tracy Elks Lodge No. 2031 in 1981 and 1982 and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Post 172 of Tracy.
Mr. daCosta is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ina E. daCosta; children, Michael L. daCosta, and his wife Michelle, of Las Vegas, Andrea daCosta Riley, and her husband John, of Manteca; siblings Daniel daCosta of Santa Rosa, Theresa Costa of Tracy and Gen Bagatta of Manteca.
Saturday’s services will begin at 2 p.m. at the Tracy Elks Lodge, 6400 E. 11th St.
Contributions in Mr. daCosta’s name may be sent to:
Elks Lodge National Foundation, P. O. Box 461, Tracy, CA 95376-0461 | top | It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of Dick and Angie Dunbar. They died from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in a July 8th house fire. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Dick is Past Commander of San Bruno Post 409, a Past 26th District Commander and also the new incoming 26th District Commander. I was told that he was to be installed today (7/9/06).
Dick was also a Past State Secretary for the Past Commander's Club of California, he was also an Honorary Past State President 1999-2000. He had been the Secretary/Treasurer of Outpost 26 as well as being the Past President of Outpost 26. Dick was also a member of Higginson's Heroes and a Past Agent 1983-1984.
Angie is a Past President of San Bruno Unit 409, Past President of the 26th District, Past Hat Box Editor of the 8/40 Nationale, Past Western Division Children & Youth Chairman 8/40 Nationale,
Send cards and letters to their Son: Ken Dunbar and Family
1846 Bowers Ave., Santa Clara, CA. 95051
I want to thank Gerry Wilcox for helping me with the information on Angie Dunbar.
Services will be as follows:
TUESDAY, JULY 18, 1:00PM
CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS
194 MILLWOOD DRIVE, MILLBRAE, CALIFORNIA
650-588-5116
INTERMENT:
GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL CEMETERY , SAN BRUNO
GATHERING:
(FOLLOWING INTERMENT)
SAN BRUNO POST 409, 757 San Mateo Ave. San Bruno
650-583-1740
Cards and notes should most likely be sent to:
San Bruno Post 409
PO Box 864
San Mateo, CA 94066-0864
Gene Fanucchi
State Secretary, PCC
Adjutant, 13th District | top |
Charles "Carl" Demele
Monterey-Cypress Post 694, Marina
Many of know my friend and fellow comrade, he was better known as 'Carl' Demele. Nonetheless, It is my sad duty to report to you of his passing, Charles "Carl" Demele, passed away at 9:27 am, Thursday, February 2, 2006.
I have been informed that my friend Carl desired a graveside service. At this time we can only wait as matters are placed with his family. They'll place an obituary in the papers far and wide with the grave site memorial services planned.
We all knew Carl and the impact he had on the local community as a mentor and a volunteer who knew how to manage the support of our Monterey County veterans community to the best of advantage.
Carl served on the Monterey County Military and Veterans Affairs Advisory Commission for many years serving as chairman and member. He worked very hard to establish the Monterey County United Veterans Council and later established the Monterey County Veterans Van-Ride program. Carl was a founders of the many activiities that manage veteran and civic programs in the Monterey County. His vision enabled him to see the need of programs like the Monterey County United Veterans Council and the County Van-ride program to benefit veterans and is now in its 19th year. His tireless devotion as the 'Chief' volunteer was exemplary, and the main reason Van-ride program has been successful since the first day its made its arrival. He fought long and hard for a Monterey County Veteran Serice Officer and made it a point that Monterey County should treat all veterans with respect for the service they gave our nation.
I know that my friend Carl was a Legionnaire, VFW, DAV, USAF Sgt Assn, and TREA member. I strongly suspect he had more membership cards in his hip pocket that he cared not to display. He was a distinguished Monterey County Veteran of the Year, and was heralded to be outstanding TREA and DAV member.
He was a determine man and would argue his point of view. He wasn't easily moved from what he thought was right and it took a lot of convincing for him to turn about. He stood on principals of God and Country.
I cannot tell you how much of his leadership will be missed, but I can tell you that anyone in a leadership position in any military veteran service organization in the county will notice his absence. As I finish this email, my thoughts are that I will miss my dear friend and mentor very much. At the same time I can look at the sunset on the Monterey Peninsula and notice that he is gone but his memory is still here with us to guide up particularily on the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery. I cannot shed a tear, for him, but stand fast as I salute him for knowing him and receiving his counsel and for what he has done for the military veteran community. I will miss my dear friend very much and I know he is now in that Air Force Squardron far above in the heavens in the service of the Grand Supreme Command of the Havens for all he has done, so much good for his fellow veterans without seeking praise.
Please pray for that his PCS orders are well received and that his family accept the wish of our Supreme Commander.
I thank you so very much... Abel Quinones | top | Comrade James A. Drew passed away on Monday, January 19, 2004.
The following is a brief synopsis of Comrade Drew's dedicated service:
Comrade Drew (affectionately known as "Double Ough") maintained active membership in Wilmington Post 287 of The American Legion for over 60 continuous years, serving in a number of roles including Commander and Adjutant. Comrade Drew also maintained membership in affiliate organizations such as the 40 & 8 and Past Commanders Club.
Comrade Drew faithfully served the 19th District in a variety of roles, including as District Adjutant for the last 18 continuous years. He faithfully served the Department of California on the Convention Credentials Committee—the familiar, smiling face greeting all registering 19th District conventioneers. He served on many Department Commissions, most recently as Area 4 Baseball Co-Commissioner for three years and as Area 4 Adjutant.
Comrade Drew willingly shared his vast database of knowledge and experiences with the various posts and Legionnaires of the 19th District. He continuously maintained his sense of humor whether while speaking or writing, often coining names in his monthly “Flash” articles for various district personnel such as “Big Daddy,” “01 John from 719,” “The Kid from Hawthorne,” “whas-is-face,” “Double Ough,” “Dot-Comm,” “Goozeaig Posts,” or battlecrys for the marine folk, such as “Semper Wassssssppppth,” “Semper Hooooeeeeeeahhhoooo,” “Semper Foo Foo,” “AAAHHHHEEEEeeeee SEMPER FI FI fo fo fummmm.”
Comrade Drew dedicated himself to chasing down way-ward documents and dues from the various posts of the 19th District in the continual goal of reaching 100% before convention. He inspired all those who had dealings with him.
(If the above sounds vaguely familiar, it's because it's the text from Jim's Honorary District Commander resolution, which he was presented with, and graciously accepted, at the district elections on June 11, 2003.)
From the information received, the funeral, etc., have already occured.
Please remember Jim and his family in your prayers. Respectfully submitted,
Brian Franklin
19th District Commander 2001-02
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Jerome Hornor Day Jr.
Haggin Grant Post 521, Rio Linda
 After a full and active life of 87 years, Jerome passed away October 11, 2004. He was born on September 26, 1917 in Lexington, Kentucky, where his sister Dorothy still resides at the age of 90. Jerome lived the past 41 years in North Highlands, California.
He served his country with the United States Air Force for 21 years, and was stationed throughout the United States including overseas duty in Asuncion Paraguay-South America and Naples, Italy. Upon retirement from the Air Force he worked for federal civil service for 20 years at McClellan Air Force Base. He was a life time member of the VFW Post 4647, where he held several offices not only for the local post but also for the district. Jerome also volunteered his services for the Ladies Auxiliary.
He is survived by his three loving children, Jerome, Sam and Trula. Jerome also has six wonderful grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday October 17, 2004 and the service will be on Monday, October 18, 2004 at 10:00 A.M. Both to be held at Mt. Vernon Mortuary, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, Ca.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested a donation be given to the American Cancer Society.
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