Obituaries

May 22, 1947 – September 6, 2019 John Edward Atkinson was known for his quiet intellect; his remarkable scientific and engineering proclivities; his witty sense of humor; and his passion for flying, travel, classical music, good food, and English beer. John was born in Grappenhall, Cheshire, and grew up in nearby High Legh, a rural community between Manchester and Liverpool. He and his older sister lived with their parents in the same house in which their father and grandfather had lived, surrounded by orchards, vegetable gardens, and beehives. After completing his formal education at Leicester University, he moved to London and began working at Thorn Electrical Industries, which later merged with EMI to become Thorn EMI.

February 6, 1931 – June 22, 2019 Started her life in the Quad City of Moline, Illinois. Her young life was surrounded by her four siblings and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Throughout her life she was close to her family and friends, visited often and always kept up with what was happening in everyone’s lives. She always had a bit of a rebellious streak in her. In high school, she would sneak out of the house and meet her friends down by the river for a beer and cigarettes. She loved to sleep and was never an early riser. She stayed up late with her siblings and talk until the wee hours of the morning (sometimes this involved martinis, her favorite).

Harry B. Hambly III, screen printing entrepreneur, husband, and father of two, whose warm and loving spirit touched all around him, died August 29, 2019 at his home in Los Altos. He was 88. Harry was born in San Francisco in 1931, to Harry B. Hambly, Jr., and Lillian G. Hambly. As the son of a successful dentist, Harry took a risk at an early age — he defied his father’s wishes for him to become a dentist, and set out to pursue his calling in art. Harry quickly harnessed his passion for art and his ability to tap into the zeitgeist, and built a successful independent business, Hambly Studios, with work spanning American generations, from psychedelic prints, to corporate calendars, stickers, and scrapbooking supplies. He was a pioneer in printing art on silver Mylar.

Diane L. Zucchero passed away on August 23rd at the age of 71. Her daughter Gioia Zucchero and former husband John were by her side during Diane’s final moments. The family wishes to thank the countless people who engaged in her care over the past several years. For the complete obituary, please visit spanglermortuary.com.

Janet Barbara Shuster, a long-time resident of the Bay Area, died Tuesday, September 3rd peacefully at her Los Altos home surrounded by her children. Daughter and the youngest of three children of Dr. Jacob and Rena Bernstine, Janet was born in 1928 in Philadelphia, PA. She earned bachelor (Shippensburg University) and master (St. Joseph’s University) degrees in education. An elementary school teacher prior to her marriage, Janet was dedicated to her children’s education, and she enthusiastically encouraged and supported their undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies. In 1956, Janet married Allan Richard Shuster, M.D., who predeceased her in 1983. Janet and Allan moved to Los Altos from Philadelphia in 1968 with their four young children. A proud mother and grandmother, Janet is survived by her children Barry Shuster of Cary, NC, his wife Susan, and their children David and Zale; Holly Schmitt of Pismo Beach, CA, her husband Mark, and their children Allyssa and Megan; Patricia Shuster of Seattle, WA, her husband Eugene May, and their children Nathan and Emma; and Ross Shuster of Glenbrook, NV, his wife Peggy, and their children Kristen and Steven. Janet is also predeceased by her grandson Allan May, her parents, and her brothers Melvin and Richard Bernstine. Funeral arrangements in Philadelphia at Roosevelt Memorial Park, Trevose, PA, are pending. Memorial donations may be directed in Janet’s name to the Shippensburg University Foundation. http://www.sufoundation.org/

May 31, 1931 -August 21, 2019 Deirdre passed quietly Wednesday, 21 August 2019. She was 88 years old. She led an extraordinarily diverse life Actress, housewife, mother, teacher, editor, playwright, Everything she did, she did very well with dramatic style Starting @ 3 years, she danced for neighbors on a makeshift stage 1 - 2 the dolly step.. Leads in high school & college musicals Started her own radio drama show while still a teen. Toured 42 states, doing one night stands in small & big towns in the ’50’s before television, or even electricity were common. Women’s and Civil Rights activist and back to the University life in the 60’s Became a gifted classroom teacher and reading specialist An increasing disability didn’t stop her: she wrote a book while still in a halo brace Starting amateur acting in the early 90’s - her first love. Packed in ice to ease the pain, she would come home positively glowing with the thrill of being on stage. Sprinkled throughout her life were theater critic, feature writer, acting coach, performer’s publicist, oh, and she designed and had built our delightfully authentic Victorian revival house.