Obituaries

Donald Henry Filippini, 89, of Los Altos, passed away on January 18, 2020, in San Jose, California. Affectionately known as Don, Donny, Dad, Grandpa, and “my sweetheart,” Don was born in Petaluma, California on June 10, 1930. Don served in the U.S. Army from June 1953 to June 1955 where he was stationed at Fort Bragg and in Germany. After graduating from UC Berkley with a BA in Mathematics he began his career as a high school math teacher. Don later earned his Master of Arts in Mathematics. Donald was a loving husband, a great dad, and a wonderful grandfather. He was loved by everyone who knew him as he had a kind heart and was willing to help anyone in need. Don was a true teacher and a true “MacGyver.” There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do or fix! Sometimes a bit slow for mom, but no one could have done it better! Don was a man of honor and respect. He stood for what was right and truthful. He would never bend the truth and was well respected for that. Don spent his working years as a high school math teacher in the Sequoia Union High School district.

Eleanor Ann Fennon Cassidy, age 101, died January 8, 2020 in Los Altos. Eleanor was born in San Francisco on October 6, 1918, the only child of Eva McDonald Fennon and Francis Edward Fennon. She was raised in San Francisco, Livermore, and Sacramento, and was a proud 1936 graduate of Lowell High School in San Francisco. In 1944 she met John Cassidy in Sacramento. The two were married on St. Patrick’s Day of 1945, and shared sixty-five years of marriage. John and Eleanor raised a family of six children, and made their home in the Santa Clara Valley beginning in 1952. Eleanor was an avid reader, a keen follower of politics, an appreciator of the arts, an enthusiastic traveler, and an early devotee of MAD Magazine. Her family also treasures her original paintings. She loved good food and wine, and was always interested in trying out new restaurants and recipes. She had a keen sense of fashion, and was always interested in popular culture.

Irene B. Fisli, of Los Altos Hills, CA, went to heaven, December 27, 2019 in her beloved home. She married Tibor S. Fisli in 1960, who preceded her in death. Prior to marriage, Irene was an executive secretary for sixteen years at Central Insurance Company, Van Wert, Ohio. She enjoyed spending time gardening, playing the piano, and sewing. Irene is survived by her daughter, Marie Davis, of Germantown, TN; her grandson, Billy McLaughlin, of Los Altos, CA; her granddaughter, Bonnie McLaughlin, of Collierville, TN; her granddaughter, Audrey McLaughlin, of South Lake Tahoe, CA; her great granddaughter, Evelyn McLaughlin, of Collierville, TN; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rozalia and Michael Bartal; brothers, William, Frank, and James Bartal; sisters, Mary Egri and Rose Binkley. A memorial service will be held in her honor on Thursday, January 23rd at 11:30AM at the chapel at Alta Mesa Memorial Park, 695 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto, CA, by Pastor David K. Bonde. Reception immediately following at Los Altos Lutheran Church, 460 S El Monte Ave, Los Altos, CA. The family suggests that donations may be made to the Christian Appalachian Project or charity of your choice.

January 13, 1969 Sunnyvale, CA. December 14, 2019 Brooklyn, NY Michael Len Mazor, son of Stan and Maurine Mazor of Los Altos, loving husband to Iwona Mazor and father extraordinaire to Willow Mazor succumbed to brain cancer December 14, 2019. Michael attended Montclaire Elementary School. He went on to Cupertino Jr. High and Homestead High where he played drums in the Jazz bands and built a foundation for his career as a Jazz drummer. He continued his love of music at Interlochen Arts Academy where he earned his high school diploma and then graduated from Mannes School of Music in New York City. He continued to play music in New York and throughout Europe and settled in Brooklyn. Those who knew him benefited from his strength, humor and loyal friendship. There will be a memorial service in Los Altos.

David Clark Loudy passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, on December 10, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 73 years old. David was born on January 19, 1946 in Oakland, CA to Marjorie Wise Loudy and Francis Howard Loudy. He was raised in San Leandro, CA and attended San Lorenzo High School, graduating in 1963. After graduating from Cal State Hayward in 1968 with a degree in biological science, and a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America in 1969, David went on to have a storied career as one of the most trusted and well-respected jewelers in the Bay area. After working closely with his father Francis Loudy and other family members at their jewelry store, Loudy's Jewelers of San Leandro, CA, David joined Gleim the Jeweler in Stanford, CA in 1969. David enjoyed a 50-year career at Gleim, training under legendary jeweler Art Gleim and serving as Vice President and principal gemstone buyer for over 30 years. David was a Certified Gem Appraiser as well as a Past President of the Northern California Guild of the American Gem Society.

John Leslie Sly devoted father of three sons and loving husband of Pauline Sly passed away peacefully at his home on January 2, 2020 with family by his side. John is survived by two children Michael and Jonathan, daughters-in-law Belis and Brigitte, and grandchildren Fiona, Keira and Derin. He lost his youngest son, Anthony on July 31, 2012. John also has a half-brother, David Sly living in London, England, where John was born on September 28, 1929. John met Pauline in Derby, England and they were married in 1957. They eventually immigrated to the United States via the steam ship Liberte in 1959 and settled in Hingham, Massachusetts a suburb of Boston. While on the East Coast, John worked in media sales companies and also co-owned an art gallery in Hingham, the Bare Cove Gallery which Pauline helped to manage. John was a painter in his downtime and had a very good eye for local artistic talent displayed in the gallery. Sons, Michael and Jonathan were born in Massachusetts and the family enjoyed their time there until relocating to Los Altos, California in 1970.