Claremont Obituaries
Grandfather, esteemed Harvey Mudd College engineering professor John Richard (Rich) Phillips, born on January 30, 1934, in Albany California, died July 25 in Claremont. On the day Rich was born, because it was also the birthday of then President Franklin Roosevelt, his picture was in the local paper. “Rich joked that he never again attained […]
Beloved matriarch, long-time volunteer Devoted wife, beloved matriarch, and long-time volunteer, Barbara Sue Marino, nee Davis, died peacefully at a long-term care facility in Florida on June 22, after a long battle with heart disease. Barbara Sue Davis was born July 11, 1939 in Bakersfield, California to a Central California farming family. As a teenager […]
Janet P. Wright died peacefully May 31 in Claremont at the age of 87. “A devoted educator, mother, wife, and artist, Janet lived a life defined by resilience, curiosity, and deep compassion for others,” her family shared.
“Dennis J. Smith was a man whose life was deeply rooted in love — for his family, his neighbors, and the community he tirelessly served,” his family shared. “Known for his keen sense of service, steadfast leadership, and deeply rooted faith, Dennis left a legacy of compassion, integrity, and purpose.”
Great-grandmother, teacher, traveler, tireless volunteer “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Peggy Baker Nall, 94, of Claremont, on June 20, 2025,” her family shared. Peggy was born to the late Cleta and Raymond Baker on January 14, 1931 in Richmond, Virginia. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Roanoke College in […]
Great-grandfather, long-time, esteemed Claremont Colleges professor Colin Wright died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday morning June 12, after a five-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 88 years old. Colin was born in Hucknall, England on July 14, 1936, to Tom and Edith Wright, a coal miner and a factory worker. His parents emigrated […]
Great-grandfather, Air Force veteran, traveler, dancer, comedian Arthur E. Lyman, a long-time resident of Claremont, died June 13 at the age of 96. Arthur was born May 14, 1929 in Chicago, and spent much of his childhood moving about Canada before entering the United States Air Force. He proudly served five years as an airman […]
Devoted husband, father, professor of philosophy, advocate for a just society Louis Merrill Ring, 88, died in Ontario on June 6 from complications of interstitial lung disease. Born on October 20, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois to Marion and Mary Ellen (Falloon) Ring, over his life he’d be a husband, father, professor of philosophy, public intellectual, […]
Beloved mother, long-time community activist and volunteer, traveler Eugenia “Ginger” Elliott died June 13 after a brief illness. Ginger was born and raised in Boston. She attended Regis College and went on to attend Boston College, where she earned a master’s degree in history. She worked as a teacher in the Boston area for a […]
Beloved brother, uncle, husband Lifelong Claremont resident E.J. Sheehy died from heart failure at his home in Seattle, Washington, on May 14, just 10 days after he lost his beloved wife, Vita Sheehy, to pancreatic cancer. He was 57 years old. E.J. was born on March 28, 1968, in Beaufort, South Carolina. The second of […]
Beloved stepmother, longtime Claremont Colleges employee Phyllis Jean Huss, 96, of Boise, Idaho, died peacefully on May 27. Phyllis was born in Youngstown, Ohio, to Leland and Ruth (Clayton) Blythe on August 28, 1928. She married Robert Kehoe in 1951. That marriage ended in divorce. She married again, to Richard Huss, in 1978. “Phil,” as […]
Family man, artist, preservationist, contractor “Surrounded by family and love, Brian passed peacefully on Monday, May 26,” his family shared. “A gifted, creative, and passionate artist, Brian was also devoted to his family who remember him as also a Renaissance man, and a kind, loving, and gentle soul.” Robert Brian Worley was born on October […]
Grandmother, pastor, traveler, artist Virginia Kennedy Bergfalk died peacefully on April 17 due to complications from diverticulitis and pneumonia infections. In the five weeks preceding her death, she was blessed to have been visited by all three of her daughters and one granddaughter, who all assisted in her care during this challenging time. She is […]
Husband, entrepreneur, world traveler “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of James Thurman’s peaceful passing on September 22, 2024,” his family shared. “Jim was predeceased by his wife, the love of his life, Marjorie Parker, M.D., and his devoted parents, Bert and Frances Thurman, Jr. He is survived by his […]
Mother, minister, volunteer, accountant “With great sadness we announce the passing of the Rev. Miriam Mercado, who died of natural causes, peacefully, in her home on Easter Sunday, April 20, at the age of 101 years,” her family shared. She is pictured below her 101st birthday party. Miriam was born in Puerto Rico on July […]
Beloved grandmother, daycare business owner Sandy Deon Hoy, age 78, of Cerritos, California, died peacefully on May 4. Born on April 18, 1947, in Compton, California, to Zelma and Emerson Dolan, Sandy grew up with a deep love for family, learning, and laughter. She married Jack William Hoy and together they shared 25 years. She […]
Husband, father, grandfather, musician, craftsman Lief David Frederick died peacefully on April 25 at the age of 73. Born on August 16, 1951 in Pomona, Lief was the second of four children born to Dr. Paul and Emmy Frederick. In 1960, they settled in Claremont, where he would remain a lifelong resident. He carried a […]