Claremont Obituaries
Great-grandfather, educator, author was 102 George Wickes, distinguished educator, author, scholar, and former intelligence officer during World War II, died peacefully on October 9 at the age of 102. Born in Antwerp, Belgium on January 6, 1923, to a Belgian mother and American father, George grew up in upstate New York. His parents had decided […]
Former Claremont resident and Claremont Graduate University faculty member Jerry Spanier died March 1 in Irvine, California at the age of 93.
Leonaine (Wells) Dixon died peacefully in her sleep on January 26. She was born February 29, 1936 in Porterville, California, the daughter of Dwight Wells and Iva (Coates) Wells
Devon Wright Hartman, 73, who called Claremont home for almost 50 years, died February 18. He died in his wife’s arms surrounded by his daughters, after eating his favorite comfort food, drinking his favorite latte, and taking a walk. “Not even cancer could keep Devon from living life to its fullest on his terms,” his family shared.
Born Laura Marie Friedmann on March 7, 1932, Laura Vezzetti died February 11, 2024 after a brief series of illnesses. She was in her 92nd year.
Glyn Roger Dennis Roberts died peacefully surrounded by his family in Claremont on February 13 after living with Parkinson’s disease for two decades. He was 85.
When Stan Jones graduated from military academy in 1953, his assignment was South Korea. He had never been outside the U.S., but the deployment was transformational and set him, and his children and grandchildren, on paths to study and spend years in Asia.
“Robert Harry Anke joined his beloved wife in heaven on January 25 at the age of 82 in his home in Chino Hills,” his family shared.
Donald E. Vandegraft, loving husband and father of three, died February 16 in Montgomery, Texas. He was 94.
Great-grandmother, outspoken political volunteer, lifelong Dodgers fan Born Laura Marie Friedmann on March 7, 1932, Laura Vezzetti died February 11, 2024 after a brief series of illnesses. She was in her 92nd year. Laura was a beloved and proud mother, grandmother, and “grandma the great” to her great-grandchildren, whom she particularly adored. She was a […]
Carol Ruth Yurkas died peacefully in her own bed with her family by her side on January 30, after a long illness. “As a Claremont resident for 30 years, Carol’s life reflected her love for her family, commitment to the broader community along with a belief in the beauty of scientific thought,” her family shared.
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Mel Salz, a dedicated husband, father, and friend,” his family shared. “Mel passed away on February 6th, 2024, knowing that he was deeply loved by his family and friends.”
After a full life of love, service and adventure, Eleanor Forbes Pierson has died in her beloved Claremont at the age of 103.
Eudora Louise Morris Phillips died December 13, 2023, in Meridian, Idaho. “Her family surrounded her with love as her spirit left the earth behind,” her family shared. She was 89 years old.
James Dahler, The Webb Schools’ longest-tenured teacher, died February 2 at the age of 66.
“It is with a heavy heart for our family that we announce our beloved Laurie Finnegan ended her journey in life just after sunset on January 10, 2024,” her family said. “Laurie passed away at her home in Claremont unexpectedly after a short illness with pneumonia. She was 65 years old.”