Claremont Obituaries

Dr. Earl James “Jim” Fahringer, Claremont Symphony Orchestra music director emeritus, died on December 7, 2013. He was 78. Dr. Fahringer dedicated his musical life to the CSO. During the past 53 years, he served as violinist, violist, percussionist, assistant conductor and for 32 years, as music director. He was also co-conductor of the Claremont […]

Beloved husband, father and educator Robert “Bob” Charles Sauter, PhD, died at his longtime home in Claremont on September 1, 2013 surrounded by family. He was 88.  Mr. Sauter was born in Buffalo, New York, the eldest of 3 boys, and was a very loving and thoughtful son and protective big brother. After graduating from […]

Devoted husband, father, Claremont champion A 40-year resident of Claremont, Algird “Al” Leiga died August 2, 2013 at Pomona Valley Hospital following a brief hospitalization and a losing battle with cancer. Mr. Leiga was 80 years of age. The man who would become a local stalwart was born in New York City on March 25, […]

Legendary CHS football coach Legendary football coach Leonard Cohn died on June 26, 2013 at the age of 93. Coach Cohn inspired hundreds of athletes and students during his 18 years at Claremont High School (CHS) in the 1950s and 1960s. Amassing a formidable football coaching record of 141 wins, 19 losses and one tie, […]

Musician John William Harrelson, a legendary fixture in Claremont’s music scene, died on June 26, 2013 in Upland, California. He was 62. Mr. Harrelson was born on September 28, 1950 in Gadsden, Alabama to Doris Elizabeth Harrelson (Martin) and John Pershing Harrelson. He spent his first years in surroundings marked by his father’s pecan orchards, […]

Teacher, historian, loving husband and father Michael Riggio, known among family and friends as Mickey, died peacefully in his sleep on April 24, 2013 after recurrence and complications from cancer. He was 76. Mr. Riggio, a 34-year resident of Claremont, died with dignity and courage, family shared. His loving wife was at his side and […]

Talented vocalist, loving wife, mother and grandmother Janet Virginia Jordan Tate died in her sleep in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at age 81. She had recently been in failing health due to multiple problems related to her heart and lungs. Mrs. Tate was born on December 14, 1931 in Birmingham, […]

Musician, teacher, consummate host Harley Alvin Reifsnyder, a longtime Pomona College professor, died on February 24, 2013 after a long decline due to Alzheimer’s disease. He was 86. Mr. Reifsnyder was born on June 19, 1926 to Harold and Jeanette Reifsnyder and raised in Long Beach, California. An exceptional student, both in music and academics, […]

On Thursday, an empty bench in front of the Village Grille in downtown Claremont could be seen draped with flowers, a rosary, a candle emblazoned with an image of the Virgin Mary, photographs and a fresh copy of the Los Angeles Times. An anonymous well-wisher had also left a handwritten poem. “Come a day, any […]

Mother, teacher, woman of faith Virginia Lee Bissell, a 10-year resident of Claremont Manor, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 14 at the Emeritus at Victorian Court assisted living community in Ontario. She was 94. Ms. Bissell was born in Cumberland, Maryland to Maude and Cyrus Gilbert on March 7, 1918. She spent her formative years […]

Local legend, wizard of color leaves lasting legacy Speaking to those who knew Karl Benjamin, a longtime Claremonter and renowned abstract painter who died July 26 at the age of 86, 3 themes emerge: his warmth and generosity to family, friends and students; his prolific artistic output, fueled by a strong work ethic and a […]

Dedicated and determined—just two of the descriptions of Claremont’s Judith Campbell Wright, a true icon of the community if there ever was one. Ms. Wright, who died early on January 7, 2012 at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center as a result of cardiac arrest, was a giant pillar of the community in a number of […]