Claremont Obituaries

Cherry C. Donaldson, a 43-year Claremont resident, died peacefully on Friday, June 2 after a long decline due to old age and Parkinson’s disease. She was 91.

Julie Allyn Nicoletta died peacefully at her home in Seattle on August 28 after a two year battle with lung cancer. Her husband, Michael Kucher, son, Luca Kucher, mother, Stella Nicoletta, and younger sister Amy Nicoletta were by her side. She was 57 years old.

Kathleen Fairley (nee McEnaney) died peacefully recently at her Upland home surrounded by her family after a tenacious battle with cancer. She was 80 years old. Kathleen was born in Balbriggan, County Dublin, Ireland in 1943, and also lived in Geneva, Switzerland, London, and other British towns, before emigrating to Canada and finally moving to Upland in 1984. While her growing family took most of her time and focus, she moved on to a successful career at Claremont McKenna College, retiring in 2008. 

“Jacob’s strength and perseverance were illuminated brightest early Monday morning, August 14, when he made the honest and brave decision to actively seek treatment for drug addiction. Jacob’s parents and family will never forget the selflessness of this decision, as they all understood the fear and pain that accompanied it,” his family shared. During the course of his treatment, he suffered a medical complication known as superior mesenteric artery syndrome, which led to a series of cardiac arrests. “On August 20, at the age of 18, Jacob was cured of his addiction, free of pain, as he took his last breath on this earth surrounded by the three people, his beloved brother and adoring parents, that loved him most, waking up in the arms of his Heavenly Father, who loves him even more. He joins his Grandfather Michael Turko, aka ‘Grandpa Turk,’ who went to Heaven before him.”

Robert Earl “Bob” Moody, a former Claremont Police Chief, died August 13 at age 88.

Poet, nature lover, nurturer, psychologist, lifelong learner Mary Ellen Brigante, a 61-year resident of Claremont, died peacefully August 19 at the age of 94. Mary Ellen was born on April […]

Father, grandfather, family man, known as ‘Mr. soccer’ Al Rothman died peacefully just days after his 91st birthday, surrounded by family throughout his process of transition. “He lived a full […]

Richard J. Sweeney, emeritus professor of economics and international finance at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, died July 30 in the intensive care unit at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.

Sandra Kay (“Sandy”) Hester, a Claremont resident since 1972, died July 28 at the age of 80 in Claremont. She was born in Los Angeles on January 19, 1943 to Sally Alexander and Stan Smalley. Sandy’s parents, both accomplished individuals, instilled in her a strong commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others and her community.

Dennis Blay, 84, died August 17 at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center of a subdural hematoma suffered from a fall at home. He had been a resident of Claremont since 1964.

Herman Jude Ruether, a resident of Pilgrim Place in Claremont, died there on June 17. 

Dean Allen Holcomb, 81, of Claremont, died peacefully at home with his wife and son by his side on August 8.

Margarita Cecilia Roby died peacefully Friday, June 9 surrounded by her family at her home in Claremont. She was 80 years old.

Jaime Amezcua Jr. was born on February 10, 1955 in King City, California. He died July 6 after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke while visiting in Maui, Hawaii.

Gary Lucas died July 14 at age 71. Gary had a strong Christian faith and was a member of Claremont United Church of Christ.