Joan Marlene (Sinner) Fitzpatrick 1942-2024 Joan Marlene (Sinner) Fitzpatrick, 82, was born in Long Beach, California, on Jan. 24, 1942, and died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, in Seal Beach, California on Oct. 31, 2024. Joan attended Stanford Middle School and Millikan High School in her native Long Beach, graduating from high school in 1959. That same year, she married Bob (Fitz) Fitzpatrick at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Long Beach. St. Joseph continued to play an important role in their lives, especially after Bob was hired in 1964 as a coach at the school and Joan came on board to manage and operate the “snack shack” for the next 10-plus years. In 1970, Bob and Joan opened University Trophies, a business that allowed them to combine their love for sports, family, and community. While Bob coached, Joan managed the business while raising three young children. Today, 54 years later, University Trophies is still a thriving, family-owned operation. For the past two decades, Joan and Bob enjoyed life in Leisure World (11 years in Mutual 15 and the remaining years in Mutual 7), but the duo also had an adventurous side and a love for travel, which led them on river-rafting expeditions; trips in hot-air balloons, gliders, blimps, and helicopters; and domestic and international cruises. Most of all, Joan loved to see her favorite singer, Johnny Mathis, perform live whenever he was in town. Joan is preceded in death by her father, John Sinner; mother, Ruby Sinner; brother, Larry Sinner; and husband, Bob Fitzpatrick. She is survived by her daughter, Coleen (Fitzpatrick) Followell; sons, Tim Fitzpatrick and Shawn Fitzpatrick (Carrie Fitzpatrick); granddaughter, Shauna Followell; and countless others whose lives she touched. Joan leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, and she will forever live in our hearts. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 6220 E. Willow St., Long Beach, CA 90815 with an off-site reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in Joan's memory to St. Joseph Elementary School in Long Beach, CA.

David Longobardi 1938-2024 David comes from the Hebrew word “Beloved,” and David was just that. Kindness was always his first thought; he never had negative words to say about anyone. He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. David never missed mass on Sunday and lived his faith. He died peacefully at home on Oct. 24, 2024, at 86 years old. David was born with his twin brother on Sept. 26,1938, in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was one of nine children: Lousie (Ralph) Walkoff, Pat (Bill) Chamuris, Joe (Betty) Longobardi, Pete (Betty) Longobardi, Vinny (Lonnie/Addie) Longobardi, Lill (Frank) Anothony, survived by Flo (Dick) Herrington Don (Gerri) Longobardi (twin). Dave enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Pirmasens, Germany. When he returned home he graduated from Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree. He married Donna Burton in 1964, who he met in Germany. Donna’s father was also stationed in Pirmasens. They met in a bowling alley, and it was love at first sight. David being from New York and Donna from Washington State, it took God to get them together. They were together for 65 years. Dave was the love of her life. They moved to California and started a family. Their first child David was born in 1967. Cindy was born in 1969. Next, Joelle was born in 1970. Finally, Suzanne was born in 1977. After living in Nothern California for three years, the family moved to Lancaster, California, where Dave became a professor at Antelope Valley College. He was a beloved teacher for 36 years, where he also coached baseball. After retirement, Dave and Donna moved to Leisure World in Seal Beach, California. David was an avid athlete. He and his twin brother were part of one of the first Little League teams in Poughkeepsie New York. Dave played basketball, baseball and bowling throughout his life in New York. After starting his family, he continued his love for sports by coaching his children’s teams. Golf was the sport he played until the end of his life. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna; son David (Concetta) Longobardi: Daughters Cindy Longobardi, Joelle (Don) Conner, Suzanne (Tavian) Bryant; and grandchildren, Brennen, Chantal, and Daisy. The Celebration of Life for David will be Monday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Leisure World. Following the service, a reception will be held in Clubhouse 4.

Shirley Gene Barto 1934-2024 Shirley Gene Barto was beautiful inside and out. She touched many lives. Every individual who encountered her was uplifted. Shirley was born in Silver City, New Mexico, on March 3, 1934. Her parents were Marion “Mimi” Haven and Herbert Lee. “Herb” had an ancestor named Sally Yellowjacket, so Shirley was part Cherokee. She was the drum major for Silver City High School’s marching band. She met and married Jay Fletcher, the football team captain. They moved to California and had two children, Jackie and Trudy. They divorced, and Shirley struggled as a single mother. Shirley’s new life began one night when she went to the Big Top, a restaurant and bar in downtown Long Beach, California. Hendrik “Hank” Barto, an immigrant from the Netherlands, was playing the piano. Another girl was sitting next to him on the piano bench, flirting. Shirley saw him from afar while he was playing “Tumbling Tumbleweeds,” a song by Billy Vaughn. She went over to the piano bench and wedged between the two, knocking the girl off the bench. Shortly after, Shirley and Hank married and lived happily ever after for 65 years. Hank adopted the little girls and raised them as if they were his own. A year after the wedding, they had a baby boy, Terry, and 18 months later, Todd was born. They resided in Huntington Beach, California. Hank played at various piano bars in Orange County, including Jolly Rogers and the Disneyland Hotel. Shirley was a natural at modeling, performing in live events, and doing print work in magazines and newspapers. She was offered an opportunity in New York but declined to stay home with her family. She became passionate about sewing and made clothes for herself and the kids. Shirley began a long career at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach. She opened the club with the first manager, Wayne Ferrell, and held various positions, mainly as membership manager. Shirley’s kind, heartfelt nature was infectious, and the members looked forward to seeing her. She dressed impeccably and never wore an outfit, jewelry, or shoes twice. The former fashion model was a shopaholic, and there wasn’t a sale she could pass up. Shirley also had diverse interests. She helped Todd with architectural and landscaping work, took Terry to the theater and concerts, cheered him on during his performances, and supported her daughters as they raised their children. Sadly, Todd died in 1989 from complications related to cancer. A life event that a mother can never get over. Shirley and Hank moved to Leisure World in 1995. Terry tried to make up for the loss of her youngest son over the years, and they shared a bond unmatched by any mother-son relationship. Mama’s boy was with her as she took her last breath at home on July 31, 2024, going from her son on earth to her other son in the spirit world. No comparison exists to that of her true love, Hank. Shirley found her soul mate. Nothing and no one could ever tear them apart. Even though she isn’t physically here, their love is so strong that it continues to live on forever. For now, goodbye, Shirley Gene Barto, you were everything good.

Gary K Hagar 1942-2024 Gary K. Hagar, 81, Seal Beach, passed away on July 1, 2024. Gary was born Nov. 4, 1942, in Janesville, Wisconsin. He graduated from San Diego State University and entered the Air Force on Sept. 30, 1966. Gary’s Air Force career began in air defense command working in radar. His assignments were to NAS Brunswick, Maine; Sparrevohn AFS, Alaska; and NAS Fallon, Nevada. In 1972, Gary was accepted into OSI and graduated from Class 72-F the Basic Investigations Course. His OSI assignments included Travis AFB, CA, (1972-1976); Fort Ord, CA, to attend the Defense Language Institute for Turkish (1976); TUSLOG Detachment 96, Karamursel AS, TU (1976-1978); The U.S. Consulate Istanbul, Turkey (1978-1979); Torrejon AB, Spain (1979-1982); District 30, Howard AFB, Panama (19821983); Quarry Heights Military Reservation, Panama (19831985); and District 18, Norton AFB, CA (1985-1988). In 1988, he retired at the rank of major. As a Turkish linguist, Gary worked directly with the Turkish military and police. He planned and executed several successful undercover operations involving drugs and theft of government property. While assigned to Panama as a Spanish linguist, Gary was directly involved in counterintelligence operations throughout Central and South America. After retirement, Gary briefly worked in real estate and was a Spanish teacher for many years at Riverside Community College in Riverside until 2012. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Connie; sons Carlos and Robert; and a granddaughter, Mackenzie.

In memoriam Hiller “Jo” Rousey It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hiller “Jo” Rousey on Oct. 5, 2024, at the age of 93. She was the loving wife of William “Bill” Rousey, until his passing in October 1999. Jo is survived by her two children, Kerry Nichols Howell, and Gregg Nichols, along with her stepchildren, Robbin Foss, Fran Carroll and Mike Rousey, 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. After retiring from 31 years at Shell Chemical and before moving to Leisure World, she volunteered with the Long Beach Fire Department and the Long Beach Water Department. Jo’s last few years were spent in Leisure World, where she made new friends and became a member of Leisure World Community Church. Jo lived a long and full life and enjoyed the LW concerts, the American Legion Auxiliary and Bocce Ball. Services were held at Forest Lawn in Long Beach, on Oct. 21. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Make a Wish Foundation at Wish.org/ SanDiego, 4995 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 402, San Diego, CA 92108 in memory of Jo Rousey.

Mary Elizabeth McRaney 1940-2024 Mary Elizabeth McRaney was a devoted mother, grand mother, and greatgrandmother. She loved to go on adventures and travel. She served in the Navy and then worked as a manager for Cocos restaurant for 25 years. MaryworkedforLeisure World for about nine years as a Security Guard. Mary is survived by her three sons, Wyatt McRaney, Timothy McRaney and Thomas McRaney, 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. A celebration of life for Mary will be held at Compass Bible Church, 15272 Revival Circle, Huntington Beach, CA, 92649 on Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow; all are welcome.

Ruth E. Beaman 1921-2024 Ruth Elaine Beaman, age 103.5, passed away peacefully at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center on Aug. 13. She was a beloved resident of 1341 Danbury Lane, Mutual 6, for 41 years. Born on Feb. 6, 1921, in Kuna, Idaho, to William Troy and Alice Elvira Scrivner, Ruth was the fifth of seven children. The family later moved to Long Beach, where Ruth spent her early years and cherished memories with her siblings as faithful members of the First Christian Church of Long Beach. Ruth graduated from Cal Poly High School and married Kenneth Beaman on March 10, 1933. Together, they welcomed their children Sandra Lee and Robert C. Lee into the world. After Kenneth’s military service, they settled in Long Beach until their move to Leisure World in 1983. Ruth worked for a local insurance agent and proudly served as the president of the local chapter of Insurance Women of America and the Leisure World Gardening Club. In her later years, Ruth enjoyed spending time in front of her home, engaging with neighbors and their dogs. She will be dearly missed by her many friends and caregivers. Ruth is survived by her son Robert, his wife, Linda; grandchildren Shauna, Jessica, Wendy, Allison and Lindsey, as well as 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at the First Christian Church in Leisure World Clubhouse on Oct. 20, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory. Ruth will be remembered for her kind heart, passion for gardening, and dedication to her community and family. May she rest in peace. ••• The obituaries deadline is Friday at 4 p.m., prior to the desired Thursday publication date. Obituaries that are received later than Friday will go in the following week’s issue. Email obituary notices to laurieb@lwsb.com with photos attached as jpg files. The first 250 words, plus one picture, are free to publish in the newspaper; each additional word is 25 cents. For more information, call 562-430-0534, ext. 2801, or email laurieb@lwsb.com.

Joann Arlene (Deeter) Matos 1929–2024 Joann (Joanna) Arlene (Deeter) Matos, a devoted Christian, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away on Friday, Sept. 13 2024, and is now with the Lord. Joanna was born in Gary, Indiana, on Dec. 1, 1929 to Warden Deeter and Helen Metz. She was the oldest of four siblings including Shirley Forney, Sally Springer and William (Hank) Deeter. She is survived by her middle sister Shirley Forney (93), her daughter Janet Carlow, and two sons Gary and Christopher Matos. Joanna was blessed with nine grandchildren; Zachary and Kelsey Carlow; Nathan, Thea and Phillip Matos; Russell and Erin Matos; Dylan Smith and Matthew Pontratig. She also celebrated her eight great- grandchildren; Benjamin and Aubrey (Carlow) Tate; Hue Carlow; Joanna, Clark and Daphne (Matos) Moshofsky and Arabella and Cullen Smith. Joanna’s husband, Walter Gilmore Matos, and daughter Joyce Smith preceded her in death in 2001. Joanna’s adventures started at an early age of 22. After visiting California with her sister and two friends in 1950, she returned to Indiana, loaded up her car and headed west. In San Diego, she was promptly hired by Conair and met her future husband, Walter Matos, at a naval dance party. The Korean War took them to Guam for two years before returning to California and settling in Orange County. Although she was always active with the local PTA, Joanna will be remembered as an outgoing Girl Scout leader who loved the outdoors and scaled many trails and Sierra Mountain peaks with her high school girls. After her four children were well on their way, Joanna re-invented herself at the age of 45 as a photojournalist. She obtained an associate’s degree at Fullerton Junior College and then worked for the La Habra Star and Santa Ana Register newspaper companies. In 1976, she joined the staff at Knott’s Berry Farm as their public relations photographer, where she worked for nearly a decade. Joanna quickly became recognized for her candid and award winning action photographs. She broke the mold becoming the first woman to photograph USC and Los Angeles Ram football along with the Anaheim Angels baseball games. In 1979, Joanna set another first after being elected president of the Press Photographers of Greater Los Angeles. In 2022, she received a lifetime achievement award from the same organization for her many landmarks and years of service. Through her humble and professional demeanor, Joanna paved the way for all future female photographers. In 1985, Joanna shifted her professional career and joined Stevenson-Asher Travel where she specialized in cruise ship excursions for 20 years. Of all the places she traveled, Joanna especially liked Poland and Russia but also had very memorable experiences in Norway, Africa, Cuba and the Arctic. Her home was a fascinating and visual museum of her travels. Many Leisure World residents participated in cruises that she organized as a contract travel agent following her retirement. Joanna moved into Leisure World, Mutual 2, in November 2000. As was typical with her embodiment, she wasted no time in becoming involved with the Traveling Tigers, Photography, Astronomy, Lapidary, Garden and Rollin Thunder Golf Cart Clubs. She served as the building captain for her Mutual for over 20 years, participated in the Emergency Buddy System and was an active member of CERT. She also wrote numerous articles for the LW Weekly, chronicling community events or her storied world travels. Outside of LW, Joanna was a member of the Southern California Prowler’s Car Club where she hosted many fund raising events for veterans of war. She had a lifelong passion for classic cars and Route 66. Most recently, she could be seen zipping around Leisure World in her Club Car, attending a concert at the Amphitheater or enjoying a simple meal on Taco Tuesday. Joanna liked wearing festive colors and clothing and was always a shining light to everyone she met. Rarely did a person pass her home without being greeted with a friendly hello or an encouraging word. There will be a Celebration of Life for Joanna at the Community Church of Leisure World on Nov. 16 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.