••• George Elmo Blackburn 1932-2024 George Elmo Blackburn, born Feb. 15, 1932 in Mancos, Colorado, died on Nov. 23, 2024. He moved from Utah to Long Beach, California, in 1955. His work career was first McDonnell Douglas aircraft then for the city of Long Beach as a tree trimmer and ending as a heavy equipment operator on the beaches, retiring after 32 years of service. His beloved wife, LaRae, passed in 1993. They lived 27 years on Belice across from El Dorado Park in Long Beach where he was king of the basketball court (if you asked him). He played up until his mid 70’s. George moved to Leisure World in 2008 to Mutual 2. He loved the outdoors, listening to the rain, camping, Hawaii, family activities, western music and sports. Dad had the best smile and didn’t know a stranger. Survived by sons Curtis and Kelvin, their wives Dori and Anna, granddaughter Corinne, grandson Shane, great grandsons Silas, Logan and Chase. A memorial service will be in Tooele, Utah, and burial will be held in Grantsville, Utah, on Dec. 7, 2024.

Betty DeKlyne Smith 1929 - 2024 Teacher, writer, traveler, philanthropist, friend. A long-time resident of Leisure World, Betty passed away on Friday, Nov. 15, after a long decline in health. She was 18 days short of her 95th birthday. She will be missed. Betty was the youngest of three daughters born to Agnes and Arthur DeKlyne. She was a native of Long Beach, and attended Poly High School, Long Beach City College, and UCLA. She was a graduate of the first class of California State University Long Beach (1949). Married to Jack S. Martin, a classmate, they made their home in Lakewood, California, where they raised two daughters. With a degree in education, Betty taught primary school in the Long Beach Unified School District, mainly in the Lakewood area. She also taught adult education classes at LBCC. Her teaching career evolved into writing. Inspired by her grandson Alex, she wrote a children’s book, “The Adventures of Alexandr and His Ragtime Gran.” Poetry and short stories were also written for family and friends. After her daughters graduated, she started a clothing store in Belmont Shore, designing and manufacturing women’s clothing. Always interested in fashion, she loved and wore bright, exotic clothing, often with unusual hats and interesting earrings. For a short time, she sold commercial real estate while living in Naples. After her move to Leisure World, she became an estate sale agent, and wrote her second book, “Have Sale—Will Travel: Secrets of an Estate $ale Agent.” Betty was always interested in people, and would talk with anyone willing to share their story. She also was fascinated by other cultures, so travel became a big part of Betty’s life. When her daughters were young, the family spent summers camping in the western US at national parks and beaches, and visited Southern California gardens and museums. Later in life, she visited many countries in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, Ireland (home of her mother’s family), and parts of the Eastern U.S. In the early 2000s, Betty wrote many articles for the Leisure World News about her trips. These always had a newsy, interesting personal spin on who she met and what she saw. Betty was passionate about philanthropy, and made large donations over many years to local free clinics, the Seal Beach Women’s Club, the Leisure World Library, and supported a children’s home in North Carolina. She is survived by daughters Alison, of western North Carolina, and Leslie, a resident of Leisure World, as well as her grandson Alexandr. After the deaths of both of her sisters, Betty became the matriarch of her many nieces, nephews and their children, and was affectionately known as “Aunt B.” She loved her family and friends, and her life in Leisure World.

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.