Thursday, 28 March 2024

Obits

Douglas Wentworth. Courtesy photo.

Douglas Fremont Wentworth
Nov. 1, 1933 — Oct. 1, 2023

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Lt. Col. (U.S. Air Force, retired) Douglas Fremont Wentworth died Oct. 1, 2023, in his home in Kelseyville. He was 89 years old.

Douglas was born in West Peabody, Massachusetts, to parents, Arthur Fremont Wentworth and Blanche Fraser Wentworth, nee Martin.

After the birth of his brothers, Arthur Clarence and Mark Allen, the family moved to Melrose, Massachusetts, where they welcomed their final son, Bruce Martin.

Douglas graduated from Melrose High School in 1950 and Boston University in 1954, after which he married his high school sweetheart, Gisela Schmidt in 1955.

Douglas was commissioned in the Air Force as a second lieutenant in 1953 with various base assignments across the country, including Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he was a crew commander in a nuclear armed B52 bomber as part of the Strategic Air Command.

Gisela and Douglas welcomed two children, son Walther Keith in 1957 and daughter Karen Evelina in 1963.

Douglas retired from Air Force active duty and moved ultimately to Novato, California, working as a pilot for Pan American Airlines until 1991.

Doug Wentworth at an ROTC Summer Camp at Dover, Delaware Defense Base. Courtesy photo.

Gisela and Douglas loved Northern California and became active members of the Novato Horseman’s Club participating in many rides as well as search and rescue as members of the Sheriff's Posse.

Following the illness of Gisela, Douglas along with Keith moved to Kelseyville in 2014 to be closer to family.

Gisela and Douglas were members of the Presbyterian churches in Novato and Kelseyville.

Gisela passed in 2014, and son Keith passed earlier this year on April 4, 2023. Douglas passed just six months later from congestive heart failure.

Douglas leaves his daughter, Karen Evelina Hayes, her husband Scott Hayes and their son, Bryce Hayes, his wife Jenevieve and their two children Emmy Lou and Emmet; their daughter Victoria Jefferson, her husband Kevin Jefferson, and their two children, Maverick and Rylee.

Douglas leaves also Letty Reagan, Keith’s former wife and good friend, their two children, daughter Meggan Folds, husband Jeremy and children Casey and Sean, and daughter Katherine Wentworth and her wife Rachel Johnson.

A memorial service for Doug will take place at noon on Sunday, Dec. 3, at Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, 5340 Third St., with a reception to follow.

Gloria Nicasio courtesy photo

 Gloria Geneveve Nicosia
March 27, 1937 -- November 8, 2023

Gloria Geneveve Nicosia, a beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted wife passed away on November 8, 2023, in Lakeport, California. She was born on March 27, 1937, in Delano, California, the middle child of an older sister and younger brother.
 
After meeting her husband Vince at his family-owned business, Pizza Village, in Willow Glen California, Gloria's journey led her to Lake County in the early 1960s. A dedicated housewife, Gloria's compassion and commitment to the community shone through her work with Rural California Housing in the 1970s, a government agency which provided affordable housing for the low-income community in Lake County. An entrepreneur at heart, Gloria ventured into the world of beauty, owning and operating Hairport, The Salon at Quail Run and Gloria's Gallery Beauty Salon. Her passion for the underserved led her to work as an official interpreter for the Lake County Superior Court for many years before her retirement.
 
Gloria was not only a hardworking professional but also a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her strong fearless presence and tough loving nature touched the lives of those around her. She had a special place in her heart for her family, including her daughter Tish, her sons Mark and Vince, her daughter in-law Tess, and her two grandchildren, Noah and Nathan. 
 
Gloria is survived by her brother Nick and sister Martha, along with many loving distant family members and in-laws. She is preceded in death by her parents, Connie and Nick, her eldest son Mark, and her husband Vince.
 
Beyond her dedication to family and community, Gloria was an avid Neil Diamond fan, finding joy in the melodies that accompanied the various chapters of her life.  Many who knew her, will remember her zooming around Lakeport in one of her signature Corvettes with Neil Diamond blaring from her car stereo. 
 
Her legacy lives on through the many memories shared by those who knew and loved her. Gloria will be remembered for her remarkable strength, fearlessness, kindness, and the lasting impact she made on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
 
A memorial service to celebrate Gloria's life will be held at Jone’s Mortuary in Lakeport CA. on Friday December 1, 2023 at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice, in Gloria's honor.
 
 
 
 

Lester Dale Hoskins Sr.
March 25, 1943 — Nov. 26, 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lester was a husband for 62 years to his amazing wife, Judy.

They had four awesome sons, 12 grandkids and five great-grands. His best friend was his coffee buddy, Al.

Lester believed in living in the moment. He will be forever loved by his family.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Robyna Ann Totorica. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Our sweet Mother, Robyna Ann Totorica, passed away on Nov. 13, 2023, at 88 years old, reuniting with her late husband, Joe and oldest son Joseph.

Robyna, aka Bobbie, had one sister, Denise; three sons and one daughter; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Bobbie was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She loved traveling the world, gardening, gave the best hugs and had the most infectious laugh.

Memorial Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Kelseyville on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Wayne Halliday. Courtesy photo.

Wayne Ernest Halliday
Jan. 22, 1952 — Nov. 18, 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Wayne was born at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose, California to Ernest E. and Eleanor M. Halliday.

He passed away Nov. 18, 2023, from heart failure with his wife and favorite cat by his side.

Wayne grew up in the Bay Area and moved to Lake County in the 70s. He worked many jobs including General Motors, Homestake Mine, Airport Auto Brokers and Kendall Jackson Winery before starting his own business doing yard and building maintenance.

He continued to work until the last year or two of his life. He loved his old hot rods and his music, but not as much as his animals that he had adopted from the local shelters throughout the years.

Wayne leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Bonnie; sons, George Aldrich (Mari), Wayne Jr. and Robert; daughter, Leslie Aldrich Lorenson; sisters, Donna Stanley, Carol Preo and Linda Preo; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous cousins.

He also leaves behind his best friend of over 40 years, Doug (Sharon) Sessions and their family.

He will be missed by many but never forgotten. Right now he is probably having a spirited discussion about who is right or wrong, in typical Wayne fashion.

Any services will be announced at a later time.

Please make any donations in Wayne’s memory to the animal shelters wherever you are.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

John Brookes. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — John Brookes came into this world on Dec. 14, 1930.

The son of Arthur and Barbara Hoare he was always described as a sweet, curious and “impish” child who loved to get into things before his mother had the chance to tell him not to.

His mother reported often that she would admonish him to stay out of the sewing box or other potential hazard only to have him grin up at her and say “Already did!”

Those who knew John know that he never truly lost that curiosity or impishness or his innate sweetness.

John channeled his curiosity into a Ph.D. in biology from USC, the impishness was used to woo his wife of nearly 69 years.

While students at Occidental College, Betty Barnes would meet up with John and another young man before heading into their first class of the day. Even though this young man and Betty were already dating, John boldly asked her out in front of him. Less than a year later, Betty Barnes became Betty Brookes.

The sweetness was there in his ready laugh, his eagerness to share a story and a compliment and the “I Love You”s he freely shared with family and friends.

Together John and Betty raised three children, Steven, Donald and Barbara, first in San Diego County where John achieved full professorship at San Diego State.

Ultimately the family moved to Lake County where he worked in vineyard development and management and while still keeping his toe in academia by teaching at community colleges and serving on the Mendocino Community College Board.

The one constant vocation in John’s life was the U.S. Navy. He was a Sea Scout in his teens, then served in the Korean War in his early 20s. Afterward he remained in the Navy Reserve until he retired with the rank of Captain in 1990 when he was 60 years old.

John was extremely proud of both his Naval service and his doctorate as well as the part he played in the early days of Konocti Winery and vineyard development in both Lake and Napa counties.

He enjoyed travel and did so as often as possible; taking trips with Betty to Alaska, England, New Zealand and more. While he and Betty were raising their kids they spent time making happy memories; sailing, camping, backpacking and snow skiing together.

John was predeceased by his father, Arthur; mother, Barbara; and brother, Haydn.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elizabeth (Betty); children, Steven Brookes (Lynn), Don Brookes (Diane), and Barbara O’Rourke (Tom); grandchildren, Jason Brookes (Andrea), Sarah Houchens (Kyle) Johnny Brookes, Erin O’Rourke, Kathleen O’Rourke, Rebecca Brookes, Ronan O’Rourke and Blair Smith (Jonathan); great-grandsons, Malakye, Kallias, Taylor and Koa.

In addition, he will be greatly missed by his dear friend and care provider, Carmen Gallegos, and while not biologically his brothers, his friendships with Harry Lyons and Bill Pease made them a part of his family as well.

A celebration of life for John will be held at Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, 5340 Third St., on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 1 p.m. The Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County will provide military honors.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Upcoming Calendar

30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lakeport Community Cleanup Day
30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Second annual Bunny Brunch
30Mar
03.30.2024 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Lake County poet laureate inauguration
31Mar
03.31.2024
Easter Sunday
31Mar
03.31.2024 1:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Lakeport Rotary Club Easter Egg Hunt
1Apr
04.01.2024
Easter Monday
1Apr
10Apr
15Apr
04.15.2024
Tax Day

Mini Calendar

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