Remembering 2015's Places and People Lost in the SFV
I apologize for the later publication of this post as I normally release it on December 31st but this past year was a hectic year. So please enjoy 2015 for one last time.
With the 2015 year in the history books, below is a list of notable sites and people in the SFV that were lost in the past 365 days (you can review 2012, 2013, and 2014). Its possible I missed something, so please share anything that I missed and I will update accordingly. The list below is generally in chronological order but might have one or two out of place.
With the 2015 year in the history books, below is a list of notable sites and people in the SFV that were lost in the past 365 days (you can review 2012, 2013, and 2014). Its possible I missed something, so please share anything that I missed and I will update accordingly. The list below is generally in chronological order but might have one or two out of place.
Places
1. Macy's at Westfield Promenade
The Cincinnati-based department store chain announcing the closure of 14 stores across the nation to focus more on online operations. Two of those closures affects the Promenade in Woodland Hills for the Macy's main and furniture gallery stores resulting in the displacement of 131 employees and 270,000 square feet. The Topanga Plaza Macy's is not affected. The infamous bells were removed as well. I believe one is located at the Valley Relics museum and not sure about the others.
2. Sears at Westfield Topanga
Closed on May 3rd which measures two stories, 160,000 sqft affecting 122 people that opened in 1996 taking over Broadway. The close comes as part of a corporate restructuring due to ongoing company losses.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
3. Stengel Field
Located in Glendale demolished because it became uninhabitable which also includes hazardous-material abatement. The stadium was damaged from water intrusion which worsened over the years. Future plans for the site is in progress which was home to Crescenta Valley High School, Glendale Community College, and various Little Leagues and Bath Ruth programs.
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| Image courtesy LA Times |
4. Radio Shack
As part of ongoing losses, 95-year-old Radio Shack shuttered 1800 stores across the nation including Sherman Oaks and Chatsworth but kept 2200 stores that were sold to Sprint Wireless and a hedge fund.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
5. Western Studio Services (formerly Menasco Aerospace)
19 buildings at the former Western Studio Services (originally Menasco Aerospace) building on San Fernando Rd in Burbank was demolished to make way for a new Ikea store that will measure 456,000 sqft with 1,700 parking spaces on 22 acres of land.
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| Images courtesy LA Times and here |
6. Technicolor Olive Ave Burbank Office
After consolidating six core functions into one location in 2014, Technicolor closed their Olive Ave facility.
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| Image courtesy Google Maps |
Woodland Hills based story is closing after 40 years in the El Camino Shopping Center on Mulholland Drive. Jack Williams started the company in 1953 with a store in North Hollywood. The company has been in a number of locations due to rising rents and will now operate out of a Chatsworth and Thousand Oaks location.
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| Image courtesy LA Hot List |
8. Pennysaver
50 year old company shut down with very little notice to employees. If you havent noticed the Pennysaver missing your weekly mail, now you know.
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| Image courtesy Sacramento CBS |
9. Billy's Deli
After 67 years, Billy's restaurant in Glendale closed which first opened in 1948 on Orange Ave. The closing was a result of higher food costs after the recession.
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| Images courtesy LA Times |
10. Heinz Chatsworth Plant
H.J. Heinz Co. closed its Chatsworth condiment plant laying off 145 workers in anticipation of cost cutting measures for the merger with Kraft. Heinz took over the plant in 1994 from Borden Foodservice group which sits on eight acres.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
11. Stanley's
Stanley's restaurant in Sherman Oaks closed after 32 years of service which was known as "like eating at your friend's place." The restaurant was closed after being temporarily shut down by the Department of Public Health for several food and safety violations.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
12. Sun Valley U-Pick Parts
Popular location for more than 50 years for local auto enthusiasts to find difficult replacement parts closed at the end of the year. Was also a popular location for filming and home to Hollywood's props like the Jaws shark. Can read more here.
13. Solley's Deli & Bakery
After operating in Van Nuys for 50 years, closed down as a result of a decline in the economy and shift to healthier foods.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
14. Superior Industries
Although not closing, moved its headquarters from Van Nuys to Michigan. The aluminum wheel manufactured made the decision to be closer to its Detroit customers. Founded in 1957 grew to become one of the largest aluminum wheel manufacturer. The Van Nuys locations used to manufacture wheels but was closed down after the 2008 recession.
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| Image courtesy Google Maps |
15. Mission Hills Bowl
The popular bowling alley closed in May with rumors circulating of a demolition coming with a new shopping mall. However, a recent hearing notice shows that the bowling alley will be saved and incorporated into the new shopping mall design which can be read here.
16. Twain's Restaurants
Longtime Studio City diner closed early in the year that emodies the mid century modern era across the street from the other SFV landmark, The Sportsmen's Lodge. Although the restaurant is closed, the building might be saved with the next restaurant that takes over which is expected to be a Sharkey's.
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| Image courtesy Google Maps |
17. St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church
The 1950's era Van Nuys church filed for demo permits during the year with plans to build a larger church. The history is not known.
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| Image courtesy Google Maps |
18. Easton Baseball
The company that started in 1922 iniitally with archery equipment and later expanded into baseball, softball, cycling, and hockey gear moved from its HQ from Van Nuys to Thousand Oaks. The Easton company was sold by the family in 2006 for $400 million to a private equity firm from NY who began dismantling the company during the recession. The Van Nuys HQ buildings were sold for $12.3 million in November 2013.
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| Image courtesy Google Maps |
18. Marilyn Monroe's Valley Village Home
Known as the Dougherty house where Marilyn Monroe lived with her sailor husband in 1944. A year later she divorced her husband and her career took off. This location had significance since it was linked to the great Marilyn Monroe whose name and look is still known today to new generations. The property was quickly bulldozed over the weekend by a developer ahead of a historical review that following Monday.
People
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| Top image courtesy Jennifer Getz. Bottom image courtesy LA Daily News |
1. Joseph D. Morigi
Passed away on December 25, 2014 (death was published in 2015) at the age of 82. Morigi was a longtime SFV resident first starting in North Hollywood where he later attended North Hollywood High School. He owned 4 restaurants and a construction business with his most famous restaurant being Morigi's House of Pizza in Northridge. He sold the restaurants in 1992 to focus on construction and his family. He was the type of person that befriended everyone he met. On a related note, Morigi also owns the Cowboy Palace Saloon property since at least 1989 and possibly longer.
Passed away on December 25, 2014 (death was published in 2015) at the age of 82. Morigi was a longtime SFV resident first starting in North Hollywood where he later attended North Hollywood High School. He owned 4 restaurants and a construction business with his most famous restaurant being Morigi's House of Pizza in Northridge. He sold the restaurants in 1992 to focus on construction and his family. He was the type of person that befriended everyone he met. On a related note, Morigi also owns the Cowboy Palace Saloon property since at least 1989 and possibly longer.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
2.Henry "Hank" Fardel
Passed away on December 25, 2014 (death was published in 2015) at the age of 77 from a rare disease called sarcoidosis that led to heart failure. Fardel was born in Glendale and attended North Hollywood High School. He became a plumber and opened "Handlebar Hank Plumbing" from his Van Nuys home for more than 4 decades. He was known for his elaborate mustache and his fair and honest work. His reputation was stellar and customers would always call him back even if they had moved.
3.Andrae Crouch
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Passed away on January 8, 2015 at the age of 72 from a heart attack at Northridge Hospital. Crouch was a gospel singer, songwriter, producer, and pastor who won 7 Grammy Awards. He worked with Michael Jackson, Madonna, Diana Ross, Elton John, and Quincy Jones to name a few. Croch was also the pastor for the Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ located in San Fernando that was founded by his parents. Crouch owns a home in Northridge as well as an apartment in Pacoima.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
4. Shigeru "Shig" Honda
State archery champion and Hall of Fame coach whose Pacoima gardening business grew with the post war SFV growth. Celebrities from Patrick Swayze to cosmetic mogul J.B. Nethercutt would learn from Honda. In June, Easton Foundations of Van Nuys (baseball bats mfg.) dedicated a public plaque in his honor at the Woodley Park Archery Range in the Sepulveda Basin. Passed away on January 8, 2015 at the age of 87. Family pictured below after dedication.
5. Taylor Negron
State archery champion and Hall of Fame coach whose Pacoima gardening business grew with the post war SFV growth. Celebrities from Patrick Swayze to cosmetic mogul J.B. Nethercutt would learn from Honda. In June, Easton Foundations of Van Nuys (baseball bats mfg.) dedicated a public plaque in his honor at the Woodley Park Archery Range in the Sepulveda Basin. Passed away on January 8, 2015 at the age of 87. Family pictured below after dedication.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Passed away on January 10, 2015 at the age of 57 from liver cancer. Negron is an actor, playwright, comedian, and painter best known for his roles in Fast Times at Ridgement High, Easy Money, Hill Street Blues, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The Last Boy Scout. Negron was born in Glendale.
Passed away on January 12, 2015 at the age of 85 from congestive heart failure. Martinez was an LA columnist writer who last worked for the Daily News and was previously a long time columnist for the LA Times. Martinez was a fellow for the Society of Professional Journalists which is the highest honor bestowed on journalists. Martinez's career spanned 65 years, 14 books, recipient of three team Pulitzer Prizes for his LA Times columns, and the prestigious Headliner award for Best Feature Column in the United States. |
| Image courtesy LA Times |
6.Al Martinez
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Passed away at 99 on January 8, 2015 who was the founder of Westward HO Markets with 5 locations throughout LA with the SFV location at Sepulveda Blvd in Sherman Oaks.
8. Rodney E. Cook
Granada Hills resident passed away at age of 76 on January 14, 2015 and was a longtime baseball and soccer coach for local leagues at Petit Park.
9. Charles "Andy" Anderson
Passed away on January 20, 2015 at the age of 73 after a year long battle with prostate cancer. The Mission Hills resident was a 50 year employee at Warner Bros working in maintenance and electrical work. No picture available , you can read more at the LA Daily News.
10. Rick Orlov
Veteran Daily News City Hall reporter, passed away on February 2, 2015 at the age of 66 from complications from diabetes.
11. Zane Musa
A world class saxophonist who performed alongside at jazz clubs and international festivals with Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Musa also performed with actor Jeff Goldblum, Christina Aguilera, Macy Gray, and Lupe Fiasco. Musa was born and raised in Arleta (where his family still resides) and attended the performing arts magnet program at Van Nuys High School. Musa passed away due to an accidental fall from an airport parking structure on February 2, 2015 at the age of 36. The exact cause for the fall is not known.
12. Claudia Carolina Mejia
Calabasas resident and leasing manager at Malibu Canyon Apartments (Calabasas) passed at the age of 40 on February 4, 2015 due to a rear-end collission on the 101 Freeway in Woodland Hills while going to pick up her daughter from Calabasas High School.
13. Jim Di Giuseppe
Tarzana resident, LA County Judge, attorney, business leader, land commissioner, and SFV advocate and seccisionist passed away at the age of 86 on February 8, 2015. "He loved the Valley."
14. Jon Jerde
Shopping mall architect that designed many recognizable malls including the Mall of America in MN, Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, and the Universal Studios CityWalk in 1993 in addition to numerous other designs. Passed away at the age of 75 on February 9, 2015 due to a battle with cancer and Alzheimer's disease. He described himself not as an architect but as a "place maker."
15. Gary Owens
Announcer for Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (early 1970's sketch comedy TV) passed away on February 12, 2015 at the age of 80 due to complications from diabetes at his home in Encino. He was known for holding his hand to his ear while serving as an announcer on the Rowan TV show. He also coined the phrase "Beautiful Downtown Burbank" that eventually was used on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show."
16. Jack Hirsh
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Granada Hills resident passed away at age of 76 on January 14, 2015 and was a longtime baseball and soccer coach for local leagues at Petit Park.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
9. Charles "Andy" Anderson
Passed away on January 20, 2015 at the age of 73 after a year long battle with prostate cancer. The Mission Hills resident was a 50 year employee at Warner Bros working in maintenance and electrical work. No picture available , you can read more at the LA Daily News.
10. Rick Orlov
Veteran Daily News City Hall reporter, passed away on February 2, 2015 at the age of 66 from complications from diabetes.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
A world class saxophonist who performed alongside at jazz clubs and international festivals with Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Musa also performed with actor Jeff Goldblum, Christina Aguilera, Macy Gray, and Lupe Fiasco. Musa was born and raised in Arleta (where his family still resides) and attended the performing arts magnet program at Van Nuys High School. Musa passed away due to an accidental fall from an airport parking structure on February 2, 2015 at the age of 36. The exact cause for the fall is not known.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Calabasas resident and leasing manager at Malibu Canyon Apartments (Calabasas) passed at the age of 40 on February 4, 2015 due to a rear-end collission on the 101 Freeway in Woodland Hills while going to pick up her daughter from Calabasas High School.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Tarzana resident, LA County Judge, attorney, business leader, land commissioner, and SFV advocate and seccisionist passed away at the age of 86 on February 8, 2015. "He loved the Valley."
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Shopping mall architect that designed many recognizable malls including the Mall of America in MN, Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, and the Universal Studios CityWalk in 1993 in addition to numerous other designs. Passed away at the age of 75 on February 9, 2015 due to a battle with cancer and Alzheimer's disease. He described himself not as an architect but as a "place maker."
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| Image courtesy Architect Magazine |
Announcer for Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (early 1970's sketch comedy TV) passed away on February 12, 2015 at the age of 80 due to complications from diabetes at his home in Encino. He was known for holding his hand to his ear while serving as an announcer on the Rowan TV show. He also coined the phrase "Beautiful Downtown Burbank" that eventually was used on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show."
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Longtime Woodland Hills resident known for selflessness and charity made life for those living in nursing homes better. He formed the Hirsh Chapter-City of Hope to collect donations to further cancer research and became an ombudsman mediating disputes and filing claims for elderly residents. Hirsh passed away at the age of 87 on February 24, 2015.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
17. Leonard Nimoy
Forever known as "Spock" from Star Trek surprisingly had connections to the SFV although not born or lived there. He owned apartment complexes as well as a pet store in Canoga Park for a brief time in 1969 which is discussed here. Passed away on February 27, 2015 at the age of 83 due to complications from COPD.
18. Edward Zeier
Longtime Granada Hills resident who moved to Van Nuys before his death (also owns a home in Chatsworth) was head of Knowllwood Realty in Granada Hills. He was also an avid golfer that helped found Knowllwood Golf Course. He was very generous and became known as the "Bank of Knowllwood." Passed away on March 5, 2015 at the age of 84 who was known as "Big Ed."
19. Windell Middlebrooks
Actor known for "delivery guy" in Miller High Life beer commercials, Body of Proof (TV Drama), and Ace in the Hole (Adam Carolla TV series). Passed at the age of 36 on March 9, 2015 at his apartment in Valley Village.
20. Michael Graves
Architect with numerous designs around the world is known for designing Disney buildings including the HQ in Burbank built in 1986. Passed away at the age of 80 on March 12, 2015 who became paralyzed from the waist down due to a spinal cord infection in 2003. You can read more at the LA Times.
21. Mike Porcaro
Bass player for 70s/80s rock'n'roll band, Toto, which originated in the SFV. Passed away on March 15, 2015 at the age of 59 due to his long battle with ALS. You can also read more about Toto and their start in Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks here.
22. Hilda Emilie Gurney
Woodland Hills pilot for more than 30 years loved to tell stories about her switcheroo involving aviator Charles Lindbergh at the Van Nuys airport. Passed away on March 18, 2015 at the age of 98.
23. George Fischbeck
Local weatherman appearing on ABC from 1972 to retirement in 1990. Had a brief stint on CBS from 1994 to 1997. Passed away on March 25, 2015 at the age of 92 from natural causes in his Woodland Hills home (also owned a home in Calabasas).
24. Andrew Getty
J. Paul Getty grandson who was an heir to the family oil business, businessman, film director, and philanthropist. Passed away on March 31, 2015 at age of 47 at his Studio City home due to an ulcer related hemorrhage but also had a toxic level of methamphetamine.
25. Geoffrey Lewis
Actor known for frequently working with Clint Eastwood in films like Pink Cadillac and Every Which Way but Loose to name a couple. Also acted in TV shows Law & Order and My Name is Earl. Father of actress, Juliette Lewis. Passed away on April 7, 2015 at the age of 79 due to natural causes in Woodland Hills home.
26. Michael "Mayor of Sam" Higby"
Blogger and SFV activist at Mayor Sam's Sister City. Passed on April 15, 2015 at the age of 50 due to a long battle with a serious illness.
27. Scott Mason
KROQ host and chief enginer at the station once located in Burbank. Passed away on April 19, 2015 at the age of 55 who required two kidney transplants, one in 1999 and the other in 2012. Known as "Spacin' Scott Mason."
28. Jayne Meadows
Stage, film, and television actress with a long and accomplished career. Was the wife to the late Steve Allen who was known for radio, acting, music, and writer. Longtime resident of Encino which became available this year and was sold discussed on this site. Passed away on April 26, 2015 of natural causes at the age of 95 in her Encino home.
29. Ellen Albertini Dow
Will forever be remembered as the rapping grandmother in 1998's The Wedding Singer starring Adam Sandler but also had other roles from a career that started in 1985. She passed away on May 4, 2015 at the age of 101 due to pneumonia in her Woodland Hills home (near Pierce College) which later sold in August 2015. You can read more at the LA Daily News.
30. John Farrell
Longtime theater, opera, and classical music critic for the Los Angeles News Group passed away in Sherman Oaks on May 7, 2015 at the age of 63 possibly from diabetes.
Forever known as "Spock" from Star Trek surprisingly had connections to the SFV although not born or lived there. He owned apartment complexes as well as a pet store in Canoga Park for a brief time in 1969 which is discussed here. Passed away on February 27, 2015 at the age of 83 due to complications from COPD.
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| Image courtesy Wikipedia |
Longtime Granada Hills resident who moved to Van Nuys before his death (also owns a home in Chatsworth) was head of Knowllwood Realty in Granada Hills. He was also an avid golfer that helped found Knowllwood Golf Course. He was very generous and became known as the "Bank of Knowllwood." Passed away on March 5, 2015 at the age of 84 who was known as "Big Ed."
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Actor known for "delivery guy" in Miller High Life beer commercials, Body of Proof (TV Drama), and Ace in the Hole (Adam Carolla TV series). Passed at the age of 36 on March 9, 2015 at his apartment in Valley Village.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Architect with numerous designs around the world is known for designing Disney buildings including the HQ in Burbank built in 1986. Passed away at the age of 80 on March 12, 2015 who became paralyzed from the waist down due to a spinal cord infection in 2003. You can read more at the LA Times.
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| Image courtesy Winespectator.com |
Bass player for 70s/80s rock'n'roll band, Toto, which originated in the SFV. Passed away on March 15, 2015 at the age of 59 due to his long battle with ALS. You can also read more about Toto and their start in Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks here.
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| Image courtesy Wikipedia/Norro |
Woodland Hills pilot for more than 30 years loved to tell stories about her switcheroo involving aviator Charles Lindbergh at the Van Nuys airport. Passed away on March 18, 2015 at the age of 98.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Local weatherman appearing on ABC from 1972 to retirement in 1990. Had a brief stint on CBS from 1994 to 1997. Passed away on March 25, 2015 at the age of 92 from natural causes in his Woodland Hills home (also owned a home in Calabasas).
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| Image courtesy ABC7.com |
J. Paul Getty grandson who was an heir to the family oil business, businessman, film director, and philanthropist. Passed away on March 31, 2015 at age of 47 at his Studio City home due to an ulcer related hemorrhage but also had a toxic level of methamphetamine.
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| Image courtesy NY Daily News |
Actor known for frequently working with Clint Eastwood in films like Pink Cadillac and Every Which Way but Loose to name a couple. Also acted in TV shows Law & Order and My Name is Earl. Father of actress, Juliette Lewis. Passed away on April 7, 2015 at the age of 79 due to natural causes in Woodland Hills home.
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| Image courtesy Wikipedia/Metal121 |
Blogger and SFV activist at Mayor Sam's Sister City. Passed on April 15, 2015 at the age of 50 due to a long battle with a serious illness.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
KROQ host and chief enginer at the station once located in Burbank. Passed away on April 19, 2015 at the age of 55 who required two kidney transplants, one in 1999 and the other in 2012. Known as "Spacin' Scott Mason."
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| Image courtesy Allaccess.com |
Stage, film, and television actress with a long and accomplished career. Was the wife to the late Steve Allen who was known for radio, acting, music, and writer. Longtime resident of Encino which became available this year and was sold discussed on this site. Passed away on April 26, 2015 of natural causes at the age of 95 in her Encino home.
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| Image courtesy Wikipedia/Wikiwatcher1 |
29. Ellen Albertini Dow
Will forever be remembered as the rapping grandmother in 1998's The Wedding Singer starring Adam Sandler but also had other roles from a career that started in 1985. She passed away on May 4, 2015 at the age of 101 due to pneumonia in her Woodland Hills home (near Pierce College) which later sold in August 2015. You can read more at the LA Daily News.
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| Image courtesy Wikipedia/Dman41689 |
Longtime theater, opera, and classical music critic for the Los Angeles News Group passed away in Sherman Oaks on May 7, 2015 at the age of 63 possibly from diabetes.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Longtime Panorama City resident for 55 years and 25 year LAUSD employee passed away on May 14, 2015 at the age of 91.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Voice-over actor and actor best known for "Mr. Slate," "Fred Flinstone's" boss was rarely seen in public nor did he provide any interviews. Passed away at the age of 91 on May 15, 2015 due to Alzheimer's disease in a Woodland Hills assisted living facility.
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| Image courtesy Behind the Voice Actors |
Raised in Encino electrical engineer who worked for Litton Industries in Woodland Hills designing servo circuits. He would later use his skills to build stereo amplifiers starting Infinity Systems with Arnie Nudell in Chatsworth. Passed away on May 20, 2015 at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. Image below at the Chatsworth offices.
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| Image courtesy Stereophile |
Granada Hills resident that volunteered with the LAPD Devonshire and Mission Hills divisions producing National Night Out events for families and was a certified first responder with the LAFD. Passed away on June 5, 2015 of cancer at the age of 63.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Standout running back at Glendale High (1989) and Glendale Community College (1990, 1991) who went to coach two seasons at Glendale High (2007, 2008). Passed away at the age of 44 due to a heart attack on June 9, 2015.
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| Image courtesy LA Times. |
Actor best known for patriarch "Tom Bradford" on late 70's TV Show, Eight is Enough who was also a businessman and animal welfare advocate. Passed away on June 23, 2015 at the age of 86 due to complications from diabetes. Longtime Sherman Oaks resident who also owns two apartment buildings in Sherman Oaks. You can read more at the LA Daily News.
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| Image courtesy Entertainment Weekly |
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Actress appearing in more than 50 films was best known as being the ex-wife of Kirk Douglas (1943-1951) and mother of Michael (actor) and Joel Douglas (producer). Passed away at the age of 92 on July 3, 2015 due to cancer in Woodland Hills.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Although not born or lived in the SFV, was the film producer for The Karate Kid which speaks for itself (also produced Ocean's Eleven films). Passed away on July 6, 2015 at the age of 77 due to a heart attack.
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| Image courtesy LA Times |
Actor often cast as a villain best known for playing "Moe Green" in The Godfather. Passed away at the of 79 on July 18, 2015 at his Studio City home. You can read more at The Hollywood Reporter.
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| Image courtesy Wikipedia/FlickreviewR |
Catholic priest who pioneered church services in Spanish and founded a music school out of his pocket who was the associate pastor at St. Catherine of Siena in Reseda and St. Bridget of Sweden in Lake Balboa. He passed away on July 30, 2015 at the age of 82.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
42. Harry Strickland
Retired Burbank Police detective who busted up illegal gambling operations by gangster Mickey Cohen (Van Nuys resident) in the 40's and 50's who also founded the Burbank Historical Society and helped restored the 1887 Mentzer House. Passed away on August 3, 2015 at the age of 100.
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| Image courtesy LA Times. |
43. Robert Garcin
Former Glendale City Councilman, two-time mayor, and retired lawyer. Passed away on August 13, 2015 at the age of 86.
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| Image courtesy LA Times |
44. Robert "Bob" Farrell
Founder of Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor with a store in Woodland Hills. Farrell sold the chaing to Marriott in 1972 who later sold to a San Francisco investment group that eventually killed the operation in the late 80's. Passed away on August 15, 2015 at the age of 87 due to complications of Alzheimer's disease.
45. Glenn Ebert
Founder of Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor with a store in Woodland Hills. Farrell sold the chaing to Marriott in 1972 who later sold to a San Francisco investment group that eventually killed the operation in the late 80's. Passed away on August 15, 2015 at the age of 87 due to complications of Alzheimer's disease.
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| Image courtesy Farrell's Facebook Page |
West Hills resident who was a WWII Veteran and retired Culver City firefighter passed away on August 21, 2015 at the age of 93 due to congestive heart failure. You can read more at the LA Daily News.
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| Image courtesy Dignity Memorial |
46. Martin Milner
Actor best known for his performances in Route 66 (early 60's) and Adam-12 (1968 - 1975) which were filmed in the SFV. Milner graduated from North Hollywood HS (1949) and San Fernando Valley State College. Passed away on September 6, 2015 at the age of 83 due to heart failure.
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| Image courtesy Variety |
47. Alan Purwin
Veteran pilot that was the founder of Helinet based out of Van Nuys Airport that flew for film studios. He worked on more than 100 films including Transformers, Pearl Harbor, and Tropic Thunder. Passed away on September 11, 2015 at the age of 54. in Colombia working on a Tom Cruise film where a small plane carrying crews crashed. You can read more at the LA Times.
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| Image courtesy Deadline Hollywood |
48. Yevnige Salibian
Armenian Genocide survivor who shared her story at various events from Mayor Eric Garcetti to Kim Kardashian passed away on August 29, 2015 at the age of 101 at the Ararat Home of Los Angeles in Mission Hills.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
49. Jim Dunn
Founder of Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys and served on the board of the Valley Economic Alliance and as co-chair of the Aviation Policy Committee for the Valley Industry & Commerce Association. He also integrated a reconstruction of the hangar form the film Casablanca into his hotel. Passed away On September 14, 2015 at the age of 70 due to health care complications.
50. Virgina Liotta
Longtime West Hills resident who rose up the ranks of the Aerospace industry at Litton Industries, and Teledyne Technologies. Passed away on September 15, 2015 at the age of 81.
51. Cathriona White
Actor Jim Carrey's on-again,off-again girlfriend died of a suicide in Sherman Oaks. Passed away on September 28, 2015 at the age of 30.
52.James L. Lawrence Jr.
West Hills resident was an electrical engineer and aerospace industry pioneer working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Passed away on October 17, 2015 at the age of 85 after a 4 year battle with stage 4 lung cancer.
53. Marty Ingels
Actor best known for his co-star role in the 1960's TV series, I'm Dickens, He's Fenster, and also the voice of many cartoon characters and commercials. His wife is Shirley Jones of "The Partridge Family" who once had her Encino home listed on the market discussed here. Passed away on October 21, 2015 at teh age of 79 from a massive stroke at Tarzana Medical Center.
57. Melissa Mathison
Screenwriter best known for writing E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. No real connection to the SFV aside from E.T. which helped put Granada Hills on the map. Also married to Harrison Ford from 1983 - 2004. Passed away on November 4, 2015 at the age of 65 due to Neuroendocrine cancer.
Founder of Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys and served on the board of the Valley Economic Alliance and as co-chair of the Aviation Policy Committee for the Valley Industry & Commerce Association. He also integrated a reconstruction of the hangar form the film Casablanca into his hotel. Passed away On September 14, 2015 at the age of 70 due to health care complications.
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| Image courtesy PHPA.org |
Longtime West Hills resident who rose up the ranks of the Aerospace industry at Litton Industries, and Teledyne Technologies. Passed away on September 15, 2015 at the age of 81.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News. |
Actor Jim Carrey's on-again,off-again girlfriend died of a suicide in Sherman Oaks. Passed away on September 28, 2015 at the age of 30.
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| Image courtesy Hollywood Life |
West Hills resident was an electrical engineer and aerospace industry pioneer working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Passed away on October 17, 2015 at the age of 85 after a 4 year battle with stage 4 lung cancer.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Actor best known for his co-star role in the 1960's TV series, I'm Dickens, He's Fenster, and also the voice of many cartoon characters and commercials. His wife is Shirley Jones of "The Partridge Family" who once had her Encino home listed on the market discussed here. Passed away on October 21, 2015 at teh age of 79 from a massive stroke at Tarzana Medical Center.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
54. Mel Kohn
Prominent Woodland Hills CPA who served on the board of the Valley Industry & Commerce Association and as board chairman of the Valley Economic Development Center and Film LA. Also member of the City of LA Business Tax Advisory Committee. Passed away on October 25, 2015 at the age 74.
55. Carmen Miceli
Prominent Woodland Hills CPA who served on the board of the Valley Industry & Commerce Association and as board chairman of the Valley Economic Development Center and Film LA. Also member of the City of LA Business Tax Advisory Committee. Passed away on October 25, 2015 at the age 74.
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| Image courtesy Market Wired |
Opened Hollywood's first Italian restaurant that captivated generations of diners. Later added a Universal City location and was a longtime Toluca Lake resident. Passed away on October 29, 2015 at the age of 92 due to natural causes.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
56. Al Molinaro
Actor best known for playing "Murray" the cop on The Odd Couple and malt shop owner "Al Delvecchio on Happy Days. Passed away on October 30, 2015 at the age of 96 from complications of gallstone problems at Verdugo Hills hospital in Glendale. |
| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
Screenwriter best known for writing E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. No real connection to the SFV aside from E.T. which helped put Granada Hills on the map. Also married to Harrison Ford from 1983 - 2004. Passed away on November 4, 2015 at the age of 65 due to Neuroendocrine cancer.
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| Image courtesy Lion's Roar |
58. George Barris
Legendary custom car builder for TV shows and Film created the Batmobile, The Munster Koach, Knight Rider's KITT, and Dukes of Hazard's General Lee to name a few based out of his Riverside Dr shop in North Hollywood. Passed away on November 5, 2015 at the age of 89 at his Encino home. |
| Image courtesy sixpacktech.com |
59. Delores Rhoads
Founded Musonia School of Music in North Hollywood in 1949 and mother of Randy Rhoads, guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. Passed away on November 11, 2015 at the age of 95.
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| Image courtesy GuitarPlayer |
60. Wilma Malloy
Granada Hills resident who taught throughout the SFV including Sylvan Park, Granada Elementary, and Prairie Street Elemenatary School. Passed away on November 29, 2015 at the age 102.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
61. Anne Elizabeth Hall
Granada Hills resident who retired as a LAUSD schools secretary . Passed away on December 7, 2015 at the age of 75.
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
62. Jonathan Michaels
Extraordinary Events, a corporate event management firm based in Sherman Oaks lost its co-partner which produces major events for global brands like Go Daddy, Samsung, Siemens, BMW, and the Venetian Casino. Michaels also attended CSUN. Passed away on December 14, 2015 at the age of 45 from intestinal complications.
63. Jason Wingreen
Extraordinary Events, a corporate event management firm based in Sherman Oaks lost its co-partner which produces major events for global brands like Go Daddy, Samsung, Siemens, BMW, and the Venetian Casino. Michaels also attended CSUN. Passed away on December 14, 2015 at the age of 45 from intestinal complications.
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| Image courtesy Extraordinary Events |
Actor known for voicing "Boba Fett" in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and played "Harry the bartender" in All In the Family. Passes away on December 25, 2015 at the of 95 in his Studio City home.
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| Image courtesy TMZ |
64. Murray Weissman
Hollywood publicist and awards consultant that promoted numerous films and stars and also co-founded North Hollywood's Weissman/Markovitz Communications. Passed away on December 28, 2015 at the age of 90 due to pancreatic cancer.
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| Image courtesy Variety |
Actor best known for playing "Captain "Trapper" John McIntyre in 70's TV show, M*A*S*H. Possibly lived in the SFV but cannot confirm. Passed away at the age of 82 on December 31, 2015 from complications from pneumonia.
66. Kim Fowley
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| Image courtesy LA Daily News |
I missed this one for the original publication but never too late to add. Thanks to comment from Karen. Kim passed away on January 15, 2015 from bladder cancer at the age of 75. Kim was a record producer, singer, and musician who managed the Runaways who were from the San Fernando Valley. According to the comment, Fowley also spent his last days at Cherie Currie's home in West Hills.
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| Image courtesy Wikipedia/Robman94 |
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Marty Mcfly
Anything and everything about the San Fernando Valley. This blog will take you back in time when the valley was covered with dirt and orange groves to a leader in the space race to its current status as America's suburb. Come along and join me on this adventure, I guarantee you have been influenced/impacted by the San Fernando Valley in one form or another even if you have never visited or heard of the SFV.
How about record producer Kim Fowley who passed away on Jan 15 last year? Although he wasn't a valley residnet, he discovered Joan Jett and other valley residents to form The Runaways. He spent some of his final days in Chatsworth at the home of Cherie Currie.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen, I missed this one. I finally got around to updating the list.
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