Mark played Little League and Soccer. Chloe from day one was always stealing the spotlight as she was an amazing little angel. His childhood was interrupted by World War II when his homeland was occupied by Fascist and Nazi forces, before falling to communism at the end of the war. The acclaimed field study programs offered by both colleges, as well as their proximity to an ocean and a lake, solidified her decision to matriculate there. April 20, 1957 - Jan. 12, 2022 He was followed by Thomas in 1959 and Jeanne in 1963. She will be remembered for her love of family, selfless generosity, crazy sense of humor, board and card game skills and love for music. Livermore, California. At USF, he was a member of the Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity. Pleasanton, California. June 3, 1952 - Dec. 27, 2022 In September 2004 she retired and moved to Marysville, Washington. Unbeknownst to Bob, Harry interviewed Bobs pastor in Brooklyn, who had high praise for the young man. May 10, 1948 - April 2, 2022 Browse Obituaries and Death Records in Pleasanton, California. She served as President of the California Downtown Association. She was a kind and gentle soul who moved through life with grace and gratitude. He grew up in Alameda, CA & resided in Pleasanton for the last 46 years. She is preceded in death by her husband Booker Jonesas well as all her siblings and friends. June 25, 1936 - Sept. 13, 2022 He was raised in Pleasanton, the youngest of five children, Robert, Jeanette, Jacqueline, and Douglas. Her nephew Hal Philipps (Laurie), and their three children Reilly, Kelsey, and Denyil Philipps of Arlington, IL, and her niece Amy Kallberg, daughter Emma, MN. February 7, 2023 (80 years old) View obituary. The moved to his residence in Hurst, Texas. He completed Naval Officer Training School in 1968 and was stationed in Hawaii where he served until 1971. They were married in June of 2017 and settled down as a happy couple in Livermore to enjoy a wonderful life, abundant with family, friends, and their beloved golden doodle, Ruthie. Teri touched so many different people with her old soul and gentle heart. In her youth Helen excelled in academics, gymnastics and piano. He also supported Jan in raising 19 puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind and collected frog themed art that is displayed throughout their home. Don developed networking software for his whole career. Sacramento, CA. He graduated in 1966 with a degree in Chemistry. You may also light a candle in honor of Betty Joyce Schirmer or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral . He thrived on adventure, and was always the first to the top of the mountain or first in the water if the opportunity presented itself. Joe David Bosquez. Oct. 5, 1930 - May 19, 2022 Aug. 23, 1939 - Dec. 12, 2022 At college, John not only earned his Bachelors degree, but he also gave up bachelorhood for good. When in public, he always had a smile for servers at restaurants and checkers at supermarkets and loved to kindly minister to them. Services will be at St. Augustine's Church in Pleasanton on October 27, 2022 at 1:00 PM with burial to follow at St. Augustine Cemetery. Margaret Fluck Smith This began his lifelong career in the electrical/lighting industry and opened doors leading to a position with GESCO that relocated him back to Northern California. Apart from a few years in San Francisco and a stint in Germany with the Army, Mike called Oakland, Hayward and finally Pleasanton home. They started their lives together in Saratoga where they had 3 children. She attended Hayward High School. He began his career at Chabot College in Hayward, Ca. Pat was the first Executive Director of the Pleasanton Downtown Association and pioneered programs that continue to this day such as the Saturday Farmers' Market and Friday Concerts in the Park. They were a mutually supportive couple for more than 51 years, enjoying especially their travels in the western parks and in Europe. Anne had a fun-loving spirit and enjoyed fully participating in theme parties with family and friends. There wasn't a sport he couldn't quickly master (or beat his older sister at), from the usual team sports, to water/snow skiing, golf, track & field, and everything in-between. Grandmother of Jocelyn and Brady Koch. He was awarded Naval Aviation Observer (Navigation) wings in August 1964, and ordered to Bombardier/Navigator training in the A3B Skywarrior aircraft. As a teenager, Alex excelled in sports; he was an especially talented soccer player. 1941 - March 16, 2022 Sally was a devoted long-time m Chloe Anne Patzner He loved his wife of 65 years who sadly passed in 2021. Bob was born in Brooklyn, New York on May 25, 1934 to Frederick and Ethel Philcox. Pleasanton, California. He went on to build a successful career in sales in the home furnishing industry for 47 years. He loved seeing new places, experiencing new cultures and making new acquaintances and friends. Their love continued to blossom, and they were married on October 7, 1967. Ed was born on August 4, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Fred and Eleanor Burkart. Their daughter, Vanessa Rose, was born 3 years later, creating a family, fully committed to each other. Dan was born on . Lynne was born to Francis and Lenora Geary in Hawthorn, CA in 1952. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Some of his favorite trips included childhood summers at his grandparents' home in Baton H. Roger Lewis He was interviewed by the founder and president, Harry Harding. Oct. 18, 1933 - Jan. 25, 2022 As her family got older, Carol worked for the Valley Times Newspaper in Pleasanton in the graphic design department for 8 years. Oct. 9, 1964 - Dec. 22, 2022 Lynne loved to travel and go on countless adventures with her family. He was the sort of fellow who loved talking to anyone, and never shied away from long, philosophical conversations. Don and Pam spent 37 cherished years together, enjoying sports, cruises and traveling to over 47 countries. She was always working on something--her businesses, their real estate, her family, their home--she was not comfortable resting and worked from the moment she woke in the morning until she went to bed. She and her husband Charles moved to Pleasanton in 1967 where they raised their daughter, Frances. Harvey loved to spend his weekends watching football, especially the San Francisco 49ers & Cal Bears. Sally Brown, a beloved resident of Livermore, died on August 31, 2022, at the age of 94. Donald (Don) O. Mazy left this plane of existence for his next flight on February 1st, 2022. Jerry was born to Margaret and Alfred Fourie in San Francisco on August 11, 1953. Pats teaching and coaching career in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) spanned 33 years. Mark was born in Oakland, CA, to his parents Sidney & Elsie Hermanson and raised in Pleasanton. In later years, he and his wife Carol established and ran Carols Guest Home a home for the elderly. Ron was born in Oakland, CA and attended local schools and played football at Fremont High, graduating in 1965. Richard Dick Martin passed peacefully September 13, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He attended Chico State University from 1977 1982 and like any true Chico State student, enjoyed his time at Upper Bidwell Park and floating down the Sacramento River. Her father led the well-regarded Harold Heiser Dance Orchestra, and Janet grew up social dancing several nights a week at major hotels and picnic sites throughout California. During World War II, the family moved away from city bombings to Nordheim v.d.Rhn, a small farming village where her mothers family lived. Mike was born to George Sr. and Caroline Walsh on March 4, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York, and he grew up in Glen Cove on Long Island, NY. He was born on December 12, 1964 to Beverly and William Carlson in Downingtown, PA. In 1963, he was asked to transfer to Granada High the year the school opened. Sharons sisters are Rondi and Marilee of Bakersfield. Don is survived by his loving wife of 26 1/2 y John M. Peterson He continued on as a punter for San Francisco State University where he studied communications. Pleasanton, CA. Dan received a Masters degree in 1968 and a PhD in 1973 from MIT in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. Mary Harvey Bernard Kameny Doug Brenzel passed away peacefully after a brief but valiant stand against brain cancer. He was a Local 444 which merged with Local 342 union member who worked for only two employers for the duration of his career before his well-deserved retirement. After discovering it, Don pursued geocaching avidly. She is survived by her son Samuel, her brother Matthew, her niece Jacqueline, and her nephews Timothy, Mickey, and Garrett. Tracy, California. Immediately after graduation, Stephanie began to build a successful career at PG&E, in San Ramon, eventually earning a position as a Design and Project Engineer for high pressure gas lines. Kathleen Benassini, loving mother and grandmother. Pat coached football and basketball Edmond Stephen Alves Carol was wed to Robert (Bob) Zedlitz on August 24, 1962 in Reno, Nevada while on a trip to California and started their married lives together for the next 60 years. Some of her jobs around this time included working as a switchboard phone operator for AT&T and a secretary for the Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball team. Gordon and Audrey Aune. Thomas, known by all as Tom was born in Queens New York on August 23, 1939. Leander, Texas, CA. Luke suddenly and unexpectedly passed on the second day of this year 2023. Chlo Chlo knew what she wanted and if she had even a drop of a dirty diaper would yell until her diaper was clean. He loved sitting on the porch with his wife and talking with the neighbors. Ron was a life-long baseball enthusiast &; fan of the Oakland As & SF Giants. Milton retired as an Alameda County Reserve Deputy Sheriff after 50 years of service. John was born in Dallas, Texas, raised in Oklahoma, and spent the last 38 years in the Bay Area where his helping hands will be missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. Search Pleasanton obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. He worked at the Lab for 36 years, retiring in 1994. He was also a blessing to those many lives he touched. She entertained frequently and always welcomed family and friends into her home. She was also preceded in death by her three brothers, Joseph (Joe), Anthony (Butch) and Lewis (Skip). Reyes Perez, Jr. 07/08/75 - 02/14/23. A force of love and passion to be reckoned with In 1978 Dick Martin was ordained a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church and served the Catholic Community of Pleasanton for almost four decades. Carl was born to Josephine and Charles Cleto Michelotti on November 4, 1937. Nov. 18, 1931 - Aug. 28, 2022 Playlist. Lynne was the youngest of five children. He retained many lifelong friends from his schooling days (in fact, every year since 1984, he played in the annual "Whackers and Hackers" golf tournament with his Serra buddies). The two of them hit it off right away, and Sharrell fondly remembers that she was taken by his charm and wit. Pleasanton, California. She is survived by her husband, John and three children, David, Jayne & Jack and her four grandchildren, Jessica, Michael, Andrew & Austin. Her siblings included her sisters, Elizabeth and Patsy, and her two brothers Ed and Richard. Livermore, California. She had a regular gig singing folk songs at the VA Medical Center in Livermore. Verna Rose Kelsey-Jahn Love of their four lovely daughters, Cindy Engel, Denean Gable, Nancy Strohmeyer & Marianne Sekany. Pleasanton, California. Within 2 years, their first daughter, Gabrielle, was on the way (born in early 1980)! Find service information, send flowers, and leave memories and thoughts in the Guestbook for your loved one. Janet Lilyan Hokanson passed away in Livermore, CA, on April 26 at the age of 90. She was born in Fort Scott, Kan., on April 9, 1963, the daughter of Owen Lee and Juanita May Brown Haverfield. Harvey was a long time Pleasanton Rotarian & very active within the community. Elizabeth was born in Scherzingen Switzerland and was one of six children. Sally was born on December 26, 1927, in New York City, the daughter of Arthur Ray Brown and Bertha Losak Maderas Brown. Roy Harris, 89 - Jan 23, 2020. Pleasanton, California. Livermore, CA. In total, 14 real estate sales . Prior to raising her two children, Carol taught first grade. He simply loved people and got so much joy from all of his travels. He found over 10,000 caches in 18 countries. He traveled many places including Europe, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and Australia! At GHS, he taught, coached, and served as the schools first Athletic Director. Pleasanton, California. He grew up in Alexandria, VA, He graduated from TC Williams High School where his love of music grew as a member of the marching band. She loved family gatherings and adventures with her grandkids to places like the San Francisco Zoo, or her favorite seafood joint in San Francisco, Scoma's. She may have been born early, but she was strong, sweet, and sassy from the start. Jeanette was born Jeanette Arline Love. He will be remembered as a kind, fun-loving and a much-loved son, grandson, husband and friend. Some of Freds hobbies included flying Cessna 172s and Piper Cherokee Aircraft in the 1960s, playing Bridge, reading and studying Biblical Archaeology, history, theology and business trends. Brothers Steve Tague of Kingman, AZ and Mike Tague of Brentwood, California and their families visited Judi often, including a family reunion at The Berkshire. Robert (Bob) Philcox, former Mayor of Pleasanton passed away Saturday at his home in Pleasanton. He loved sports, specifically baseball and football and was a die hard Green Bay Packers fan. 25, 2022 in Leander, TX. Dec. 29, 2021 - Aug. 28, 2022 A fourth-generation female born in Oakland California, a resident of Napa for 6 years and Pleasanton for 38 years, Judi passed away at The Berkshire from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. January 28, 2023 (54 years old) View obituary. Patti's father's job took them to Idaho Falls, ID, where Patti was an active member in Jobs Daughters. Marana, Arizona. When it came to Ryan and Lindsey, she never missed a sporting event, school field trip, or special moment in their lives. All Obituaries. While there he was sent on jobs to The Philippines, Sinop, Turkey, England, and Germany. Friends and family of Sharon are welcome to attend a celebration of life in Sh R. Norman Nelson, Jr. Dick was predeceased by his parents, the late George J. and Ann (Perez) Wirtenson; and his loving brother, the late Allen J. Wirtenson. She was "Mrs. At Graham-Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton, we have provided personalized memorial and funeral services that honor the gifts and achievements of a special life in the Tri-Valley area for more than 125 years. Barbara Hempill was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 22, 1931. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Joyce Lee Mabry was born to Ollie and Mamie Mabry in Fresno, California along with her twin Eddie Marie Mabry, they were the youngest of five sisters including Pauline Lucille, Dorothy Oleta, and Vivian Ruth Mabry. in 1981, he attended Chico State and started working as a bartender. On June 26, 1988, he married the love of his life, Pam Shagen. Feb. 8, 1953 - Aug. 23, 2022 He was never without a clean joke to tell and worked hard to make sure he didnt repeat his jokes. The manager did not hire him. Moved to California in 1957 to live with her brother Rogers (Billy) and Bruces sister. A few days before Christmas, John Brumby Boruk passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer at the Santa Clara hospital where he was born 58 years ago. California called and said to bring that gorgeous smile south to Alameda where she was raised. Pleasanton, California. Paula graduated from Alameda High in 1963, where she was an excellent student, cheerleader and involved in student government. She learned to play the piano, and began singing in the church choir when she was 16. Lynne, a thirty-seven-year resident of Pleasanton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband and their four children, at the age of 70. He spent his early career building infrastructure power systems both in the US and overseas, with projects in Thailand, Peru, Pakistan, and Vietnam. While raising their family in Pleasanton, Mike worked for over 25 years in finance and banking, most recently as a Senior Vice President at Silicon Valley Bank. Her daughters knew that the gentle but firm parenting she administered was given in love. Edmond Stephen Alves died on February 2, 2022, at the age of 91. Livermore, California. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 44 years Bertha Alicia Martin. He loved sports! Pleasanton native Rene Martin passed peacefully at home on June 16, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Back in the U.S. for the remainder of high school, Mike found his real passion was basketball and played for the Dons at Amador Valley High School where he Douglas R. Brenzel March 4, 1939 - May 11, 2022 In 1958 Larry moved west accepting a position at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as a physicist. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army as a Communications . He was active in the Pleasanton Art League and the Livermore Art Association and won awards for his paintings at Tri-Valley shows. She found quick success in the real estate industry before joining her mother Lynn and brother Mark in their thriving family business Hired Hands Homecare. Now the blessings Richard Lee Martin She was smart, funny, loving, and generous. Helen Hunter Bassett Hess Bountis passed into the hands of God on October 15th 2022 in her home at Portola Gardens, San Francisco at the age of 68 after difficulties with dialysis and end stage renal disease. She lived in Pleasanton for 69 years, almost entirely at the same home that they purchased and expanded over the years. As a teenager, Bob himself was a roustabout on the oil rigs outside Sterling. He spent his childhood in S. After retiring from the Association, you could find Pat staffing the community information table every Saturday she was in town. John Milton Peterson was a man so remarkable that he actually had not one, but three birthdays. Pleasanton Obituaries are public records which are documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and can be viewed instantly online. Audio Article. All were welcomed into this enchanted space that inspired creativity, where lifes questions could be answered or a broken heart could be mended. After graduating from Glen Cove High School, he joined the Navy, where he served on the maiden voyage of the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. Lucas Emmett aka The Director Luke entered Gods Eternal Kingdom far too young, at the age of 28. Kirk Irvin Iverson, 63, born in Fargo, ND on July 3, passed away unexpectedly in his home in Gold River, CA on November 30, 2022. The former roller derby queen, bowling and water-skiing enthusiast was affectionately known as "Ducky" to her friends and family and "Grandma Shirley" to her 8 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His love of learning took him onto Modesto Jr. College where he earned an AA Degree. Her parents Karla Brown (current Mayor of Pleasanton) and Timothy Belcher and her two older sisters, Pam and Alicia were overjoyed when Stephanies arrival completed their family. Patti was born October 31,1940 in Washington D.C. to Arthur and Marjorie Lankford. He loved adrenaline-charged activities like rock climbing, skateboarding, and sailing. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. He also loved the excitement of city life, making San Francisco his home for 10 years before settling in the South Bay, then ultimately landing in San Luis Obispo three years ago. Y. by Dennis Miller / Pleasanton Weekly. Dorothy Harriet Smith was born in Oroville, California, the daughter of Bert Laraway Smith, Jr., and Emily Harriet Strother. Milton is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen and children; Michael Elm (Teresa), Sharon Frazier (Hie), Chris Elm, David Elm (Cynthia), Maria Bird (Frank), Stephen Elm, Daniel Elm and Sister in law Patricia Haley. Rene's short, but heroic battle with pancreatic cancer, was fought with the same courage, determination and positive attitude which was the hallmark of her life. Her greatest fans called her Grammy. She loved every moment spent with her grandchildren Brayden, Zoe, Addison, and Emerson and never missed an opportunity to spoil them. In typical Chloe aka Chlo Chlo fashion she made an early arrival to the world (as she liked to do things on her own time). MARTIN ACUNA, SR. . Deeply loved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, Matthew Donald Magoon, 52, of Pleasanton, California, passed away peacefully at Valley Care Hospital February 28, 2022. He also leaves his beloved daughters, Kayla & Kirsten Peterson. July 20, 1942 - May 9, 2022 He also had a small bowling shop at The Granada Bowl. June 15, 1942 - Jan. 27, 2022 At 14 years old he went to work in a local cabinet shop, cleaning up to earn funds to fuel his passion for engine building and horsepower. She tirelessly supported her children with their many sports and activities, joining PTAs, and volunteering to lead and organize any number of youth organizations. Pleasanton, California. His other passion was geocaching. He worked as a Physicist for 35 years at Lawrence Livermore Lab. During his time at Foothill High School, he made lifelong friends, who affectionately called him Ivan for the rest of his life. Graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Academy. H. Roger Lewis, known in the Livermore Valley for his warmth and kindness, was promoted to meet his Lord face-to-face on December 17, 2022. Feb. 13, 1929 - Dec. 29, 2021 Pleasanton, California. passed at her home in San Ramon, CA on January 27, 2022. She played guitar in the Celebration folk service a Carlo E Vecchiarelli Jr. He was raised with his brother, Fred Jr. and sister, Rita. Pat was born on St. Patricks Day at St. Pauls Hospital in Livermore, the oldest son of parents who were born and raised in Livermore and Pleasanton, respectively. She graduated from Cal State University, East Bay in her late forties. Dec. 22, 1934 - June 29, 2022 The youngest of four children, Bob grew up in Sterling where he excelled academically (especially in math, science, and art) and in sports (especially baseball) and he graduated Salutatorian of his high school class of 1956. She was also an amazing grandmother to her nine grandchildren: Lyndsey, Grant, Alex, Sierra, Austin, Jake, Brad, Lane, and Kayley. He was born in Baltimore. Don was born in San Diego, CA. Diana Re, a 52-year resident of the Tri-Valley, passed away on April 22, 2022, after a short hospital stay. . He spent his younger days in South San Francisco graduating from St. Veronica's School in 1967 and Serra High School in 1971 (where he was the recipient of the Bank of America Science Award). He was a known practical joker. They initially lived in VA but later moved to SLC, UT. In 1966 he met and married his wife, Grace. While her two boys were growing up, she supported them on band trips and in their other activities such as Cub Scouts. Aug. 17, 1931 - May 11, 2022 Nathan adored his mother and remained close to her his entire life. July 28, 1944 - March 27, 2022 Chloe Anne Patzner was born in Walnut Creek, CA on December 29, 2021. Carmel, California. They were happily married for nearly 57 years. Carl and Sharrell resided in both San Mateo and Sunnyvale during which time Jensen Gerome Ybarra He built his career in sales and management where he thrived in building tight relationships with clients for over 40 years. He loved traveling, Skiing, and most of all having adventures with his son Holden. Dennis was a kind, methodical man, who left his mark on many people with his smile and sense of humor. It was the "Paris of the Middle East" and Mary loved the Mediterranean lifestyle and multi-cultural people. The City of Jourdanton water billing issues took a step back on Tuesday, Feb. 21 despite one city council member's request to appeal an agenda item and to take action to resolve the high and questionable fees on water bills. Ed was a proud Marine and served his country during the Korean War. After her first marriage ended, Joyce was introduced to Daniel Paul Soria, the man who would become the love of her life. Margaret Ann (Peg) Fluck Smith passed away on October 19, 2022, in Portland, Oregon. in liberal arts followed by a B.S. Pleasanton, California. Those who spent more than a few moments with him loved him dearly and will miss him sorely. Ed was active in the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) as well as the Knights of Columbus. You could usually find Tom with family or friends enjoying a bottle or two of wine along with some cheese, crackers and stories on any given day. Nov. 29, 1938 - July 31, 2022 Gustav was raised in Camaguey, Cuba. R. Norman Nelson, Jr. of Brentwood, California passed away on Thursday March 10, 2022 at the age of 78. He experienced living in Livermore, Seattle, Denver (where Matt was president of the Raiders booster club), Modesto, and most of his years in Pleasanton. Fourie passed away with his family around his bedside on December 16, 2022. She was 70 years old. The family was completed in 2019 when Vanessa married Brian Osgood. They had their only child, Joe, in August Throughout her life, she traveled the world and held a special fondness for her years spent as a young bride in Munich, Germany. CADE ANDREWS SPORTS EDITOR . Bela immigrated to the United States in the early 1960s and attended Georgetown before ultimately moving west and graduating from San Jose State with a degree in Interior Design. Dennis retired in 2007, but his drive and enjoyment of police work led him to co-founding an investigative services company where he worked with cities across the Bay Area to conduct pre-hire background investigations for public safety employment candidates. He went on to play football for San Francisco State & graduated with a BA in Business Administration & continued his education at Cal State East Bay & UC Berkeley. He and his wife Maureen served as grief counselors Kirk was born to Keith and Ione Iverson in Fargo, ND in 1959. George loved his adventurous travels all over the world to find unique gems for his special customers. He was the . Earth lost an angel and Heaven gained one on the death of Patricia Lankford Baer (Patti) on January 25, 2023. He was born in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, to Bert Shaw and Inger Mikelson. Mike passed peacefully in the company of loved ones and pets at home. We are sad to announce that on February 28, 2023 we had to say goodbye to Betty Joyce Schirmer of Pleasanton, Texas. He graduated from San Jose State University (under the G.I. Irene Still grew up in a quaint New England town, Methuen, which is located just north of Boston. Carol, a woman of generous spirit, warmth, and admirable tenacity, was born and educated in Pittsburgh, PA. They both attended college in Oregon were they met. Mark was a season ticket Raider holder for over 25 years. San Ramon, California. Miguel G Jimenez. John Hudson passed away suddenly on Friday, June 3rd in Pleasanton, California. Southport, North Carolina. He was an amazing negotiator and one of the top 5 electrical salesmen in Northern California. 2023-03-01. Born on October 6, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Betty (Cline) Nelson and Ralph N. Nelson Sr., Norm graduated in 1961 from Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, Texas. Dan grew up in Oceanside, New York, graduating from Oceanside High School in 1960 and then heading off to Cornell University, where he majored in mechanical engineering.