Jo Ann Knight James, BHS '65 (1946-2026)

Jo Ann Knight James

December 5, 1946 - August 10, 2026

Email from Johneen Pofahl Eckardt (Orono, Maine)

With sadness I want to share the loss of our classmate Jo Ann (Knight) James, class of 1965. She died on August 10, 2026 in Auburn, CA.

We met in first grade at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School when she was 4 & I was 5. We nurtured our friendship for 75 years.  We attended the 50th Reunion of BHS class of 65. She was a wonderful friend to me & many others along the way. I will miss her profoundly particularly our annual birthday calls as our birthdays were only 3 days apart. 

I always called her Jody, her nickname growing up. I will remember her kindnesses & unconditional support of me, her friend. Actually I never remember her having an unkind word about anyone. That is a powerful legacy in today's world. Bless her. 

Jo Ann had lymphoma. Her husband was Ed James, BHS 63.

Diane Davis Kelly, BHS '61 (1943-2026)

Diane Davis Kelly

December 22, 1943 - August 14, 2026

Lynne Spitza Michels posted on Facebook today...

Sadly, Diane Davis Kelly, graduate of BHS 1961, passed away August 14, 2026.

Bob Gebo, BHS '79 (1961-2026)

Robert Douglas Gebo

Sept 30 1961 - August 4, 2026

Dan Davis shared that Bob Gebo lost his fight with cancer on August 4, 2026.

No further details at this time.

Suzi Mann LaBonge, BHS '64 (1946-2026)

Suzanne "Suzi" Charlotte Mann LaBonge

October 20, 1946 – August 6, 2026

Suzanne Mann LaBonge was in BHS Class of '64. She passed on August 6, 2026, at the age of 79. She was born on October 20, 1946, and was a resident of Little River, South Carolina.

Suzi’s daughter Melissa posted the photos and wrote...

If you knew my mom, most likely she showed you kindness, made you smile and probably tried to give you a natural remedy. Suzanne C. LaBonge was a wonderful woman - a wife, mother (to SO many!) sister, healer, friend and woman of faith. She was funny and incredibly loving. She adored her family and friends and she helped so many people and changed people’s lives through her open heart and generous spirit. Our family would like to share that mom passed, peacefully and surrounded by love. She is amongst the angels and surely she will continue to be an angel to all who knew her. People always said to me “your mom is the sweetest! And is so kind” and I would say to them, “can you imagine if she was YOUR MOM!” She was the best mom. She is missed deeply but we know she is without pain and for that we are incredibly grateful.

Al Van Wagenen, BHS '64 (1945-2026)

Alvin Edward Van Wagenen

July 12, 1945 - August 5, 2026

Sadly, we got word this morning that Al Van Wagenen BHS '64 passed away last night (August 5, 2026). His full name was Alvin Edward Van Wagenen.

At this time, we do not know of any details or of any Memorial Service arrangements.

He was widowed I believe, and had two grown children (I think a boy and a girl). He lived in Burbank, just right around the corner from us.

Such a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor.

Pam and Jon Kirkwood '64

UPDATE
The Service for Al Van Wagenen will be held at Valhalla Cemetery on Friday, August 21, at 11AM. A reception will follow at the Burbank VFW located at 1006 Magnolia Blvd. If you will be attending the reception at the VFW, please email CeCe at mcgomezmata@aol.com to let her know how many will attend, as she needs an accurate count for the caterer. If people are coming to Al Van Wagenen's Funeral Reception, CeCe needs to know by August 18 (her number again is 818 669-1362)

Nancy Brown McClelland, BHS '51 (1933-2026)

Nancy Lee Brown Kettles Wilkinson McClelland 

April 9, 1933 - April 28, 2026

Received this lovely but sad email today...

The Bulldogs Newsletter arrived today, something my mother looked forward to, so I thought I would reach out to the newsletter to have her name added to the memorial list. 

Nancy Lee Brown Kettles Wilkinson McClelland passed April 28, 2026. Nancy was born April 9, 1933 in San Francisco.  

Nancy's family moved prior her senior year so she never got the opportunity to graduate from Burbank Class of 1951. But she always felt closer to Burbank High than the high school she graduated from. Nancy Lee was going to be part of the Yearbook staff during her senior year, something that she was looking forward to.

After high school, she discovered the guitar and attended the Conservatory of Music in Santa Ana, California. Music became one of the great passions of her life. She went on to play guitar professionally and later taught guitar privately, through after-school programs, and at the Emeritus Institute at Saddleback College. Teaching came naturally to her. She was patient, encouraging, and generous with her talents.

Growing up, Nancy always shared the fond memories of her Burbank school years. She always looked forward to the arrival of the Bulldogs Newsletter. 

Sincerely,
Jeanne Nutting - daughter
July 11, 2026

Bob Crescitelli, BHS '63 (1945-2026)

Robert John "Bob" Crescitelli

January 9, 1945 - June 6, 2026

Richard Crescitelli posted today July 8, 2026, on Facebook...

Robert J. "Bob" Crescitelli, 81, of Enfield, CT beloved husband of 55 years to Theresa "Tes" (Miller) Crescitelli, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

From his early teens, Bob discovered a love for drumming and quickly became a talented musician, getting his start playing in a garage band during high school. The band name was called "The Fairviews", and was very popular in and around Burbank. 

Bob graduated from B.H.S. in 1963 and began a career in the music industry. 

Bob enjoyed a distinguished career in the music industry, spending nearly 40 years with KMC Music. Through hard work, dedication, and leadership, he rose through the ranks and retired as Vice President of Operations, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the industry.

In addition to his beloved wife, Tes, Bob is survived by his son, Arthur Crescitelli and his wife, Kim, of Washington; his grandson, Nicholas Crescitelli and his wife Dana; his brother, Richard Crescitelli and his wife, Barbara; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was predeceased by his brother, Mark Crescitelli, and his sister, Joanne Crescitelli.

Bill Gattenby, BHS '56 (1939-1994)

William "Bill" Gattenby

June 22, 1939 - November 29, 1994

FIND A GRAVE Link

Bill was born to William and Hilda Gattenby in Lawrence Massachusetts. In the 1950 census, it shows the family lived in Burbank California on Chestnut Street and Bill had an older sister, Ella and a younger sister, Lois. He married Liz Ransom in 1975 and they lived in Lake Havasu Arizona when he died. She passed away in 2024.