Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Joe Proctor, BHS '38 (1920-2022)

Joseph Clayton Proctor
3/12/1920 – 11/28/2022

George Colvin just posted on Facebook...

"My Uncle, Joe Proctor, class of 1938, passed yesterday 11/28/22. He was 102 years old." 

RIP Joe.

OBITUARY

Joe Proctor 
3/12/1920 – 11/28/2022 
Joseph Clayton Proctor was born on March 12, 1920, in Muncie, Indiana to Virgil and Josephine. He had one brother, Ray and one sister, Marjorie, both deceased. 

Joe was in the Burbank High School Class of 1938. In 1939 he worked for Lockheed Aircraft as a Tool Planner. In 1942 he joined the Merchant Marines as a Baker. Joe was discharged in 1945 and married Norma Grahn in 1947. She passed in April 2000. They had one adopted son, Mark C. Proctor. 

Joe later worked for Hughes Aircraft Co. His hobby was building model airplanes. They were NOT store bought. Some were large, with a wing span of 4 to 5 feet. Some were small with a wing span of only 2 ½ feet. His planes are now in a few Aerospace Museums. 

He is survived by family and many friends where he lived.

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Chris Williams, BHS '79 (1961-2022)



 Christopher Lee Williams
March 8, 1961 - October 24, 2022

Jennifer Dougherty just posted on Facebook...
 
Chris Williams , Our dear friend, father and husband passed suddenly recently,.
 
RIP Chris.

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Richard Shaw, BHS '63 (1946-2022)


Richard Shaw 
January 17, 1946 - November 12, 2022

We just learned from the son of Richard Shaw (BHS '63) that Rich passed away this morning, November 12, 2022.

Richard was a Marine and served in Viet Nam. He raised his two boys by himself, as he lost his wife to cancer when the boys were very young.

Richard had been fighting a long time illness for many years and had been recently hospitalized. He is survived by his sons, Nick and Tony, their wives and children and countless friends.
 
Pam and Jon Kirkwood wrote, "This is a really tough one to share... Richard was a good long-time friend to so many of us and we are so painfully feeling this loss. We will miss him, his smiling face and our marathon phone conversations. Semper Fi, Dear Friend and God Bless."

RIP Rich.
 
In high school, Richard was voted "Prettiest Eyes" in his Class of '63.along with Carol Lewellyn


 A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux 
❤️πŸ™πŸ» 
 
Carrie Diaz-Lathouwers 
My condolences to all his family and friends. RIP πŸ™ 
 
Patricia Sorley 
Oh Rich. So very sad. What a nice person in high school. R.I.P. old Bulldog. Condolences to your family, friends, loved ones. It's a hard time. 
 
Martin Lillibridge 
RIP Bulldog πŸ™ 
 
Julie Guttridge 
So sad losing another Bulldog. What a good man raising his sons alone. 
Darlene Culotta 
Julie Guttridge 
I agree. That is impressive. 
 
Sue Burnette 
Sending love and condolences to his family. Had a couple cllasses with Rich. A great guy. RIP Rich.❤️ 
 
Kenneth Clark 
Rich, my good buddy down my street! Many thanks to you and your family all through the years! 
 
Vicki Herrin Fields 
Rest in Peace ⚘️
 
Heather Seapy Tobin 
May he rest in peace. 
 
Darlene Culotta 
Oh, how sad. Condolences to his family.. 
 
Elizabeth Allen 
RIP 
 
Jaydean Gordon Dyer 
Sad news. He showed great strength and courage through it all. He was one of the best. A good friend, loved by many and will be greatly missed by his friends in all circles of his life. Deepest sympathy to his family. RIP dear friend and fellow Bulldog. You will live on in our hearts and in all of our sweet memories of you.
 
Annette Dinolfo Bennett 
So sad πŸ™πŸΌπŸ™πŸΌ 
 
Mickey DePalo 
Rest In Peace, Sir. Slow Hand Salute. πŸ™πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
 
Steve LeSueur 
I am very saddened by this news. Richie (as I knew him) lived up the street from me on Brighton Street. He and Gary Parsons were the older boys on the block and ruled the roost. Richie and Gary organized the games we played on the street--three flies up, hit the bat, touch football, etc.--and they always allowed the younger kids to play. I still remember playing tackle football with Richie on his front lawn with other boys--and I am seven years younger than Richie. Of course, I thought I was just as good as the others and never realized they were taking it easy on me when they let me score those touchdowns. By the way, for those of you who remember Gary Parsons, he had more muscles than all of the rest of the boys on our street put together. Richie and I saw each other at the 2008 BHS Centennial celebration and though it had been at least 40 years since we had seen each other, we each recognized the other. We had a nice chat about growing up and all of the characters on our street. It was a time when kids wandered free and roamed the neighborhood until you found other kids to hang out with, even if they were seven years older! Richie was a part of that time for me and his passing, like the passing of that era, makes me sad. Still, I am grateful for the many pleasant memories. RIP Richie. 
Kathleen Wyatt Richardson 
Steve LeSueur 
wonderful post 😊
Mary Drake 
Steve LeSueur
so touching,and yes, what a wonderful childhood we all had! πŸ™πŸ» 
 
Robert Martin Elliot 
Rip Rich! 
 
Cecilia Olga Aguirre Sheehan 
RIP fellow Bulldog
 
Mary Lou Struck Shelton 
Gosh sorry to hear this - a nice guy. RIP
 
Richard Clarke 
RIP friend 
 
John Panarisi 
You will be missed good friend 
 
Carole Wells 
Very sad news, indeed. 
 
Lorraine Zensen 
So sorry! What a nice person he was. RIP and May the Comfort of our Comforter surround your family and friends πŸ™πŸ»❤️πŸ™πŸ»
 
Sunny Singer 
Oh my goodness. Rich WAS goodness. Even though he had been going through some tough times these past few years he was a bulldog slogging through. Upbeat. A special member of our BHS Alumni committee. He will be sorely missed. RIP Richard πŸ’™πŸ’™πŸ’™
 
Grace Tabura Strong 
Oh my. I’m so sorry. πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™ 
 
John Nave 
Really sad news. Rich like an older brother via his long friendship with my sis.
 
Ginny Smallenburg 
I am so terribly sorry to know this. Rich has been a good friend the past few years and in high school. My sincere condolences to his sons. Rich has had health problems for a long time but he was always positive and always eager to engage in long chats. We will miss him.
 
Mary Boriso Jordan 
Oh, my goodness. So very sorry to hear this...Rest in peace, Rich...Prayers that God will comfort his family....πŸ’• 
 
Mary Lou Johnson Anderson 
Oh, no! I’m so sorry to hear this.  
 
Barry Burnett 
Sad news. I really liked Rich. Good man. Condolences! 
 
Kathi Piacenza Lyons 
RIP 
 
Carol Davidson Baird 
I'm so sad to hear this, but he bravely fought on for years. May his family find peace and may he be for a wonderful memory in their hearts as well as all his BHS friends. 
 
Nadine Aguirre Lujan 
RIP Reply 10h Renee King RIP Rich…❤️ 
 
Rod Klomp 
R.I.P. Rich, you’ll be missed and never forgotten… 
 
Sharon Anderson McEntire 
πŸ™πŸ™πŸ˜ƒ
 
Ginny Smallenburg 
RIP Rich. 
 
Betsey Nash 
Linda Silvius, one of your classmates. 
 
Carole Collins 
The Lord called my dearest friend Richard home today. Heaven has another Angel. He is reunited with Megan. He will be missed by all of his family and many friends. He truly blessed and enriched our lives. You were truly loved! 
 
Jolene Firgens No, no, no! Not Richard. Sweet man. May he RIP. 😞 
 
Gregg Wietstock ❤️πŸ™❤️  
 
NOVEMBER 11, 2022 UPDATE

Below is a tribute that was put on FB by Richard Shaw's Sons, Nick and Tony Shaw.
There are also several pictures attached that you can view on Tony Shaw's FB page.

Details for the Memorial Service to be held on December 16, 2022 can be obtained
by emailing Nick Shaw at nickshaw8122@yahoo.com
 
It's with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father Richard Shaw. We are devastated, and it feels like the entire world is dimmer without him here. We sit here recalling the events of the last 6 weeks, and how we felt relief and had hope that he could recover. But ultimately, our father, who was a fighter, is finally able to rest. He doesn't have to fight anymore. He was a lifelong friend to so many, and a supreme father to us boys. 
 
When our mother Megan passed away when we were very young, our father stepped into his calling. He went through more trauma than most people could handle, yet he was always on call to be "dad". He called himself the MADman, the "mom-and-dad man" because he had to do it all. It's only after having children of our own, do we truly understand how incredible what he did was. He raised two (and we'll fully admit, often difficult) children by himself. He gave us a wondrous childhood. We never wanted for anything. And he was always there for us. Somehow present at all the sporting events and stage plays at the same time. It seems impossible. And we feel we have yet to outdo the childhood he gave us with our own kids. 
 
He lived to see his lifelong friendships evolve, and to see his sons turn into men. He watched us become fathers of our own. And he got to spoil four grandchildren, Liam, Collin, Meagan and baby Lincoln. The morals and integrity he taught us will live on through them, just as his incredible presence will live on through all the friends he has touched in his life. We are thankful to have our Aunt Terri (Nana) and Uncle Howard to help guide us through this stretch, because our hearts are broken. The sadness feels like an ocean, and we're in tiny little boats getting rocked by waves. But there's something about hearing your kids laugh that brings you back to dry land. We know we have a lot of time ahead of us, and many new memories to create, but are so grateful that he brought us this far. 
 
We made sure to let him know that his sacrifices didn't go unnoticed, and that we were extremely proud of him. We miss him so much. He was our father, our best friend, and our hero. 
 
The outpouring of genuine love from everyone has been overwhelming and powerful, and we thank you all. We think about you all the time, Dad. 
Love you always. 
Your Boys -- 

We want to offer this page as a space for the people he touched in his life, to write a memory about him, and post it here. 

The service will be held on December 16th at 12pm. Please email for details to nickshaw8122@yahoo.com

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Ben Estes, BHS '72 (1954-2022)



 Benjamin Yates Estes
September 12, 1954 - Early November 2022

We are so sorry to share that Ben Estes, BHS '72. passed away from a massive heart attack last week. 
 
Among his survivors are his mother, Sally Pierson Estes, BHS '53, brother Don Estes, BHS '74 and sister Shannon Estes Donathan, BHS '77.
 
No further details are available.

RIP Ben.

DECEMBER 7 2022 UPDATE
Mickie Sullivan Ponek posted on Facebook this note and obituary:

Ben Estes 1954-2022

Ben had moved from Burbank several years ago, but cherished the many lifelong friends he made during his younger years. From school days to recent Dodgers Games, Ben made great memories with his Burbank friends. The family thanks the overwhelming messages of support received during this difficult time. We welcome all of Ben's friends to celebrate his life with our family this Saturday in Santa Clarita.

OBITUARY
Benjamin “Ben” Yates Estes
 
Ben was born in Burbank, California, to Jack and Sally Estes on September 12, 1954. He was soon joined by the arrival of his brother Don and then sister Shannon. The family lived on Manning Street in Burbank where they were actively involved with neighbors, many whom are still friends today. Ben attended Providencia Elementary, Luther Burbank Jr. High and graduated from Burbank High School. Ben played on the Burbank Bulldogs football team and was a pitcher for their baseball team. He also played softball for Burbank Parks and Recreation for many years. 

As a young adult, Ben studied business at Glendale Community College and held various jobs including working at Harveys in Lake Tahoe. Ben eventually went to work for Lockheed Aircraft Co. as a manufacturing control supervisor for the L-10-11 TriStar. He then moved on to working for the studios as a grip, where he eventually retired. In 1990, 

Ben married Julie Ponek at St. Finbar Catholic Church. The two made their home in Santa Clarita. The birth of daughters, Shelby and Ally, brought much joy to the couple. As the girls became young adults, Ben took pride in their accomplishments. The family enjoyed many fun times together, which often included trips to the beach and Yosemite. Ben was an avid fisherman, devoted Dodger fan, loved to cook and socialize. During one of his family trips to Crystal Cove he discovered a footballfish that had washed up on the shore. This rarely seen deep-sea creature is now in the National History Museum Ichthyology Collection. 

On November 2, 2022, Ben unexpectedly passed away. He was a kind and generous son, husband, father, brother, uncle and nephew. Ben was pre-deceased by his father Jack Estes and nephew, Robert Donathan. He is survived by his mother, Sally Estes, wife, Julie Estes, daughters, Shelby and Ally, brother Don Estes (Ann), sister Shannon Donathan, aunt, Susan Burns, uncle, Peter Pierson and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that everyone who knew Ben pass along the same giving spirit he shared with others. Services will be held at 12 noon December 10, 2022, at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church located at 22508 Copper Hill Drive in Santa Clarita. A reception will follow at a nearby family home.


A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Martin Lillibridge 
RIP Bulldog πŸ™ 

Susan Ghiselli Mauch 
RIP Bulldog, Childhood friend/neighbor 

Susan Ghiselli Mauch 
So many good memories πŸ’™πŸ’”πŸ˜˜ 

Vicki Herrin Fields 
Rest in Peace ⚘️ 

Sandy Babin 
A wonderful spirit ...has gone to heaven... RIP Benny πŸ™πŸ™πŸ’– 

Elizabeth Allen 
Another bulldog. RIP 

Cheryl Eubanks 
Rest in peace!❤ 

Nancy McNamara Zambrana 
Rest In Peace dear Benny. Lots of great memories with you & all the kids from the “flat land” that went to BHS πŸ’™πŸ’™ 

Debra Flannery-Dunn 
So sorry to hear. RIP Benny. 

Nadine Aguirre Lujan 
Rest in peace. 

Jodee Bennett 
RIP dear Benny. Always smiling.❤️😒 
Judy Torres Jodee Bennett 
Always ♥️ 
Shannon Estes Donathan 
Jodee Bennett Judy Torres! 
Yes he was! Biggest heart love all you as always friends! πŸ’™πŸ’”πŸ˜˜ 

Sheri Fanderlik 
Rest In Peace Benny. πŸ™πŸ’™πŸ™ 

Jodee Bennett 
Love to the family, he’s missed. 

Mike Donathan 
Too sad. Get the party started up there Ben Estes . 

Desiree Collins Babin 
Rest In Peace Benny πŸ™πŸ™❤️❤️ 

Mary Boriso Jordan 
God comfort his family....Rest in peace, Ben...🌹 

Jerri Elizabeth Mihos 
Deepest condolences, sadness in our hearts Best childhood memories of sunshine, freedom and so much fun ❣️ 
Shannon Estes Donathan 
Jerri Elizabeth Mihos 
Right Jerri! Many memories! πŸ’™πŸ’”πŸ˜˜ 

Carol Fabrizio 
RIP πŸ™ 

John Waddell Rest 
In Peace Benny!! When you get to heaven say hi to our buddy Mark Diaz!! 

Jonny Reese 
This one hurts! 
Shannon Estes Donathan 
Jonny Reese Hurts BIG time πŸ’™πŸ’”πŸ˜˜ 

Julie Costanzo 
We are so sorry too hear.πŸ™πŸ™ 

Laura Anglin Peterson 
What a beautiful smile.. That’s exactly how I remember him. RIP BennyπŸ’™ 

Dianne Postal-Simmons 
So sad sending love 

Peggy Peters Very sad to read this. 😒 

Julian Almaraz 
RIP πŸ™ 

Margie Turner 
Oh my. I am so sad . May he rest in peace. He is in good hands. 

Debbie Lynn Nicastro 
Rest in peace dearest Bulldog! Peace, prayers and love to tour family! 

Pam McNamara Walker 
So sad to hear this news… too young! Love to the Estes family ❤️ 

Renee King 
He was always a handsome guy! RIP dear Bull Dog! You will truly be missed! 

Gary Bojorquez 
Benny it was a pleasure to know you as childhood friend and all the crazy times in the neighborhood and Pacific park. You will surly be missed. RIP 

Dennis Ghiselli 
So many memories and good times! RIP my friend. 

Gilda Hernandez Sanderson 
I’m still in shock, can’t believe you’re gone Benny. You will truly be missed. Condolences to the Estes family. 

Susie Sheffield-Evans 
This is so heartbreaking. Benny and I were in school together since Kindergarten! We were from the same neighborhood! Sending love, hugs and prayers to his family. RIP Benny! 

Kathleen James 
Oh no I had no idea. RIP Benny enjoyed growing up with you my prayers to the Family πŸ™ 

Judy Torres 
One in 1 million… Greatest guy♥️ 

Bruce Smentek 
I’m in absolute shock. Just saw him at Jenice McGlynn funeral couple of weeks ago. He was in great spirits. Had talked about just having a heart attack but that they put stints in he he felt good. Hadn’t seen him for a number of years. Had a great conversation with him, Donny and their sister. I know he saw and talked to a lot of people that day. Kinda ironic. I just can’t believe this. R.I.P. Benny. We had some fun times in HS. 

Don Meredith 
God Bless 

April Wind 
Sending condolences to the family πŸ™πŸ½ Rest in Peace Ben Estes You are fondly Remembered as a Bulldog ❤️ 

Heather Seapy Tobin 
May he rest in peace. 

Shannon Estes Donathan 
My brother! We’re all broken πŸ’™πŸ’”πŸ˜˜ Thank You all for such kind words! 😘 

Phil Culotta, BHS '63 (1945-2022)

Dee Dee Daugharty Culotta '66 shared this sad report about her brother-in-law, Phil Culotta...

I have some bad news. Phil passed away this morning in his sleep in Az. He had been dealing with cancer for a couple of years. At least he died peacefully in his sleep so that is a blessing. He is with A.J. now.

He was born in March of 1945 and he died at the age of 77 on Nov. 8th, 2022. He was married to Lori Culotta and spent his last several years living in AZ. He will be missed for sure.  

Phil was captain of the football team. A.J. Culotta was his brother and was Dee Dee's husband. A.J. was a '64 graduate of Burroughs. RIP Phil and A.J.

LINK TO FIND A GRAVE FOR A.J. 
 
A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...
  • Carrie Diaz-Lathouwers
    My condolences to all his family and friends. RIP πŸ™

  • Mary Boriso Jordan
    Oh, my goodness....Rest in peace, Phil....🌹

  • John Panarisi
    So sorry to hear

  • Jolene Firgens
    Oh so sorry to hear this. He was a great football player for BHS. Condolences to you Darlene. I’m so sad for you. πŸ™

    Darlene Culotta
    Jolene Firgens Thank you. He is a big loss.

  • Bev Peters
    May he RIP


  • Martin Lillibridge
    RIP Bulldog πŸ™


  • Carole Wells
    So sad. Remembering the days my boyfriend, and husband of 15 years, (Jerry Sutton BHS '62) and I loved watching the Brinkworth-Culotta plays. The best of times! May his memory be a blessing to his family as well as to all who saw him play football.

  • Darlene Culotta
    Carole Wells He was a very special guy ...He will be missed..

    Nancy Knight
    This is Nancy Garner knight. I was Phil’s first girlfriend after his family moved to Burbank. Most of his old friends
    we’re from Burroughs even though he went to Burbank. I will let them know. Condolences to his family

  • Jerry Sutton, BHS '62 (1944-2021)
    BURBANKHIGHBLOG.BLOGSPOT.COM
    Jerry Sutton, BHS '62 (1944-2021)

    Darlene Culotta
    Cathy Palmer Very sorry Carole about losing your husband. I know the feeling. I lost mine 2 -1/2 yrs. ago. Then my brother Monte one year ago. It's tough being a widow and watching all of our family members leave us.

  • Carole Wells
    Darlene Culotta Thank you, Darlene. Jerry and I dated all through high school and married after I completed my second year of college. We had many nice years together, but went our separate ways in 1981. We went to every football game and dance together from February of 1961 until I graduated in 1963. I am so sorry for your losses. May you find peace in the memories and love you had for them.

  • Darlene Culotta
    Carole Wells Thank you Carole. The memories are bittersweet. Hardly anyone left to even talk about my memories with anymore. Sad, but happy they are all in Heaven together.

  • Donna Luce Veatch Neitman
    Condolences to his family! πŸ™πŸ™ RIP Phil!


  • Joseph Baldino
    I knew him from Football I was also referee for games when his son Played

  • Vicki Herrin Fields
    Rest in Peace ⚘️

  • Timothy Zuma Tim Tolnay
    So very sorry to hear about Phil. I was 13 yrs old attending Jonn Muir and as an avid athlete we all heard of the exploits of the big boys at Burbank High. Phil was one of those legends and yes everyone knew his name. Two of my uncles, Barry and Gary Wootton played around that same time...RIP Phil.



  • Richard Clarke
    Phil was the “King” in HS for his talent playing football. He was also a great person, very sad to hear such news. RIP and God Bless, a real loss for everyone.



  • Julie Guttridge
    Sorry for another loss in your family DeeDee. We know Phil is out of pain & with Jesus & AJ. In heaven .

    Darlene Culotta
    Julie Guttridge Yes he is, and those 2 brothers adored each other, so they are happy again now in Heaven together. My brother is with them too. I'm a little jealous. Miss them all.

    Julie Guttridge
    Darlene Culotta yes! Monte is with them too !

  • Deanna Bergman
    Kind sympathies to the family! 🌺

  • Connie Froeberg
    So sorry for your loss, Darlene..

  • Jaydean Gordon Dyer
    I will always think of him as one of the nicest people I’ve known. So sorry to hear of his passing. Blessings to his family and friends. RIP dear friend.❤️πŸ™πŸ˜’


  • Warren Swanson
    Oh, so sorry. He was an awesome running back. Loved watching him play.

  • Mickey DePalo
    Rest In Peace


  • Daniel S Brumley
    He was a football legend at BHS. God bless the family.

  • Sharon Anderson McEntire
    πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™ RIP!! Condolences to the family! πŸ˜ͺ

  • Ginny Smallenburg
    I am so sorry to hear this. Condolences to his family. We attended high school together. He was known to all not only for football but also for his fun personality.

  • Lorraine Zensen
    Oh DeeDee I’m do sorry. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that Jesus is wrapping his arms around you and the family and is comforting you all with his peace. πŸ€—❤️πŸ™πŸ»

  • Donald Matthews
    What a magnificent athlete! RIP, Sir, and thanks for the memories.

  • Jan P. Williams
    My Condolences to his Family.
    Loved to watch him Play football years ago. RIP Phil


  • Susan PeΓ±a MacCaskey
    Condolences to his family and friends. RIP


  • Donald Matthews
    Phil participated in an American Legion baseball game with us I believe in the summer of 62. He just played a couple innings. The game was at the Olive Rec. He singled and tried to stretch it to a double. He had the base but he was so fast he slid head first and passed OVER the bag bumping his groin in the process! He was tagged out. He came back to the bench with a strange gait and said, "DAMN, this game is rough!" We all laughed! I'll always remember that! I didn't know him personally, but thoroughly enjoyed watching his exploits on the gridiron! RIP, my friend!

    Darlene Culotta
    Donald Matthews Phil had a gift of making people laugh.

    Donald Matthews
    Darlene Culotta he had a great quality about him. A natural leader. He was a good childhood friend of a former baseball opponent that played at Burroughs: Terre Hirsch had nothing but great things to say about Phil.

  • Dennis Goff
    So sad you are experiencing another loss DeeDee...may God bless you and strengthen you in your walk of faith...
    Love you DeeDee.

  • Patricia Sorley
    R.I.P. old Bulldog. You were so well liked and admired in high school. All best wishes to your family. Sorry you have left us.
 
FEBURARY 20, 2023 UPDATE
Today Chris Bird posted on Facebook: 

Celebrating my Dad, Phillip J. Culotta, Class of 63’. He went home to be with his Lord on November 8, 2022. (1st pic is with my Mom, Class of 62’) He will be missed. ❤️