As 2013 closes, here is a glimpse of just a few individuals who helped make the communities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill what they are today. From volunteers to doctors, mayors to teachers, mothers to philanthropists, the following faces leave behind their own unique marks on South County.
Frances Howson, 1913
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Gilroy native, active volunteer and deeply involved community member, Frances was born on East Lewis Street in Gilroy Feb. 19, 1913. This centenarian was the oldest living graduate of St. Mary’s School on First Street.
“She has had a good life. She was a very kind and loving mother,” said daughter Roberta Hughan, a UC Berkeley graduate, first woman to serve on the Gilroy City Council in 1977 and, in 1983, Gilroy’s first and only female mayor. “She was very, very active always in the community, with her family and her church.”
Mike Gilroy, 1936
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After an illustrious career in the U.S. Air Force, retired Col. Mike Gilroy returned to serve the community named for his great-great grandfather. His military honors included the Air Force Cross medal, recognizing him for extraordinary heroism. It is the second highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member of the Air Force. Mike served two terms as the city’s mayor, beginning in 1997, and spent six years on the City Council prior to his election to the city’s highest governmental seat.
Peter Ciccarelli, 1953
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Garlic Festival marketing and promotions specialist of 16 years who always went the “extra mile” and built relationships that are “almost impossible to replace,” Peter was the voice and organizer since 1997 behind official announcements proclaiming all things related to the world-renown festival. His ability to connect with people and build meaningful relationships “in this sometimes cold, digital age of ones and zeros” is a trait that set him apart and a quality that will be missed by those who worked with him, colleagues say.
Dale Connell, 1914
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Dale was just 19 with 50 cents in his pocket when he arrived at the Garlic Capital in 1933. Little did he know that a lifetime of hard work selling auto parts and being a real estate agent would transform those two quarters into a $1 million endowment that will continue to sustain music programs in Gilroy’s elementary schools. Dale and his late wife, Ruth, are widely recognized as some of Gilroy’s most influential philanthropists.
Giuseppe Bertolone, 1941
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Beloved owner of the one-time iconic Gilroy eatery, Joe’s Italian Restaurant, Giuseppe and his wife Elvira first opened their quaint business on 10th Street in 1981, and faithful patrons grew to know the man and love the Italian delicacies he served. Known to many as “Papa Joe,” Giuseppe frequently greeted visitors as they entered the establishment.
Dr. Bruno Paul, 1931
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Bruno purchased a practice in Morgan Hill and later moved his office to Gilroy. He was a “loyal, unselfish, dedicated and an outstanding doctor to the rural population of Santa Clara County, which consisted of patients who were migrant workers, factory workers, farmers and also Silicon Valley Professionals,” his obituary reads.
He served as a physician for more than 30 years. If a patient could not afford to pay, he would accept barters such as lettuces, fruits and flowers or would simply say, “get better.”
Keith Malech, 1936
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Keith was a lifetime resident of Santa Clara Valley and firefighter of 30 years including Captain with the Santa Clara Central Fire District and San Jose Fire Department. This well-known Real Estate agent eventually opened a property management business in Morgan Hill, which he ran for 20 years.
Robert Connelly, 1945
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Described as an all around “good guy,” Robert was employed by the City of Gilroy for 29 years, and was formerly Director of Recreation. He helped build, then oversaw a spirited, top-notch city recreation department that furnished Gilroyans for many years with wonderful and affordable opportunities.
Kimberly Ordaz, 1957
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For many of Kim’s pupils, the blue-eyed, blond-haired kindergarten teacher who loved gnomes, fairies and nature was one they never forgot. Ordaz was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. She went through treatment and was in remission for three years, but the cancer metastasized. She had been an employee of the Gilroy Unified School District for 30 years.
Madge Soares, 1919
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Madge and her husband of 68 years, John F. Soares, settled in Morgan Hill after WWII and raised five children. Madge was elected to City Clerk in 1958, an office she held until 1984. She was also manager of Administrative Services for City Hall.
“Madge was a dynamic woman, passionate about many things: her politics (liberal Democrat), bridge, sewing, needlecraft, but especially, her friends and family,” her obituary reads.
Betsy Tomoye Hatakeyama, 1923
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After being released from an Interment Camp in Poston, Arizona, Betsy was proud to work as a secretary in the U.S. Department of the Interior. After living in Fresno for 34 years, she and her husband, Yoneo Hatakeyama, moved to Morgan Hill to be closer to other relatives. There, Betsy became active as a founding member of the Morgan Hill Tai Chi Group. She often participated in activities at the Morgan Hill Buddhist Community Center, enjoyed flower arranging and often joined the Morgan Hill Senior Citizen Group on their many sightseeing trips and group activities.
Sylvia Hamilton, 1942
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San Martin’s “unofficial mayor” faced relentless tragedy throughout her life, but up until her final days she remained a stalwart force of inspiration for everyone around her – including the entire town of 7,000 who are likely better off today because of her influence and advocacy. Whether she was holding the Olin Corporation’s feet to the fire for contaminating San Martin’s drinking water with harmful perchlorate, helping to raise money for local organizations, or rallying her neighbors to support the family of a sick or recently deceased San Martinian, Hamilton always had the best interests of her community in mind, according to her friends.
