March 16, 2021
March 16, 2021

Donald Zollo

In Loving Memory of  Donald A. Zollo October 21st, 1948 ~ February 24th, 2021 Donald Albert Zollo, age 72, of Vista, CA passed away unexpectedly on February 24th, 2021 at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, CA Don is survived by his grieving family: his loving partner of 20 years, Susan Roberts; his beloved children, Kelly Ray Zollo (daughter-in-law Rebecca Zollo); daughter Rose Cohen (son-in-law Adam Cohen); former spouse and loving mother of his children, Kathy Zollo Bazel; nine surviving siblings and their families. Donald was blessed with 6 grandchildren who he cherished the most: Justus, Elia, Noah, Lucas, Amaya, and Charlotte. Donald was born on October 21st, 1948 in Waterbury, Connecticut, the 3rd born in a family of 10 children. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Richard and Eva Zollo, the most wonderful, loving, and supportive parents anyone could have asked for. Don was very close with his 9 brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. His sense of family was the hallmark of who Don was as a person and what made him so special. Don was seen as the heart and soul of his family. He was a kind, and gentle soul. He went on to cultivate many lifelong friendships, and his friends became an extension of his already large family. After graduating from Naugatuck High School, Donald moved to Southern California with his close friends to explore their dreams and seek adventure. Soon after, he met and married Kathryn Kelly from Los Angeles. Many fun and crazy adventures took place over that decade, fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Escapades were more enchanting than movie plots, definitely deserving of checking off the box of “living life to its fullest” cliché. Then in 1978, a new type of adventure ensued, one of his greatest accomplishments, the birth of their first son, Kelly Ray. They peacefully settled in Laguna Beach as a family of three. Donald loved Kelly with such intensity and pride. Half a decade later, his Daughter Rose was born. His two children were the joy and light of his life. Donald was the most incredible hands-on, loving, caring, father. He would glorify and praise his children’s accomplishments always. Donald was so thoughtful, tender-hearted and devoted to raising his kids with his same principles of kindness and loving character. He was adamant about instilling in them all the lessons he could teach about life. He always did his absolute best in every way he could and pushed his kids to do the same. Donald had a heart of gold. He championed others in their lives. He was compassionate, humble, bright, had a great sense of humor, was generous and so fun to be around. He stood out as a great storyteller-albeit longwinded-and a great conversationalist. A collector of knowledge and facts starting at an early age, Don could inform and educate on the obscurest of details on many subjects. Don had great style-he so loved fine cuisine and wines, had a deep love for literature and music, especially jazz, and couldn’t get enough of his Red Soxs. Don was known for remembering family and friend’s birthdays and anniversaries, conveying the deep love that he had for all of us with his personal cards or letters or phone calls. Don had the rare capacity to make everyone in his orbit feel special, noticed, unique, and loved. Don’s later years were spent surrounded by his grandchildren. They became the joy and light of his life. He was an amazing, hands-on and involved grandpa. He would go to every ball game and music concert to cheer them on and fill his grandchildren with an abundance of love. He met Sue, his loving companion, in February of 2001. They created a beautiful life together filled with love, respect, and a deep bond. They loved to travel together and went on amazing, memorable trips. They shared in common their love for their families, especially their devotion to their grandchildren. He was very special to Sue’s grandchildren and loved them immensely like he did all of his grandkids. Sue gave to Don her strength, dedication, and love, during his time of illness. Day in and day out, she was there by his side taking care of him through to his unexpected but tragic final days. He was very lucky and blessed to have her as his partner in life. Don was a legendary man who left a special and unique legacy of love for others and his mark on the world, solidifying his mark on so many people’s lives. A friend to everyone he crossed paths with. Donald was an extremely kind soul who always saw the best in everyone, persevered through life’s obstacles with grace and honor. He was always there for everyone, never complained a day in his life, never held resentments or spoke ill about anyone, he was just so sweet and truly a one-of-a-kind special man. He will live in our hearts forever. Heaven must surely have welcomed him.                               Services to commemorate Donald will be held on Friday, April 16th at                                                                                                                               Mount of Olives Church at 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.                                            In lieu of flowers, his family asks to honor Donald by paying it forward with an act of kindness or a nice gesture, since that was who. Donald was. 
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November 5, 2020
November 5, 2020

Jose Sandor

In Loving Memory of  J. E. (Steve) Sandor April 27, 1928 – October 28, 2020 Steve Sandor passed away peacefully in Los Angeles, CA on October 28, 2020 at the age of 92. He was married to his loving wife Ofelia (d. 2018) for nearly 60 years and is survived by his daughters Alexandra and Stephanie and their children Steven, Catherine, Michael, Matthew, Rachel and Sophie. Steve was born in Europe to Hungarian parents in what is now part of Romania. His family left Europe before World War II and took him to live in Argentina, where he grew up to enjoy many adventures in the wilds of South America. Steve became a scientist who led a varied and adventurous life, speaking many languages and living on several continents. He was a contributor to the birth of the semiconductor industry, crisscrossing the United States to take jobs in early tech and aerospace companies. He settled down in Southern California and worked for TRW in Redondo Beach for many years until retiring in 1989. Steve was a great lover of history and classical music who, when his daughters were children, spent many hours teaching them everything from biblical lessons to math and science. He loved to teach and to share stories with everyone about the many places he had been and people he had met. We will dearly miss Steve’s strong presence, his stories, his opinions, and his love. May God bless you Daddy and keep you forever in His loving arms. Funeral services will be held at Douglass Mortuary in El Segundo on Saturday, November 7 at 10:30am followed by internment at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.
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