Oakland Tribune from Oakland, California • 4

510 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2008 OBITUARIES BAY AREA BAY AREA NEWS GROUP! Palo Alto police chief retires after controversy I Lynne was accused of racial profiling after telling officers to question black men in wake of robberies By Jessie Mangaliman MERCURY NEWS After drawing accusations of racial profiling for her remarks about questioning black men i in connection with a string of armed robberies, Palo Alto Police Chief Lynne Johnson announced Thursday that she is retiring after almost 34 years of service. Her last day will be Dec. 19. Assistant Chief Dennis Burns will be appointed acting chief. Johnson, 57, and chief of the department of 170 for the past five years, unleashed a firestorm with her public remarks late last month when she instructed her officers to stop African-American men and "find out who they are." She made the remarks immediately following a community meeting about a string of street robberies that have worried many residents.

City officials in both Palo Alto and neighboring East Palo Alto, along with church pastors, legal and civil advocates, and African-American community leaders, denounced Johnson, saying her remarks were tacit proof that her department practiced racial profiling, as critics had long suspected. Many residents of East "The department still has a lot of work to do. We need to see the practice of racial profiling by police stopped, please." Patricia Foster, Palo Alto Mayor Palo Alto, a city where one in five residents is black, criticized Johnson and called for her to resign. Johnson quickly disavowed her remarks, which were captured on video, but the controversy continued to grow even as she set about to mend relations. In an interview with the Mercury News on Wednesday, Johnson said she was preparing "an action plan" after the controversy.

That included monthly citizen meetings with the police chief and regular community meetings between police officials and residents of both Palo Alto and East Palo Alto. Those plans will be carried out by the acting chief, City Manager James Keene said Thursday afternoon. Keene also praised Johnson's decision to retire, saying: "She put the interests of the department and the community first." Before the city council approves her replacement, he said, the candidate will be vetted by a wide cross-section of the community. "It's extremely important that we get a diverse perspective," he said. Johnson was not immediately available.

In a news release that did not Johnson mention said the she controversy, cided to retire "after considerable thought." "I have been extremely proud to be not only a member of the Department but also the leader of such a professional group of men and women for over the last five years," Johnson said. She did not say what she will do after retiring. Johnson is one of a handful of female police chiefs in the Bay Area. Next February would have marked her 34th year in the department. She cited as one of her top accomplishments the use of video recording in all patrol cars a measure installed to monitor police work after two officers were prosecuted for the 2003 beating of.

a black motorist. Up-to-date news on insideBayArea East Palo Alto Mayor Patricia Foster declined to comment on Johnson's retirement, saying, "That's her personal decision." Johnson's departure, Foster said, does not fix soured community relations with the Palo Alto police. "The department still has a lot of work to do," Foster said. "We need to see the Obituaries In Memoriam Oakland Tribune and Alameda Times Star Emilio Avila "Tony" Aug. 5, 1923 Nov.

14, 2008 65-year Oakland Resident Emilio Avila, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Genevieve, of 64 years. A loving father to Emilio Avila Jr. (Bess), Richard Avila (Beverly), Gloria Rawlinson (Charles) and Rosalie AvilaJimenez. Grandfather to Denise Johnson, Barbara Slarve, Wendy Avila, Jacqueline Rawlinson, Zachary Jimenez, and great grandfather to seven.

Emilio is survived by his two sisters, Marcella Moreno and Rosie Sanez. Preceded in death by his father, mother and four brothers. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews and a good friend to many. Emilio was employed by Chiodo Candy Co. for 35 years and a member of the Business Men's Garden Club of Oakland, and SIRS (Sons in Retirement).

He loved his garden and growing his roses and orchids. Emilio loved his family, enjoyed helping others, fishing, and the Oakland A's. Visitation begins, at 5 p.m. and a Rosary p.m., Nov. 20, Holy Angels Sorensen Chapel, 1140 Hayward.

Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., Nov. 21 at St. Joseph Basilica, 1190 Chestnut Alameda. Interment following at St. Mary's Cemetery, Oakland.

Memorial donations may be made to "The Family of Dan Slarve" North Creek A Academy Office, Carolyn Fox, 2303A Ygnacio Valley Walnut Creek, CA 94598. Indicate "In memory of Emilio Avila." Holy Angels-Sorensen Chapel (510) 581-1234 FD 126 Paul A. Bonato 1933 2008 Resident of Alameda Paul was born November 17, 1933 and passed away in Alameda on November 19, 2008 from Heart Failure age of 75. Beloved and devoted husband of the late Mary Bonato; beloved son of the late Dominic and Lillian Bonato; beloved brother of Robert Bonato of Alameda and the late Laura Bonato O'Brien; Dear uncle to John Ring O'Brien and Kelly O'Brien Johnson. Paul began as a paperboy for the Oakland Post-Enquirer in 1942; graduated from St.

Joseph's high School in Alameda in 1951 where he played baseball and basketball. Upon graduation Paul went to work for the S.F. Chronicle in 1951 and worked 42 years for the Chronicle and the S.F. Newspaper Agency in production management. holding several positions before retiring in 1993.

Member of the S.I.R.S. of Alameda and also a member of the Fratellanza Club in Oakland since 1966 and has assisted in lecturing and ministering duties at St. Albert the Great Church in Alameda since 1980. He will be missed by his many friends who attended daily Mass. Paul truly loved to play the game of golf with his many friends.

His parting words. "My faith has stood by me, golf was good to me, and people were good to me -what could be better? Life does suck. it is a challenge to be persued and preserved go for it!" Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing Sunday, November 23, 2008 5:00 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary at 7:30 P.M. At Greer Family Mortuary.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 24, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Albert's the Great Catholic Church on 1022 Holly St. Alameda, CA. The Interment to follow at St.

Mary's Cemetery, Oakland, CA. Greer family Mortuary 2694 Blanding Alameda, CA. 94501 510-865-3755 Gladys Peace Gilder Sept. 14, 1919 Nov. 15, 2008 Resident of Oakland Mrs.

Gilder was born in Louisiana and raised in Texas by her grandmother who was a former slave. She relocated to California in 1968 with her family. She was known to family, friends and neighbors as Ma Dear. She is survived by her kids Kay, Donnie, Jerry and Reggie Gilder as well as David Payton; grandkids David and Michelle Hodge, Debra, Karen, David Renee and Kim Payton, Shuntel Nathaniel, La Wanna, LaDonna, Donnie Anais, Anthony and Shuntay Gilder. great-grandkids Akiba Price, Lataeza, Ebonique Mckindly, Antoinette Jenkins, David Hodge Sharae, Saleem, Tyfeesah, Khalidah, and Zakiyyah Muhammed, Breanna and Taylor Hodge, DaJane, Albare, Ajonique, Lamar, Ramore, Rannetta, Lamar and Donnie Gilder III; great-greatAshante, Taylor, Erin, Khalil grandkids Doniqua, Avonte, and Talib Muhammad.

Also a host of other relatives, friends and neighborhood kids. Funeral Services will be held at CP Bannon Mortuary, Oakland on November 24 at 11am. Tommie Lee Goodhart June 26, 1926 Nov 18, 2008 Resident of San Leandro SANTOS-ROBINSON MORTUARY SAN LEANDRO, CA 510-483-0123 www.santos-robinson.com Tommie Lee Goodhart, beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother, passed away November 18, 2008 at the age of 82. Born to Frank and Lilly Andrewjeski on June 26, 1926 in Eupora Mississippi, she was raised in Akron, Ohio, where her two sisters Frankie and Flo Gail still reside. Married to Robert L.

Goodhart in 1948, they relocated to the Bay Area in 1959 with their children, and settled permanently in San Leandro in 1963. Predeceased by her husband in 1989, Tommie is survived by her five children, Rob, Greg, Curt, Lee Sailors and Pam Epstein, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Tommie loved her bird Jasper who sat on her shoulder, keeping her, company throughout the day. She loved music, singing in the church choir, sunsets, nature, animals, gardening, and being with her family. She was especially known for her care and concern for others.

The memorial service is Saturday November 22, 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 180 Estudillo Ave San Leandro, CA 94577. Donations may be made in memory of Tommie Goodhart to First Presbyterian Church Choir Fund, or The American Lung Association: 61. Broadway, New York, NY 10006, phone: website: www.lungusa.org. Share Memories See the obituary section at insidebayarea.com practice of racial profiling by police stopped, please." Mercury News staff writer Tracey Kaplan contributed HENRY "HANK" HEMENEZ Resident of San Leandro NOV. 11, 1921 NOV.

15, 2008 Hank passed away peacefully in his home in San November 15, 2008 in San Leandro. He was a residence of the Ashland area of San Leandro for 82 years. He was born in Honolulu Hawaii. Came to Ashland California at the age of 5 in 1926. He had 12 siblings.

Hank is preceded in death by his wife loving JoAnn Hemenez who he was married to for 55 years; his parents Lorenzo and Marcelina, brothers; Anthony, Joseph, Johnny, Paul, Frank, and his sisters; Mary and Virginia. Hank is survived by his daughters; Jackie Anderson of Folsom, CA, Katrina (Tom) Moretti of Hayward, Lisa (Pete) Baria of Castro Valley, and Myrna (Keith) Hoag of San Leandro, and his sons William (Barbara) Hemenez. of Castro Valley Ricky Hemenez of San Leandro, Ander- grandchildren Roman son, Jennifer and Annette Moretti, Travis and Monica Peter and wife Jennifer Baria, Rebecca, Bethany, Paul, and Anna Baria, Timothy, Jeffrey, Maria, and Paula Hoag, 6 great grandchildren; Jason and Porter Baria, Jeremy Baria-Heinz, Alexis and Isaac Baria-Torres, and Matthew Moretti, 2 sisters; Carmen Borges of San Leandro and Marcelina Lambly of San Leandro, his brother Lorenzo Hemenez of Hayward, CA and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He had many jobs over the years from picking apricots, cherries and rhubarb to cannery work. He built roads was a carpenter in the CC Camps in 1941, a burner at the army shipyards then becoming a machinist at Alexander in Oakland.

He belonged to a motorcycle club. He was quite a ladies man. He enjoyed dancing, singing, roller derby, motorcycle riding some boxing. He founded Hank's Automotive Service with his wife in 1949. He specialized in automotive work with towing.

His main focus from 1960 on became towing. His motto made many a people smile when he would pull up to assist them, "Don't Cuss Call Us" is known through out the country. Besides racing his motorcycle at Oakland Speedway he was the official tow truck there. He was the first to put a personal touch on his tow truck, which had a hand crank. His blue became known as Hanks Automotive Blue.

He added the Omaha Orange now he had the nicest looking tow truck in the area. He also was the first one to have chrome wheels. He was truly a pioneer in the towing industry. Many people looked up to him. He has been serving the Bay Area for over 60 years.

For the sake of their dad his daughters have been keeping his tow service running since his stroke in 2001. He has received numerous awards and trophies for his continual service for the Alameda County Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, East Bay Regional Parks, Bay Area Rapid Transit Police, Marshall's Office, Cal-Trans, Southern Pacific railroad Police, Border Patrol, Hayward and San Leandro Police Departments for over 60 years. In the 70's he was involved in Operation Sky Hook. Worked in the MADD program, He assisted with the clean up from Loma Preada earthquake. He was one of the first Tow companies to participate in the FSP program in the Bay Area.

He even won a spot on the Sierra Sids menu in Sparks Nevada for the Super A Truck Award. Received awards of recognition and Safe Ashland Good Neighbor. Some of his greatest joys in life were his children, grandchildren, great grand-children, his vegetable garden, Avocados, fishing, watching his favorite NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, going up to the house he built with his family in Jackson, CA. Special Thanks goes out to Kalo his live in caregiver, for her continual care and love. He was a great man and father and will be greatly missed.

We love you, Dad. A service will be held Monday November 24, 2008 at St. Leander Chruch beginning at 9:30 A.M. Burial to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward. A small prayer service will be held Sunday November 23, 2008 at the mortuary beginning at 4:00 P.M.

Visitation will be from noon to 8:30 P.M. at the mortuary. SANTOS-ROBINSON MORTUARY SAN LEANDRO, CA 510-483-0123 www.santos-robinson.com to this report. Contact Jessie, Mangaliman at or (408) 920-5794. Leonardo Vellecello Nelson June 08,1934 Nov.

13, 200 Resident of Pleasanton, CA Leonardo passed away peacefully at his son's home in Tracy CA. Leonardo was born in Los Angeles CA to the late Dorothy and Walter Nelson. He is preceded in death by his sister, Amorita Herring, brother Joe Louis, and stepsister, Artist Ward. Leonardo was dedicated to his family and friends. He retired from PGE after thirty-five years of service.

He was working for Hertz Car rental when he became ill. Leonardo leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters Cheryl Nelson, TX and Adelana Nelson, GA, two sons, Rodney Nelson(Pearl) and Darrius Nelson(Michelle) six grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be held Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. 11am at Allen Temple Baptist Church 8501 International Blvd Oakland CA.

Internment at Roselawn Cemetery, 1240 N. Livermore Livermore CA 94551 Richard "Dick" Armstrong Resident of Fernley Nevada, Formally a life long resident of the Bay Area. Dick passed peacefully with family by his side after a long and hard fought battle with cancer. Dick grew up in Oakland CA, and graduated from Oakland Technical High School. In 1967 Dick moved his family to Pleasanton and opened Dick's Arco in Dublin.

After 25 years of success with his own service station Dick moved on to a management position with East Regional Parks. retiring Dick moved to Sparks, NV and then onto Fernley Dick loved fast boats, faster cars, hunting, fishing, road trips with his "gang" of friends, Johnny Cash music and a good party. Dick is preceded in death my his parents, Roy and Patricia Armstrong, Brother Pink Armstrong, Sister, Barbara Suchon, Wife Joann Armstrong and Oldest Son Michael Armstrong. Dick is survived by his 2 sons, William Armstrong and his partner Tim Booher (Dublin, CA), David Armstrong and his wife Tara (Kenosha, WI) Grandchildren, Kristen and Eric Miller (DenCO), Ashley and Zachary Armstrong (Castle Rock, CO), Nate Wagner, Michael and J.T. Armstrong (Kenosha, WI), Great Grandson, Chase Prokosh (Castle Rock, CO).

Brother Gary Armstrong (Hayward, CA), Former Daughter in Law Renee Armstrong, (Castle Rock, CO) Mother of his Children and Great Life Friend, Patt Armstrong (Dublin, CA), many cousins, nieces, nephews and even more good friends. The family will have: a private memorial service on If you are a close friend or family member and have not received the memorial service information please contact the family, via email address The family requests donations be made to St. Mary's Hospice in Reno Nevada, who took excellent care of Dick and his family. Thomas Wells Avery Resident of Montclair Passed away peacefully at his Montclair home on November 14, 2008 at the age of 56. He died after a long illness with melanoma.

Born and raised in Rye, NY, he moved to California in the early '70s where, he attended UC Berkeley and met his wife, Karen. Together with their daughters, they traveled and worked in Vienna, Austria, and Lugano, On their return, he worked for Grand Junction Networks and then Cisco Systems. He is survived by his mother Anne York and step-father, Cornelius York; his wife Karen; daughters Sara and Katie, and son David. He is also survived by brothers William, David, Chris and his sister Carol Avery. He was a longtime resident of Montclair and belonged to the Hills Swim and Tennis Club.

A Memorial service will be held at the College Ave Presbyterian Church Saturday afternoon, Nov 22 at 3:00. Anyone who knew and loved Tom is welcome. Katherine Margret Thomason May 16, 1953 Nov. 19, 2008 Resident of Tracy Kathy passed away suddenly on Tues. Nov 19th, 2008 of an unexpected illness.

She was 55 years old. Her love will live on through her beloved family and friends. She is survived by her beloved husband, Steve Thomason of Tracy; 5 children: Jason Thomason of San Diego, Stephon Thomason of Tracy, Charlotte Ward of Hayward, Steven Thomason of San Ramon and Cristal Thomason of Tracy; Siblings: Therese Omnes of El Sobrante, Patricia Carraway of San Leandro, Dorothy McGonigle of Modesto, Daniel McGonigle, Ill of Oakland, Mary Holt of Stockton and Jack W. Holt of Oakland. Kathy was the cherished grandmother of Courtney, Britnee, Boyd.

Troy, Jayden and Thomas Jr. and Owen. Daughter of Helena Holt of Modesto and Robert McGonigle of Hayward. Kathy was a beautiful woman. who gave her love so freely.

She will be greatly missed. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at Chapel Of The Chimes Memorial Park And Funeral Home, 32992 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544 from 1:30 to 2:30 pm on Sat Nov 22, 2008 with Funeral Service to follow at 3:30 pm Chapel of the Chimes 510-471-3363 Sign a guestbook See the obituary section at insidebayarea.com.