Obituaries

Oakland Tribune, Mar 28, 2007

CYNTHIA JEAN

Cynthia Jean Agrella, age 54, peacefully passed on March 20, 2007 after a willful battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and friends as her soul flew quietly into the hands of God. born July 26, 1952 in Salt Lake City Utah. Cindy and her family moved to the Bay Area in 1957. They Settled in South San Francisco, where Cindy spent the rest of her life. Cindy was a graduate of South City High School. She was very involved in Hot Rod and Nascar Racing. As a dedicated employee of Kaiser Permanente of 15 years, she mademany close friends which enriched her life greatly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor H. and Dorothy L. Lyman and husband Elmer J. Agrella. She leaves to cherish her memories, an older brother George Lyman, 3 daughters, Lisa Reed, Gina Ramirez and Andrea Agrella, 4 granddaughters, 1 grandson and one unborn grnadchild. A devoted mother, loving sister, warm hearted and kind, her smile, spirit and unquenchable curiosity will be dearly missed.

Friends may visit after 5 p.m.-8p.m., Thurday March 29th 2007. Funeral service willbe held Friday march 30th 2007 at 11a.m. at the LDS Church at 730 Sharp Park Blvd, Pacifica, CA. Commital Skylawn Memorial Park. Garden Chapel Funeral Directors

650-583-2510

GRACE BUSHMAN

JOHN J. BUSHMAN

Grace Bushman, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on January 6, 2007 at St. Michael's Hospital in Stevens Point, Wisconsin following complications from hip surgery. Two days later, on January 8, 2007, her loving husband, John J. Bushman, age 79, also passed away.

Grace was born Oct. 5, 1930 in Chicago, IL., the daughter of Albert and Lucille (Schwenkler) Kos. John J. Bushman was born Dec. 22, 1927 in Catawba, Wisconsin, the son of Bernard and Julia (Conlin) Bushman. John served his country in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War.

John and Grace were married on Sept. 4, 1948 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Plainfield, Wisconsin and received a full funeral mass there, together, on January 11, 2007.

John and Grace were former residents of San Mateo, where they lived for ten years. Grace worked for the City of San Mateo in the Communications Dept. and John was a member of the Bricklayers Union - Local #8 of San Francisco.

John J. and Grace Bushman are survived by four children, Connie (Richard) Hamilton, Hancock, WI., Teri (Jim) Marconi, San Mateo, Jay (Leanne) Bushman, Oshkosh, WI., and Kevin (Maryetta) Bushman, Reno, NV; six grandchildren, Robert (Katie) Hamilton, Cari (Clint) Pronschinske, Gina and Michael Marconi, John and Nicole Bushman; five great-grandchildren, Mariah, Chase, and Tye Hamilton, Erica and Victoria Pronschinske. John is survived by one brother, Mark (Barbara) Bushman, Wisconsin Rapids, WI. They are further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

John and Grace were preceded in death by their parents; a daughter, Christine; and grandson, Nicholas Marconi. Grace was also preceded in death by one sister, Alice Schaeffer. John was further preceded in death by his sister, Marie Breiner.

A Memorial Mass for John J. and Grace Bushman will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1040 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA.

CLIFFORD J. GERST JR.

The sun has dimmed with the passing of a truly remarkable man. Former San Carlos Chief of Police Clifford J. Gerst, Jr. died peacefully at home on March 25, 2007 from cancer.

Born on December 20, 1941, Cliff embraced a life devoted to public service for the Bay Area community. He was a graduate of Riordan High School and San Francisco State. He believed that everyone is capable of making a difference in the world we share and he dedicated his life to leadership of that principle and as a shining example of true integrity.

His career as a police officer spanned 30 years of outstanding professional achievements. Cliff was the first San Carlos policeman ever promoted from officer to Lieutenant. Acting Division Commander Jon Read recalls Cliff as an incredible mentor who gave him the focal advice of his career: "He told me how important it was to make sure I always pass on my knowledge and experiences to the people coming up behind me, and then remind those people to pass it on to others. I have never forgotten that advice and I practice it every chance I get. Cliff was a great man who was deeply compassionate. This compassion made him a great leader to work for, and I try to model his caring way with my peers and family. I am a better person personally and professionally for having known him."

His commitment to public service extended well beyond his professional duties. He was actively involved in many community- based organizations over the years: he was a member of the San Carlos Rotary Club; a Trustee of the San Mateo Elks Club; Past President and Treasurer for the Peninsula Police Officers Association, a past President for both the Belmont-San Carlos Exchange Club and The 100 Club of San Mateo County; past Secretary/ Treasurer Bay Area Chapter of PORAC; he served on the Juvenile Justice Committee, and had also held a Seat on the Grand Jury of San Mateo County.