Monday, November 21, 2011

FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE (SON OF SANTA CRUZ) DON BINSACCA REMEMBERED





THE FOLLOWING REMEMBRANCE OF DON BINSACCA, SANTA CRUZ HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1955, WAS SENT TO ME BY CLASSMATE BRUCE HANSEN.




Don Binsacca was born in San Francisco, to Dorothy and Sam Binsacca.
He passed away peacefully and without pain, on the morning of November 10,
2011, from complications of Alzheimer's. He spent his last months under the
loving care of his family, his friends, his caregivers, and his devoted Hospice team. He never lost his famous sense of humor, and laughter often
rang from his room.

Don grew up in Santa Cruz, and then studied at U.C. Berkeley, and S.F.
State University, marrying Meredith Ludwig in 1961, and then beginning his
career in health. He retired in 1999 after thirty-five years at the Alameda County Health
Agency, spent most notably in developing research in and evaluation of
public health issues. Don and his beloved wife Meredith fortunate enough to celebrate their
50th wedding anniversary in June of this year, with close friends and
family.

He is survived by Meredith, their devoted children, Anya (Josh) and
Anthony (Lydia), and grandchildren Finley, Satchel, and Vanessa, as well as
his loving brother, Bob Binsacca (Lynn). Don will be remembered for his
wit, his generosity and his gentle kindness.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 3, at 1:30 p.m.,
at Mountain View cemetery in Oakland, at 5000 Piedmont Avenue. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be sent to Vitas Hospice, 365 Lennon Lane, Suite 140,
Walnut Creek, CA 94598.



DON BINSACCA (ON THE LEFT) WITH FELLOW SANTA CRUZ HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATES-CLASS OF 1955, JERRY MUNGAI, FLORENCE BIANCO BELL AND IVAN COMELLI. (PHOTO TAKEN AT "NOSTRA COSTA DAYS" AT THE SWANTON BERRY FARM ON THE NORTH COAST OF SANTA CRUZ -2006)






ADDIO DON, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS "IL ULTIMO PONTE" (THE LAST BRIDGE).

8 comments:

ESTHER said...

I just have to smile when I think of Don. Such a sense of humor and just the look on his face would make me laugh. We were fortunate to have a such friend. Once, in Miss McKay's Social Studies class, as a city street sweeper machine passed by, I made the remark to him that his "friend" was passing by. Well,unfortunately for me, it was during a test and Miss McKay made me bring up my test and throw it in the garbage can. Actually, it was funny at the time and I still think it was funny.
Dear friends, I think of all of you often and all the fun we had together. It was the" Best of Times. "
Lastly, Meredith seemed to be a perfect match for Don. As I remember from college, she was a bright young girl who also has a great sense of humor.

So -Be Good , Say your Prayers, Arrivederci,
Esther SCHS CLASS OF 1955

Anonymous said...

Dear friends – Dorothy sent this one on to me and while it might have been expected, I am sad to hear that one of our “gang” is no longer with us – at least in this life. I enjoyed seeing Don at our last reunion – and all of you. As one of the survivors – I am hoping all of you are also doing well for many years to come.
Christine - SCHS CLASS OF 1955

MURIEL said...

Dear Friends,

How sadden I was to hear of Don's passing, which truly is a lost of a long
time friend.

Though he had been in physical pain for years, his sense of humor overcame
his problems.

Although our lives had gone in many directions, it is always a pleasure to
reconnect at our class reunions. When we met 13 months ago, Don was one of
the few, who spoke so well of the past and present.

God bless you all! Life is precious and fragile, so do take care of one
another.

Muriel - SCHS CLASS OF 1955

WES said...

was sad to receive the news of Don's passing. I have known him since
kindergarten as have many of you. I recall having Cub Scout meetings at his
home and the group called " Symphony" that rehearsed also at his home. It
was always interesting to talk to him and he had a great memory. We also
had those years in band in both junior high and high school.
I have thought about him often since last year's reunion and will miss him
at future reunions.

Wes SCHS CLASS OF 1955

BARBARA said...

IVANO..... JUST GOT HOME AND READ YOUR E-MAIL RE: DON BINSACCA... SO SORRY FOR THE LOST OF A GOOD FRIEND AND CLASS MATE... ROBT AND I EXTEND OUR DEEPEST AND SINCERE CONDOLENCES... GRAZIE MY FRIEND

BARBARA SILVA WAGNER- SCHS CLASS OF 1955

BRUCE said...

With a very heavy heart I must inform you that our good friend Don Passed
away this morning. On October 29 Barb and I visited him and Meredith at the
care home and it was clear the battle with Alzheimer's was rapidly taking
over. Just one year ago many of you saw Don at the SCHS reunion and since then this disease has moved extremely fast.

Meredith has requested that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to Vitas
Hospice at 365 Lennon Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 93598. They have provided
excellent and loving care to Don during this difficult time.

Please keep Meredith and the family in your thoughts and prayers during this
time.

Bruce SCHS CLASS OF 1955

Ivano Franco Comelli said...

For those who have read my book, you already know that I write about "Il Ultimo Ponte" (The Last Bridge). It is the last Chapter in the book, and it is only one of two parts in the book that is fictiional. In the passage I envision an "Old Rancere" (rancher), sick and barely able to walk, standing in front of a bridge. As he his led across the bridge by a beautiful young women (his wife who has passed before him) he is transformed into a young man and joins all his friends that have gone before him -- all of them young and free of crippling illnesses. Bewildered the now young rancher askes his wife: "Oh, my dear, sweet wife! How can this be? I was old and sick,shadowy death constantly by my side. Now, by you I stand, young and able, so glad do be alive!"

"O rancere mi," she replies in a soft and gentle voice. "Don't you know? Now you are in Heaven."

So, Don my friend, I now envision you, "Across Il Ultimo Ponte" walking around among all of your family and friends that have gone before you --laughing and carrying on those long conversations that made it so enjoyable being around you --young again, free of your desease and crippling illness.

So--
Addio mio caro amico, Until we meet Again 'Across Il Ultimo Ponte'.
Ivan(0)

IVANO said...

I received the following message on my Facebook Page: ivn0


Hi Ivano.Sorry to hear about Don. Seems like our Class of 1955 is growing smaller. Hope you and your family have a good Thanksgiving. I now live in Bremerton Washington. Beautiful country, but weather is terrible. Donald Sutherland.- SCHS Class of 1955