Peter T. Lomenzo, Alvin Loop, Patricia Papac

Peter T. Lomenzo

Peter Thomas Lomenzo of La Cañada died peacefully at home on Nov. 23, 2009.

Born on Dec. 25, 1915, he was a Christmas gift to Kathryn and Pedro Lomenzo of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. He was the devoted husband of Marie Skinner Lomenzo for 50 years until she was taken by cancer.

Peter earned his bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1937, where he rowed stroke on the university crew. He began his business career at the Atlantic Refining Company until World War II broke out. He then served his country valiantly for four years, fighting in the Pacific Theater, and rising to the rank of major and a battalion commander in the US Infantry’s “Tropic Lightning” Division. He met the love of his life, Marie Skinner, in 1943 while on R&R; in Auckland, New Zealand. He was decorated for valor with a Bronze Star.

He returned to Atlantic Refining Company and married Marie in 1946. Their family grew to eight children, 16 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, all of whom survive him. The family lived in Wayne, Pa. and Short Hills, N.J. until ARCO moved to Los Angeles in 1972.

Together, the Lomenzos became active parishioners at St. Bede the Venerable Church in La Cañada. Peter worked tirelessly for the St. Vincent de Paul Society and numerous other ministries. His Catholic faith was his guiding light. He retired from ARCO in 1981 after a successful career in retail marketing. He was a past president of NOFI and was active in the petroleum industry. Upon retirement he passionately pursued his interest in golf and traveled extensively with Marie, visiting family and friends around the world.

Peter is survived by his son Peter and wife Elaine of Dennis, Cape Cod, Mass.; and seven daughters — Lainie Lomenzo of London, England; Lisa and husband John Holmgren of Piedmont, Calif.; Janet and husband Larry Black of Granada Hills; Christine and husband Gene Reddick of Pensacola Beach, Fla.; Joie and husband Dick Daniel of New York City; Susan and husband Mark Langer of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Monica Lomenzo of Pasadena.

His grandchildren are Meg Lomenzo and her husband Karl Frey; Peter J. Lomenzo and his wife Jennice Torres; Molly and Thomas Lomenzo; Lauren, Sarah and Annie Holmgren, Colin, Brandon and Elizabeth Black; Elise and Trace Reddick; Richard, Grace and Ted Daniel; Marie Langer; and four great-grandchildren.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Bede the Venerable Church in La Cañada on Dec. 1.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bede the Venerable Church, 215 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada, CA 91011 or the University of Pennsylvania, 3451 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.

Alvin Loop

Former La Cañadan Alvin Loop, born Dec. 24, 1928 to Percy J. Loop and Velma M. (Haushalter) Loop in Paulding, Ohio, died Dec. 9.

After growing up in Paulding, he attended Ohio University and Miami University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1950.

He married Marjorie A. Hoffman on June 7, 1953 in Paulding, Ohio.

He served in the U.S. Army and upon discharge was employed by Occidental Life Insurance of California, today known as Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company. He received numerous promotions and transfers around the country to regional group offices in Cincinnati, Houston, Philadelphia and finally to the home office in Los Angeles. He moved to La Cañada in 1966 and resided here until 1985.

On Jan. 1, 1968 he was elected second vice president and division head of Occidental’s Group Sales Division for the U.S. and Canada. He was elected vice president in November 1969. During his career he served on the Consumer and Professional Relations Committee of the Health Insurance Association of America and as a member of the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association, Group Marketing Committee.

Mr. Loop was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Miami University Alumni Association, Widows Son Lodge 571 of the Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, Los Angeles Sales and Marketing Executives Association, First Presbyterian Church of Visalia and the Visalia Country Club. Al and Marjorie moved to Visalia in 1985.

He is survived by his wife Marjorie and two sons, Stephen M. (Mimi) of Pasadena, and Craig A. of Vista. He also leaves five grandsons: Christopher, Griffin, Corey, Charles and Michael; and one granddaughter, Hannah.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19 at the First Presbyterian Church in Visalia at 10 a.m., with a reception to follow. The family requests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 215 N. Locust, Visalia, CA 93291.

Patricia Papac

Patricia Ann Papac, 93, passed away peacefully in Pasadena on Dec. 10, 2009. She was born June 29, 1916 in Los Angeles.

Pat’s great love, kindness and beautiful heart will be missed by her friends and devoted family; son Michael Papac and daughter-in-law Mary of La Cañada Flintridge; son George Papac of Temple City; treasured grandchildren Kathleen, Michael, and Amanda Papac; Catherine Paris and Claire Marie Papac. Patricia is reunited in heaven with her husband Nick and her beloved grandson Nicholas.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Rosary service Dec. 16, 6:30-8 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery Mortuary Chapel, 4201 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles. The Funeral Mass is December 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery Main Mausoleum Chapel. The main celebrant will be Father Tony Marti, OFM Cap of St. Francis High School.