Obituaries

MARTIN L. GURSKY March 19, 1927 – Jan. 17, 2013 

Martin Gursky passed away Jan. 17, 2013 in Los Alamos, New Mexico, two months short of his 86^th birthday.

Martin was the moral, intellectual, economic and political compass of a close, loving and devoted family. His wit, wisdom and thoughtful counsel will be missed by family, friends and acquaintances alike. At his side since graduate school, has been his devoted and accomplished wife, Judith Cassidy Gursky.

Martin was born in New York City, New York on March 19, 1927 to Russian immigrant parents Mayer Gursky and Sonia Balen Gursky, who preceded Read More

EDWIN A. KELLEY Feb. 7, 1934 – Jan. 15, 2013

Edwin A. Kelley, 78, a resident of White Rock passed away Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, which would have been his 25th anniversary to his beloved wife, Billie.

Ed was born in Washington, Pa., to John B. Kelley Sr. and Ruth A. Kelley on Feb. 7, 1934. He graduated from Trinity High School in Washington, Pa., in 1951.

He was a machinist all his life as many of the Kelley families were, and was known for being “one of the best.” He moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1967 to work for Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, in the main Shops.

In 1976 until 1981 he operated and owned Kelley’s Read More

MARTHA VIRGINIA OSBORN Oct. 27, 1920 – Jan. 13, 2013

Martha Virginia passed away gracefully on Sunday morning, Jan. 13, at home with family in Albuquerque. Her 92 years were full of adventures. She was born in Duenweg, Mo., one of four sisters.

She survived polio at a very early age with all but her left arm recovering. She could tie a shoe one handed tight enough to hold all day, something that continually amazed her daughter who could never figure it out.

She married Robert L. Osborn on Feb. 8, 1947 and was able to celebrate 66 years. They came to the Los Alamos area when Los Alamos was a closed secret Read More

Gordon Don Crocker and his wife Judy on vacation. Courtesy photo

Gordon Don Crocker May 11, 1939–Dec. 22, 2012

Don Crocker lived a remarkable life filled with travel, the arts, multiple activities and never-ending interests, a great continuing love of learning, and in his healthier days, the rewarding energy of sports. 

He loved the opportunity for discussion, never reticent in expressing his opinion of the idea at hand, and those around him often had to maintain a serious face when he was enjoying his craft at punning.

Don’s activities included Adult Choir member and Youth Choir bass at Evensong, Read More

Frank A. Ortega 1948 – Dec. 11, 2012

Frank A. Ortega, 64, a resident of Los Alamos passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. 

Mr. Ortega was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, sportsman and avid weight lifter.

He was a lifetime member of the NRA. He retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory in April of 2012. Upon retirement, he spent his time with his grandchildren; the loves of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Siprianita Ortega. Mr. Ortega is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Lillian Ortega; daughters: Emily Schmidt and husband Matthew Read More

Ryan Steward, 25, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 15, 2012. He was born in Bakersfield, California on Dec. 11, 1987. He is survived by his mother and father, Carole and Tom Steward, and his brothers Andrew and Daniel. He lived in California until 1996 when he moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico with his family.

Ryan graduated from Los Alamos High School in 2006. Ryan played many sports that satisfied his competitive spirit, including rugby, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, golf, snowboarding, and mud volleyball, where he was known as “pudgy digits.” His friends all knew him as Read More

Gordon Joseph Hoffman, 82, died Monday, Dec. 3, in Albuquerque, NM. He was born, the second twin, June 6, 1930, to Bruno A. Hoffman and Anna Angeline (Karels) Hoffman.

Gordy spent his early life on the family farm in Rosen, MN. At age 13, as a freshman, he entered Nazareth Hall Minor Seminary in the Twin Cities, and following graduation from Naz Hall, attended the St. Paul Seminary. After completing eight years of college and post-graduate education, he was ordained to the Roman Catholic Priesthood in June 1956.

He served eight years at St. Francis de Sales German National parish in the West 7^th Street Read More

Claudia Ann Weber, 62, passed away on Dec. 2, 2012 in Los Alamos, New Mexico after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Ronald Paul Weber; her children Brian Michael Weber (Terri) of Las Cruces, NM, Gina Marie Fisk (Mike) of Los Alamos, NM, and Paul Matthew Weber of Santa Fe, NM; grandchildren Benjamin Joseph and Zachary Paul Weber of Las Cruces, NM and Emma Elizabeth, Ethan Michael, and Eila Kathleen Fisk of Los Alamos, NM; siblings Courtney Michael Harms (Stefanie) of Clayton, Calif., and Monte Ray Harms (Rose), Irwin Todd Harms (Debbie), Tammy Jean Read More