GEORGE DATZ Jr.

George J. Datz, Jr. Aug. 1, 1940 - Oct. 26, 2010 George passed away on October 26, 2010 after battling Congestive Heart Failure and other debilitating illnesses for as long has he could. George was born to Anna and George J. Datz, Sr. on August 1, 1940. He was raised in East Rockaway, NY, where he developed a lifelong fondness for all things Long Island Nathan's hot dogs, "real" New York pizza and bagels, clams on the half shell, and East Rockaway Volunteer Fire Department. After high school he joined the US Coast Guard as a Radio Operator and served aboard the tall ship Eagle, a source of great pride through out his life. After being discharged from the Coast Guard, he worked as a radio operator for 14 years, while honing skills for his next challenge - a professional position in the labor movement, a cause he championed for his entire adult life. He worked for California School Employees Association for over 20 years, first as a field representative, then as director of several departments, retiring as Director of Research. He was especially proud of developing strong programming for member education and staff development, the Para-educator Conference, and CSEA's video program. While he was working as a field representative in Perris, CA, he was very active in youth sports programs. He was Commissioner of Baseball and established the first AYSO soccer league for the children in the Perris Valley, but he most enjoyed making sure that all of the kids had an opportunity to play. Upon his retirement he was active as a webmaster for several sites, especially for the USCG Auxiliary. He participated in Auxiliary insofar as he was able and then kept in touch with his buddies on Facebook and other networking sites. George was predeceased by his parents, his sister Eileen, and his beloved older son Chris. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lin; his son Jamie; and his "favorite person," daughter-in-law Gina. He almost lived long enough to see his first grandchild. Jacob Christopher Richard Datz will be born in a few days, and he will be told about the grandfather who was at peace knowing he would arrive to carry on the family name. George is also survived by his sister Mary Lou; almost-brother/best friend Leonard Bonilla and wife Yolanda; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Susan and Ed Fishel; nieces and nephews, especially Kirsten, Ginny, Tricia, and Eric. George's family wishes to thank the many health professionals who cared for George during his long illness, especially Dr. K. Elango, the nurses at Park Central Care Center, and his caregivers at "Andrea's house," especially Pablo, whose devotion to George made him feel comfortable and secure during his final days. Thank you to all who sustained us during the past four years with prayers and wishes, cards, letters, and visits. Special thanks to Leonard (for trekking from Reno whenever he was needed), Lois Pilley (for cookies and support), Kim Youngberg (for lunches and really listening), Casey Witham (for his strong back), the Kiswanis (whose cute boys enriched our lives), the Rivera family (for their unwavering presence) and Jamie's colleagues at Pixar( who understood). Private services have been held. George's preferred charity is the Coast Guard Foundation Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund. (Please see datz.memorial@gmail. com for further information.)