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James Luotto Obituary
1933 - 2020
Jim was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He was the youngest of three sons to dear parents Henrietta and Andre and grew up in a large extended Italian family. He had a passion for baseball and the Brooklyn Dodgers, and he spent many summer days playing sandlot baseball with neighborhood boys.
Jim attended Brooklyn public schools, as well as Ladycliff Military Academy. Later, he studied at the University of Notre Dame where he earned his B.A. in English. After military service as an Air Force captain, he continued his education at Loyola University, Chicago, receiving a doctorate in English literature.
In 1966, Jim was offered a position as an English instructor at Foothill College and he moved to California. One year later, he transferred to De Anza College in Cupertino when the college officially opened. A devoted and dedicated instructor, Jim taught at De Anza for more than 40 years. Upon his retirement as a full-time professor, a special site on campus was dedicated to the founding faculty of the college and named Luotto's Grotto.
An intrepid traveler, Jim biked across the United States and throughout Europe. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends with his strong voice and accompaniment on the guitar or ukulele.
Jim will be dearly missed by his loving partner, Diane Studebaker; children John (Julie), Ann Luotto Wolf, Matt (Lauren Holt),Mary Hoage (Charles), and Dan (Lori); and former wife, Marilyn Luotto. Beloved grandchildren are Kristina, Katie, and Elizabeth Luotto, Alyssa and Joshua Wolf, Ariel and Dylan Hoage, Jack and Gemma Luotto, and great-grandson Beckham Wolf Raphel.
A celebration of Jim's life will be scheduled once travel and gathering restrictions are lifted.
Gentle sweet soul, rest in peace.
View the online memorial for James Andre Luotto
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Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries
Leslie Howard Gargan
June 25, 2021
So soon? I had hardly gotten to know you at ND, Jim, before our lives followed different paths. Although L.A. was home base, I was often spotted in the peninsula around Palo Alto and Cupertino, a rara avis from the Southland who always preferred No. Calif. If the nuns got it right, we'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when ....
gargan
Leslie Heringer Vornholt
October 18, 2020
James Luotto was my teacher during the 2 years I studied at De Anza in the '70's both in English as well as through the Mini College Program. He made such a lasting impression on me and will always be remembered as one of my most favorite teachers because of his presence, his genuine interest in me as a student as well as personally. I still have the papers I wrote from his class assignments because of the detailed comments he made which helped me in my use of expressive written language as well as the very positive feedback he provided me about my ideas on the topics assigned. He was a very talented and sensitive teacher and helped me during some difficult personal challenges as a young adult. Sending blessings to comfort those he left behind. He was well loved and lived life well and now he is flying with the angels.
Sue Ruiz
May 30, 2020
Dan, I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing.
-Sue Ruiz
Oscar S. Ramirez
May 24, 2020
James was born, to life he grew and his family was blent in him. And, from his first sight of the morning his thirst of bliss and love of human-kind was born. James was my colleague at DeAnza College where he enjoyed the accolades of his students, professors and administrators for his mastery of the English language and true love of people. Teaching was his cup of tea and he loved it! He did at one time serve well as the Dean of the Language Arts Division. But he returned to his first love, teaching. His contribution to student learning will continue to be felt as much as the etiquette he professed. He was a truly good human being. We are at a loss without him but take joy that we knew him. May he rest in peace.
I submit sincere condolence to the family. May time bring solace to your grieving hearts.
Oscar S. Ramirez
Vice-president, retired
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