Stuart Stu Frank Greenfeld

Greenfeld, Stuart "Stu" Frank, passed away August 25th,2009. Stu was born December 6th, 1938 in New York City. His parents were Anna and Edward Greenfeld. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Aleesa of West Sacramento and daughter, Dr. Andrea Greenfeld, son in law Dr. John Anderson, granddaughter Juliet "Julsie" Emma, all of Palmer, Alaska and his daughter's mother, Joan Diamond. Also brother, Alan Greenfeld and his wife Judy, nephews, Ricky, Michael and wife, Cantor Judy, and Bob and wife, Victoria, great nephews and nieces, Samantha, David, Elijah and Marina Greenfeld, and many other loving family members and friends. Stu was born in the Bronx, NY but grew up in Ventura, CA. His family was one of the founding families of Temple Beth Torah and the long time proprietors of Ventura Furniture Mart on Main Street. Stu graduated from Ventura High School and Jr. College. After continuing his education at UCLA and UC Berkeley he interrupted his studies to serve a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy on the USS Coral Sea. Following his time in the service, he completed post-graduate work at the University of Calif. at Berkeley. Stu's passion was for the kids of California and fighting for "the little guy" and "what is right". He was a leading force in the field of education and spent a good part of his career with the California State Department of Education. He was especially proud of his achievements as the acting Superintendent of Schools in Coachella, California and most recently as Superintendent of Schools for the Washington Unified School District. After his retirement, Stu was elected trustee of the Yolo County Board of Education. For the last two years he has been president of the Yolo County School Board's Association. Stu was jokingly told that he was flunking retirement. Stu liked people and they liked him. He was involved as Post Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion and was one of the original founders of the West Sacramento Neighbor Fair. For the past two years he enjoyed writing his column for the West Sacramento News Ledger. He also loved to ride his motorcycles with his friends and established the American Legion Riders for the region. One of his great pleasures was time at home with his wife, travel, and visits with his new granddaughter, Julsie. He was definitely a family man and always stayed in touch with his many cousins as well as close family. He had the "gift of gab" and one of his great pleasures was discovering peoples' stories and finding common connections. His wife lovingly said, "he was a man who knew no strangers". We will never forget his smile and the glimmer in his eyes. We have established a scholarship in Stu's name for deserving West Sacramento students. Please send donations to the West Sacramento Rotary Foundation-Stuart Greenfeld Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 288, West Sacramento, California 95691. Graveside services will be: Friday, August 28th at 2pm at Ivy Lawn Cemetery, Ventura California. A celebration of his life is being planned in the Sacramento Region at a later date. Stu will be terribly missed by not only family members, but his large group of friends who filled his heart with happiness throughout his life.