The Memorial Wall

JoAnn (Palmer) Roza

JoAnn (Palmer) Roza

June 8, 1965 - August 3, 2021

JoAnn (Palmer) Roza, 56, of Bristol, RI, died Tuesday, August 3, 2021.

She was the wife of David Roza. Together they shared over 26 years of marriage.

JoAnn was born in Central Falls, RI, a daughter of the late James A. and Janet M. (Egan) Palmer, Sr.

She worked as a Medical Secretary for Coastal Medical for over 5 years, at General Kitchens as a Designer, and at Partylite as a Sales Representative.

She was a parishioner of the former St. Leo the Great Church in Pawtucket.

JoAnn was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Her energy and love for life were infectious. She was always the life of the party. She enjoyed boating on the Kickemuit River as a member of the B.A.I.A in Bristol was also a member of Save the Bay and spent much time advocating for people living with Parkinson’s Disease. While battling Parkinson’s herself, JoAnn completed an 800-mile bicycle ride from Pawtucket to Detroit to raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease. Most of all, her favorite activity was spending time with her large family and enjoying laughs with the kids.

Besides her husband she is survived by her children Brandy Ethier of Rumford, Joshua Roza of Seekonk, MA., and Dylan Roza of East Providence; siblings James A. Palmer, Jr. of Providence, Barbara H. Smith of Riverside, and John S. Palmer of Pawtucket; grandchildren Alexandrea, Kiya, Matthew and Jayce; and many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at 8:30 am from the Rebello Funeral Home, 901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence.

Remembering JoAnn (Palmer) Roza

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Tommy Burnett

Tommy Burnett

January 1, 1944 - July 22, 2021

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Family shared with KY3 the passing of former Arkansas Razorbacks football star and Missouri State Bears handball coach Tommy Burnett.

Burnett suffered from Parkinson’s.

The Smackover, Ark. native became a star on the 1964 Arkansas Razorbacks National Championship football team. Burnett played wide receiver for the legendary Coach Frank Broyles.

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Burnett out of college. A few years later, he won a Super Bowl with the New York Jets in 1969. He returned to school after professional football, earning his Ph.D.

Burnett spent more than four decades as a member of the Missouri State University faculty. He started the school’s handball program in 1987. He won 32 combined national collegiate titles leading the club sports team.

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inducted him in 2008.

Remembering Tommy Burnett

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

John 'Strop' Cornell

John 'Strop' Cornell

February 2, 1941 - July 22, 2021

Australian media personality John Cornell has died, aged 80, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born in Kalgoorlie in 1941, Cornell quickly rose through the journalism ranks at the Daily News in Perth, becoming London editor at the age of 26. He later turned his talents to broadcast journalism as the original producer of "A Current Affair". While working on this program, he met Australian actor, Paul Hogan, and the two formed a popular comedy duo, Cornell playing the much-loved character, "Strop". Cornell went on to co-write and produce The Paul Hogan Show before the hugely successful "Crocodile Dundee" film franchise hit cinemas across the globe. He also worked with Kerry Packer to establish World Series Cricket, which revolutionized the game.

In a statement issued by the family, Cornell was remembered as "one of Australia’s leading lights". He died on Friday morning at his Byron Bay home, on the NSW North Coast.

"After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2001, John concentrated his efforts on philanthropy, supporting his community and worthy environmental, sporting, and medical causes," the statement said. 

"A classic Australian character, John Cornell made the lives he touched much richer, not only through donations but also through his generosity of spirit, humour, humility and honour.

"A true egalitarian, John sought equity and equality, and fought for a fair go."

Byron Bay Cricket Club president Greg Daniels said the man locals knew as "Corney" was renowned for his generosity. 

"He was one of the more decent human beings I've ever met in my life and his influence in this town, most of it [was] behind the scenes," he said.

"He was a very quiet guy, didn't want publicity. That's how he operated. Yeah, it's really sad mate."

Cornell is survived by his wife of 46 years, Delvene Delaney, and three daughters, Melissa, Allira, and Liana.

 

Remembering John 'Strop' Cornell

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Rosalee Sass

Rosalee Sass

December 2, 1947 - July 21, 2021

Rosalee P Sass passed away peacefully with her husband and daughter by her side on July 21st, 2021 from complications related to Parkinson's disease. Born December 2nd, 1947, she was a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, grew up in Tujunga, and attended UCLA for her Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

For more than 30 years, Rosalee was the Director of Development at UCLA's School of Theater, Film & TV. She is survived by her husband Zohar Sorek, daughter Aimee Sorek, brother Marshall Sass and extended family + friends. Services will be held Sunday, July 25th at 1 pm at Eden Memorial Park - 11500 Sepulveda Blvd. Mission Hills CA 91345. Donations may be made to The Rosalee Sass Scholarship via the UCLA Foundation.

Remembering Rosalee Sass

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Tom O'Connor

Tom O'Connor

October 31, 1939 - July 18, 2021

Tom O’Connor, the stand-up comedian, and host of television quiz shows including Name That Tune and Crosswits has died at the age of 81.

O’Connor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 14 years ago, his daughter-in-law, the former Olympic athlete Denise Lewis, said. He died in hospital on Sunday.

He was born in Bootle and was always seen as a proud son of Liverpool. The city council tweeted its respects: “Sad news breaking about the death of veteran Liverpool comedian Tom O’Connor. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Thanks for the laughs, Tom.”

Before his showbiz career, O’Connor taught math and music and once said the only way he could get through to his pupils was by telling jokes: “It worked a treat … and that’s really how the comedy all started.”

He taught by day and performed stand-up in clubs at night, getting his early television break on the talent show Opportunity Knocks, which he won three weeks running. Soon came The Comedians, a 1970s ITV show that made stars of comics including Frank Carson, Stan Boardman, and Jim Bowen.

O’Connor had gentle, inoffensive humor and a relatable act. His easygoing manner made him the perfect quiz show host, beginning with the massively popular Name That Tune, where contestants could win £1,200 cash, a car, or even “a superb four-band radio including double cassette stereo tape recorder to give you hours of greater music enjoyment”.

Later, there were the cozy crossword-themed Crosswits, made by ITV Tyne Tees, which O’Connor presented for a decade until 1998. “And remember, if there’s ever a crossword in your house, make sure that it’s written and not spoken, just for me, all right,” he would tell audiences. The BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker revealed he was a Crosswits fan, tweeting: “How sad. I had the pleasure of meeting Tom O’Connor, and he was kind, funny, and a true gent. I loved watching him on telly – Crosswits was great. My sympathies are with his family and friends.”

Other shows included I’ve Got a Secret, The Zodiac Show, Gambit, and the snooker-based Pick Pockets. O’Connor became a regular in dictionary corner on Countdown and had occasional work as an actor, playing a Catholic priest, Father Tom, on the daytime soap Doctors. In more recent years, he was a winner of Celebrity Come Dine With Me and Pointless Celebrities with Lewis.

O’Connor leaves behind a wife and four children.

Remembering Tom O'Connor

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Bruce Alexander Watt

Bruce Alexander Watt

March 12, 1939 - July 15, 2021

On 15 July 2021 at Tawa, Wellington. Dearly loved husband of Valerie. Cherished father and father-in-law of Amanda (dec), Russell, Diane (dec), Belinda & Andrew, and Jon & Lorna. Legendary grandad to Eden, Thomas, Harry, and Freddie. Forever in our hearts.

Former All Black's first five-eighth Bruce Watt has passed away at the age of 82.

Watt played 29 times for the All Blacks between 1962 and 1964, scoring two tries on debut against Australia, and went on to become a leading figure in South Island rugby during the 1970s.

The early 1960s produced a talented crop of playmakers, all competing for the All Black No 10 jersey and Watt's test comrades included the likes of Steve Nesbit, Adrian Clarke, Tony Davies, Neil Wolfe, Mack Herewini, Peter Murdoch, and Earle Kirton.

A highlight of Watt's career was the 1963/64 tour of Britain and France where he appeared in 20 of the 36 matches, including tests against England, Scotland, and Wales, dropping a goal in the latter game.

His All Black career came to an end in the first test against the 1964 Wallabies, though Watt continued to feature in South Island and All Black trials until 1967 and was considered unlucky not to be selected for the 1967 tour of Britain, Canada, and France. In all, Watt appeared in 197 first-class games, 117 of them for Canterbury.

After hanging up the boots, Watt went on to serve as a South Island under 18 selector from 1972-75 and as co-coach for Marlborough (1976) and Nelson Bays (1978-79).

Watt suffered from Parkinson's disease later in life, an ailment his family suspected was linked to a rugby career riddled with head-knocks.

"He had concussion many times and I'm told was often the 'target' of bigger guys as he was a bit lippy," his daughter, Belinda, told the Herald in 2016.

"He remembers one time being badly concussed in an All Blacks game and because there were no other players left, he was asked to go back on the field. He did not remember the whole second half. I guess it's impossible to tell but we also believe there might be a link between the head hits and Parkinson's, not just dementia."

Watt's biography on the All Blacks official website also recalls his love of marathon running, a hobby he took to the extreme while playing for Canterbury.

"During his rugby career, Bruce Watt ran a number of marathons. On Canterbury's Queen's Birthday trips to play Buller and the West Coast Watt would strip down and, when given the nod by the bus driver, would run on the spot in the aisle. He would pound away until the bus driver told him they had traveled 26 miles and 385 yards."

Remembering Bruce Alexander Watt

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Myron Thielman

Myron Thielman

January 2, 1940 - July 15, 2021

Myron Thielman, of Palm Desert, CA, passed away July 15th following a struggle with Parkinson's. He was born 80 years ago in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Myron leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Mary Sue (Hall) Thielman, his son, Mike, daughter-in-law Laura, and granddaughters Natalie and Jackie of Laguna Niguel, CA, and his daughter Sarah, son-in-law Chris Flanagan, and grandsons Aidan and Brendan of Dallas, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Norbert Thielman, and 4 brothers, Norbert, LeRoy, John, and Louis. Surviving siblings include Marcy, Daniel, Leo, and David.

He was a graduate of Cathedral High School, St. John's University, and St. Louis University. He was an English teacher, a school counselor, and eventually, Myron moved into administration and served as principal in the Palm Springs Unified School District from 1979 to 2000. Throughout his professional career spanning decades and multiple states, he guided young people to make good choices in life. Locally, he was principal at Nelly Coffman, Della Lindley, and St. Theresa's. His life's work impacted many students, teachers, and friends. He was respected, well-loved, and will be greatly missed.

Remembering Myron Thielman

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Robert Downey Sr

Robert Downey Sr

June 24, 1936 - July 7, 2021

Robert Downey Sr. was a filmmaker and actor best known for his 1969 film “Putney Swope.” He was also the father of Robert Downey Jr.

According to Robert Downey, Jr., "Last night, dad passed peacefully in his sleep after years of enduring the ravages of Parkinson's ..he was a true maverick filmmaker and remained remarkably optimistic throughout...According to my stepmom's calculations, they were happily married for just over 2000 years," Downey Jr. wrote on Instagram. "Rosemary Rogers-Downey, you are a saint, and our thoughts and prayers are with you."

“Putney Swope” was one of Downey’s earlier films as a writer and director, though he had already begun gaining an underground following with his low-budget films when it was released in 1969. A satire of the advertising world, “Putney Swope” was included in the Library of Congress National Film Registry, and it was influential on other filmmakers including Jim Jarmusch. Downey directed more than a dozen other films, including some in which his son acted, such as “Greaser’s Palace” (1972), “Up the Academy” (1980), and “Too Much Sun” (1990). Downey was also an actor, with appearances in movies including “To Live and Die in L.A.” (1985), “Boogie Nights” (1997), “Magnolia” (1998), and “Tower Heist” (2011) as well as on TV in “The Twilight Zone” and “Matlock.” He was a U.S. Army veteran.

Downey on how he got into filmmaking

“I wrote a few plays. They were done Off-off-off-off Broadway. I was working as a waiter at the Village Gate in Greenwich Village and the other waiter said, ‘I have a camera. Do you have anything written that we can make into a movie?’ We went with his camera, my script, rounded up some people, and made a film. [I] couldn’t believe it. We actually had fun.” —from a 2014 interview for Interview magazine

Remembering Robert Downey Sr

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Stanislaus Lourduswamy

Stanislaus Lourduswamy

April 26, 1937 - July 5, 2021

Popularly known as Stan Swamy, was an Indian Catholic priest, a member of the Jesuit order, and a tribal rights activist for several decades. Swamy was the oldest person to be accused of terrorism in India.

On 8 October 2020, Swamy was arrested and charged by the National Investigation Agency under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, for his alleged role in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence and links to the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Swamy was suffering from Parkinson's disease and had requested bail on medical grounds, which was rejected multiple times. While incarcerated, his health deteriorated and died on 5 July 2021.

Swamy was implicated in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence, while he claimed that he was not in Pune during the said period, and he was accused of being a Maoist "sympathiser". It was alleged that the Persecuted Prisoners Solidarity Committee (PPSC) founded by him and Sudha Bharadwaj, "to fight for the release of around 3,000 men and women who have been labelled as Maoists and imprisoned", was a front for Maoist fundraising. The Jesuits denied the allegation of Swamy being a Maoist, by stating that it was against the ethos of the Jesuit order. He was arrested by the NIA on 8 October 2020, from Bagaicha, a Jesuit social action centre, and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, under which bail can be denied. The case was initially investigated by the Pune Police but later handed over to the NIA. He had earlier been arrested in June 2018 in Ranchi on similar accusations. Activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira were also lodged at Taloja prison along with Swamy.

Swamy's arrest triggered widespread protests across India. The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), All India Catholic Union, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, Kerala Catholic Bishops' Conference (KCBC), Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA), Kerala Jesuit Provincial, Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC), and the international Jesuit community, all protested, calling for his release. The Ranchi Catholic Church released a statement saying it was "distressed and troubled" at the way he was arrested. The arrests were termed as politically motivated due to his work among the adivasi community, the release of undertrials, Persecuted Prisoners Solidarity Committee, among others. Leaders of other minority religions also protested his arrest. In a protest on 21 October 2020, leaders of opposition political parties such as Shashi Tharoor, Sitaram Yechury, D. Raja, Supriya Sule and Kanimozhi along with economist Jean Dreze, Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur, the director of the Ranchi-based Xavier Institute of Social Sciences, activists Dayamani Barla and Rupali Jadhav, and lawyer Mihir Desai called for Stan's release. Jharkhand Chief minister Hemant Soren and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan both objected to Swamy's arrest.

In October 2020, Swamy filed for bail on the grounds of him being a victim of Parkinson's disease. His bail pleas were rejected multiple times.

On 6 November 2020, Swamy submitted an application to the special court requesting a straw and sipper, stating that he was unable to hold a glass due to Parkinson's. In response to the delay in arranging a straw and a sipper for Swamy, social media users protested by ordering straws and sippers online, getting them delivered to the NIA's Mumbai office and at the Taloja jail.

Swamy suffered from Parkinson's disease and other age-related illnesses. He fell multiple times while in prison. He suffered from hearing loss in both ears and had undergone surgeries. Due to his Parkinson's, he had trouble holding a glass, and requested to be provided with a sipper and a straw while imprisoned.

On 18 May 2021, in a note submitted to the Bombay High Court, it was reported that Swamy was gravely ill in prison. The Court ordered the formation of an expert committee to examine Swamy. While appearing before the Court over video conferencing on 21 May 2021, Swamy refused to be admitted to either JJ hospital or any other hospital and requested only interim bail so that he could go to his home in Ranchi, citing his rapidly deteriorating health. On 28 May 2021, the Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to admit Swamy to a private hospital for 15 days, considering his rapidly deteriorating health. He was admitted to the Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai. Swamy then tested positive for COVID-19.

On 4 July 2021, Swamy was put on ventilator support, as his health deteriorated. He died on 5 July 2021, ahead of his bail hearing in Bombay High Court.

In November 2021, Jamshedpur Jesuit Province (JJP), petitioned the Bombay High Court, as his next-of-kin, to clear Swamy's name from the case. His counsel while appealing the Bombay High Court, to set aside NIA observation against him, had submitted, "It is strongly believed by those closest to him that his death was caused (in view of his age and past health conditions) due to his arrest and prison conditions including inadequate health facilities and health care". HC asked the petition to be resubmitted.

The Washington Post reported in December 2022 that hackers had planted evidence on Swamy's computer.

Remembering Stanislaus Lourduswamy

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Richard Alan Shubin

Richard Alan Shubin

March 19, 1956 - July 1, 2021

Late in the evening of July 1, 2021, the field of neurology unexpectedly lost a renowned practitioner, researcher, and teacher: Dr. Richard Alan Shubin, beloved husband of Judy Shubin and father of Matthew Shubin. Dr. Shubin, aged 65, was known for his protean knowledge of neurology, focusing on multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases. Throughout his more than 30 years of practicing medicine, Dr. Shubin was known to the medical community as the neurologist of last resort for patients with the most intractable and complex neurological conditions.

Born in Hollywood in 1956, Dr. Shubin was the eldest son of Hilde Shubin and Dr. Herbert Shubin. Motivated to enter medicine by the passing of his physician-father in 1975, he graduated from Stanford University with a BS in Chemistry. He received both his medical degree and master's degree in philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Shubin completed his residency in neurology and completed a fellowship in neuroimmunology at Los Angeles County-University of Southern California School of Medicine, where he worked on developing disease models for coronaviruses. Along with maintaining a fully private practice in Arcadia, CA, Dr. Shubin was actively engaged in clinical research throughout his career, co-directing the Sleep Disorders Center at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.

He also served as the site investigator for more than 100 clinical trials, authored more than 15 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, and served as a clinical faculty member at LAC-USC School of Medicine. Dr. Shubin was dedicated to excellence in the practice of medicine and devoted to providing state-of-the-art care to his many patients. Dr. Felice Laverso, CEO and President of Casa Colina Rehabilitation Hospital, where Dr. Shubin served as Director of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease clinics, described Dr. Shubin as "one of the most talented neurologists I had ever known. His knowledge and caring about individuals with movement disorders were unprecedented.

I admired him and felt fortunate to have known him. I will miss him greatly as will every patient in his orbit." Ever the polymath, Dr. Shubin derived ceaseless joy from his lifelong study of history, natural philosophy, and geology, to the day of his untimely passing. Dr. Shubin is survived by his wife Judy Shubin, son Matthew Shubin, mother Hilde Shubin Rosenbluth, stepfather Irving Rosenbluth, sisters Carol Shubin and Dorothy Shubin, as well as by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the medical community.

Remembering Richard Alan Shubin

Use the form below to make your memorial contribution. PRO will send a handwritten card to the family with your tribute or message included. The information you provide enables us to apply your remembrance gift exactly as you wish.

Contact Us

Address
Parkinson's Resource Organization
74785 Highway 111
Suite 208
Indian Wells, CA 92210

Local Phone
(760) 773-5628

Toll-Free Phone
(877) 775-4111

General Information
info@parkinsonsresource.org

 

Like! Subscribe! Share!

Did you know that you can communicate with us through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and now Instagram?

PRIVACY POLICY TEXT

 

Updated: August 16, 2017