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WHS Alumni Foundation News

135th Anniversary Celebration

WHS Alumni Foundation Board of Directors, State Senator Aisha Wahab (center) Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan (4th from left), WHS Principal Bob Moran (4th from right)

State Assemblyman Alex Less (speaking), President Fremont Unified Board of Directors Dianne Jones, FUSD Superintendent Zack Larsen

WHS Alumni News

News Archive

Memorials

SHIRLEY ALAMEDA LORENZ
May 1, 1927 ~ July 8, 2024
WHS Class of 1945

Shirley Alameda Lorenz, a beloved member of the Fremont community, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, at the age of 97, surrounded by her children. Born on May 1, 1927, in Fremont, Shirley’s life was a testament to family, community, and a love for acceptance and friendship.

Shirley Alameda Lorenz, a beloved member of the Fremont community, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, at the age of 97, surrounded by her children. Born on May 1, 1927, in Fremont, Shirley’s life was a testament to family, community, and a love for acceptance and friendship. A proud graduate of Washington (Union) High School’s Class of 1945, Shirley’s family legacy, at WHS, spanned four generations: her mother, Pauline Gronley Alameda, her 5 siblings, Shirley and her 5 siblings, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, Shirley’s six children, along with grandchildren.

Married in 1951, Shirley and Gene Lorenz shared 57 wonderful years together until Gene’s passing in 2008. Their home was filled with love, laughter, extended family, sports, and friends. Her enthusiasm for sports continued throughout Shirley’s life (WHS field hockey, basketball, softball), all her children were on sports teams, and she and Gene were long-time, season ticket, Oakland A’s fans. Shirley also delighted in cheering on her grandchildren in their various sports activities.

Shirley’s commitment to her children’s education was evident through her extensive involvement in the PTA, for which she received a Lifetime PTA Honorary Service Award in 1973. She also worked as a beloved teacher’s aide in special education programs within the Fremont Unified School District, where she was known for her steadfast dedication to her students. For over 40 years, as matriarch of her family’s local flower shop and affectionately known as “Shirley Momma”, Shirley was a vibrant participant in the annual Fremont 4th of July and Christmas parades, always donning costumes that matched the flower shop’s float theme. Her sweet dog, Sophie, was her constant companion, often seen perched on her lap.

Shirley’s pride in her family’s heritage and their civic contributions to Fremont was a cornerstone of her identity. She is survived by her children, Mark (Susan), Wendy, Randy (Ed), Dirk (Lisa), and Paula (Tony), daughter-in-law, Cindy, as well as 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her eldest son, Eric, and son-in-law, Bud. Shirley’s legacy of love, dedication, and community spirit will be cherished.

1953-2018

WHS Class of 1971

Founding Member of WHS Alumni Foundation

Entered into rest on February 14, 2018 at the age of 65. Loving husband to Mary Robertson of Danville and stepfather to Ryan Burgess (Nicole) of Rocklin. Cherished son to Billie Jacinto of Fremont. Beloved brother to Terry Jacinto of Sacramento, Karen Jacinto of Fremont, Denise Jacinto of Fremont, Sandra and John Winslow of VA, and Suzanne Jacinto of Fremont. Treasured uncle to Michael, Patricia (Richard), Alexis, Mandee, Jessica, Kyle, Nicole, and Kelly. Proud great-uncle to Tyler, Bailey, Cain, Benjamin, Delilah, Brianna, Alexa, Brandon, Aiden, and Dylen. Cherished brother-in-law to Mike Robertson (Sheila) and son-in-law to Emma Robertson. Predeceased by his beloved father Jess Jacinto in 2008.

Born January 20, 1953 in San Jose, Mike grew up in Fremont and graduated from Washington High School in 1971. He was an excellent student and highly decorated three sport athlete, lettering in football, baseball, and soccer, and was named the 1970-71 MVAL Athlete of the Year. Later, a devoted and active alumnus, he was the founding member of the Washington High School Alumni Foundation. He went on to play quarterback for Cal State Hayward and was recognized for his successes when he was inducted in the school’s Hall of Fame in 1988. Mike’s lifelong passion for sports, particularly the Giants and the 49ers, and a commitment to the lessons he learned on the field were a driving force in his life. Mike was a highly accomplished and respected businessman, first as a successful realtor having won the Bay East REALTOR® of the Year Award in 1988 and then as a business owner, founding the Jacinto Mortgage Group nearly 30 years ago. In addition to earning several leadership awards, he served many years on the Bay East Board of Directors prior to being elected as President in 1990. He also served on the California Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors.

He was respected by all who knew him for his dedication to his work, clients, colleagues, and the East Bay communities he served. Mike was a committed family man, a loyal friend, a decorated athlete, a leader in his community, and an honorable, devoted businessman. He will be missed beyond measure. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Washington High School Alumni Foundation.

1941-2018, WHS Class of 1959

Hall of Fame Honoree

Steve Barnett, engaged citizen, former NCAA wrestling champion, University of Oregon Duck, Chicago Bears NFL football player, and Rotarian passed away peacefully at his home in Danville, California on Tuesday, January 2. He was 76. The cause was congestive heart failure. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lynn, his children Kelli Smith (Brant) and Elizabeth Barnett (Will) and his sisters Linda Swiger and Stephanie Barnett.

Steve was born in Sand Springs Oklahoma and came to Fremont California in 1950. He was a gifted athlete and became one of that city’s most famous sports figures. While at Washington High School in the late 1950’s, he played on Coach Bill Walsh’s winning football team. The two created the famous “refrigerator play” where Steve, the offensive tackle, ran for touchdowns. Steve was also a champion high school and college wrestler and was awarded athlete-scholar-citizen awards in both high school and college. While at the University of Oregon he was both a First Team Academic All-American and First Team Football All-American, voted All Conference three times, tapped for the Honor Society of Friars, recipient of the Emerald Athletic Trophy, elected to the University’s Senate, and played in the Hula Bowl, Liberty Bowl and East West Shrine Game. As an All-American, Steve met President John F. Kennedy, who asked him to play on his Hyannis Port football team. Steve was inducted in the State of Oregon’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 and into the University of Oregon’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. In 1963, the Chicago Bears selected Steve in the second round of the NFL Draft. That was the year the Bears won the Super Bowl, then known as the World Championship. Steve also played for the Washington Redskins for one year.

Back in Fremont, Steve joined Sunnyvale’s Barnes Hind Pharmaceutical Company as a sales manager. After his retirement, he made the Bay Area community’s life richer with his many volunteer activities. Notably the Niles Rotary Club, in which he was an active member and Club President. Steve mediated landlord tenant disputes for Alameda County. He was a member of the Contra Costa County Grand Jury that published an influential report on cleaning up the San Joaquin delta. He also worked with the Danville Police Department as a “VIP” (Volunteer in Policing) and, in 2014, was awarded “Volunteer of the Year.” As a minister for 33 years, Steve has married many couples and they all cited his warmth and his open heartedness as the thing that made the ceremony special. Steve will be greatly missed by family and friends. He managed to look like the Mayor of every city he happened to be in with his handsome shock of white hair, his penetrating blue eyes and his commanding voice and presence. His kindness in the community is legend and he rushed to help those in need and was always there to listen and to assist. He was also known for his sense of humor and the heartiest and most heartfelt of laughs. He loved to play bridge, bocci ball, and just about any other game. Playing cards with him was an adventure all in itself. Steve was known as “Captain” to all the young people in his life; “The Bear” at the University of Oregon; “Partner” at the Bridge table;” Steverino” in his amateur theater group; Daddy-O at home; and My Friend to so many. Like Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers, Steve never lost a game. He just ran out of time.

RICHARD LEONARD DUTROW
January 1, 1925 ~ May 15, 2026
WHS Class of 1943

Richard Leonard Dutrow, a lifelong resident of Fremont, California, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, at the age of 101. He was born in San Jose on January 1, 1925, the only child of George and May Dutro, and was raised in Centerville on his family's apricot and cherry orchard on Fremont Boulevard, between Mowry Avenue and Washington High School. He attended Centerville Grammar School and graduated from Washington High School in 1943. He went on to attend San Jose State University until he was drafted into the Army during World War II. After basic training, he was stationed at Camp Beale in Marysville, California, until his discharge at the end of the war. He later completed his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering at UC Berkeley. It was at a USO dance in Grass Valley, California, that he met the love of his life, Patricia. They were married on September 15, 1951, and shared 62 devoted years of marriage. Together they raised their three sons on Eggers Court, where Richard made his home for the rest of his life.

From 1964 through 1969, Richard and Patricia owned and operated Swensen's Ice Cream Parlour in Irvington, creating fond memories for many in the community. He also enjoyed a long and successful career in the growing electronics industry of Silicon Valley, serving in a variety of management roles in Production Control and Logistical Traffic Management until his retirement in 1990.

Richard was a man of many gifts and interests. He was a talented draftsman and graphic artist who created numerous sketches and paintings, and he brought joy to many family gatherings as a musician, playing the drums, accordion, and banjo. He was also a wonderful dancer who especially loved to jitterbug with his beloved wife. Yet perhaps his greatest lifelong passion was organic gardening and cooking, pursuits he continued to enjoy right up to his 101st birthday.

Richard is survived by his three sons, Gregory (Libby), Glen (Susan), and Patrick (Karen); five grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica (Nicholas), Christopher (Sheila), Alicia (Patrick) and Kimberly (Brenden); and two great-grandchildren, Arabella and Juliana. He was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and took part in many religious pilgrimages with his church family. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and role model whose steady presence, kindness, and example will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Donations in Memory Of...

In Memory of Barbara Santos Pimentel
In Memory of Shirley Alameda Lorenz
In Memory of Billie Jacinto
In Memory of Jessica Manning
In Memory of Robert "Grandpa Bob" Almeida supporting the John Woodcock Athletic Leadership Scholarship
In Memory of Linda Wikel Clinton '68
In Memory of David Lee DeGeorge '62
In Memory of Kenneth Jones, WHS Teacher
In Memory of Dorothy Britton, Art Teacher
In Memory of Nick Stratigopoulos, Business Teacher