Class of 1962

(Please see “Melody Giffin Martin,” located in the Faculty section)

George D. Pesacreta, age 61, died on January 18, 2006, after a courageous battle and ALS. He was born May 19, 1944, in Poughkeepsie, New York. George spent his childhood in New York. His family moved to Southern California, where he graduated from San Dieguito High School in 1962. He graduated from the University of San Francisco and went directly into the Peace Corps in Peru, where his lifelong love of Latin America and world travel began. George earned his master’s degree from San Diego State in Latin American Studies in 1978. After becoming a professor at Palomar College, he served as chairman of the foreign languages department for nine years. George was instrumental in the development of the Palomar College Study Abroad Program. He introduced many students to worlds they did not know in Spain, Mexico and Costa Rica. George retired in 2003 and his battle with ALS began. Preceding him in death were his parents, Mike and Josephine Pesacreta. He is survived by his brother Michael Pesacreta and sisters Carolann Hayes, Jean Smith, Dianne Nichols and Marilyn Rutherford; nieces and nephews Lauren, Brooke, Zach, Alex, Johnnie, Michael and Nathaniel. A private memorial service will be held for family and friends on February 4, 2006. Contributions can be made to: George Pesacreta Travel Abroad Scholarship Fund, Palomar College Foundation, 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069, (760) 744-1150 ext. 2664.

—San Diego Union-Tribune, published February 1, 2006

Source: California Death Index