Obituaries
Mary Ann (Martin) Brunello, retired operator
On June 11, Mary Ann Brunello died, surrounded by her family. She was a world traveler, a gifted quilt maker and a volunteer.
She was born Sept. 19, 1948 and lived on the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo campus, where her father earned his engineering degree. In 1959, the family moved to Orangevale when her father started working at Aerojet.
Brunello graduated from Bella Vista High School in 1966 and worked at McClellan Air Force Base. After working several years in Sacramento, she moved to Pollock Pines and started her career with Caltrans. She started in the office, but transitioned outdoors to the road, where she was one of the first and only women to work as an operator for the California Division of Highways.
She met Aldo Brunello and they were married in Placerville in 1984. The couple shared a life of travel and ocean cruses.
Mary Ann Brunello volunteered at Snowline Hospice Thrift Store for more than 26 years. She lived an active life, filled with snorkeling, fishing, skiing, crafts, softball, and gardening, but most importantly, it was filled with her family and love. Brunello loved to go places, meet people and have new experiences. She was a member of the Moose Lodge and a number of service and social organizations.
Brunello was survived by her husband Aldo, sister Nancy Fillingame and her husband Paul; brother Brian Martin and his wife Mimi; one niece, four nephews, four children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Eugene W. Knaebel, former District 2 director
Eugene W. Knaebel
Gene Knaebel, husband, father, civil engineer and accomplished photographer, died in Redding on April 26. He was born July 20, 1929.
Knaebel served in two branches of the U.S. military; the Navy as a reservist and in the U.S. Army on active duty. Knaebel was the Caltrans District 2 Director in Redding and also served as a Shasta County Department of Public Works Deputy Director.
Knaebel had a passion for life and adventure. During his college years at Michigan Technological University, he was a champion ski racer. He remained an avid skier throughout his life. He loved fly fishing and had a knack for outsmarting the fish. When racing sailboats, his preference was always for a high-wind start, keen competition, and a challenging course.
His community involvement included the Redding Rotary Club, both locally and internationally. He found, wrote, and administered a $1.6 million grant for the Turtle Bay Museum project and received a "Totally Terrific Turtle Award" as a thank you. He created a photographic record of the restoration of the Cascade Theatre and is featured in the Sundial Bridge film "Angle of Inspiration."
Knaebel's signature picture of the Sundial Bridge, a panorama of Redding, is printed on gift items available at the Turtle Bay Gift Shop. All proceeds from these sales go to the Turtle Bay Museum.
Knaebel loved his family, his career as a civil engineer, and all who walked the path of life with him. He is survived by his wife Gwen (Guilbault) Knaebel; children, Laurie (husband Dan) Malmgren, Steven (wife Karen Lund) Knaebel, Marnie (husband David) Yorton, and Andrew (wife Grace Tippit) Knaebel; grandchildren, Kate and Lee Malmgren, Lindsey (husband Brian) Ambrosini, Morgen Knaebel, Derek and Scott Yorton, Garret (wife Kaley Moore) Knaebel, Elora and Cameron Knaebel; and great grandchildren, Natalie Yorton and Evan Ambrosini.
Thomas Pollock, former District 5 director
Thomas L. Pollock
Thomas Landels Pollock, of Sacramento, passed away on June 30, surrounded by his family. He was born on Aug. 31, 1932 to Reuben and Elsie Pollock. He received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from University of California, Berkeley, and later his master's degree in business administration from California State University, Sacramento.
He worked for 37 years for Caltrans. Pollock held many engineering and managerial positions, including the San Luis Obispo District 5 Director from 1986 to 1992.
He enjoyed sports, especially baseball, softball, tennis, and golf. Pollock was a diehard Boston Red Sox fan to the end. Pollock loved being on the ocean, and he and his wife enjoyed many cruises together in retirement.
He is survived by his wife, Ardie Cunningham; sons, Thomas and Michael; daughter, Martha (Carol) Toca; grandchildren, Darian and Chandler Toca; and brothers, Ted and Jim (Carrie) Pollock.