Jean N. Patti
July 11, 1938 – Jan. 17, 2025

LAKEPORT, Calif. — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Patti, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who left us peacefully on January 17, 2025 in Lakeport, California.

Jean was a woman of immense kindness, quick wit and boundless compassion. She had a natural gift for making everyone around her feel special and valued. Her laughter was contagious, her wisdom profound, and her presence a comfort to all who knew her.

Born on July 11, 1938, in Fall River, Massachusetts to Griselda (Chicca) and Henry Ouelette, Jean devoted her life to her family and her community.

Jean was the cherished wife of Walter Patti, the loving mother to Carlene Gacesa, and the beloved sister to Nora Kosiorek, all who proceeded her in death.

Jean took great joy in her family, who will forever carry her lessons of love, resilience and generosity.

Jean is survived by her brother, Steve (Judy) Ouelette; son-in-law, Mark Gacesa; stepdaughter, Linda (David) Birck; grandchildren, Courtney (Reagan) Jobe and Caitlin (Andrew) Follett; great-grandchildren, Robert and Charlotte Jobe; nieces, Dawn Willis and Renee Vinson; nephews, Tony Ouellette and Kevin Kosiorek; along with many great-nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jean’s heart extended beyond her family to the community she so dearly cared for. She found purpose in volunteering at Lakeport Police Department and was a valued parishioner and weekly usher at St. Mary’s Immaculate Catholic Parish in Lakeport.

Jean’s legacy is one of love, laughter and selflessness. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones.

The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Jean’s life in a Mass on Friday, March 28, at noon at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Parish in Lakeport.

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Daniel Johnny Davi was born to Ignatius and Isabel Davi on May 15, 1947, in South San Francisco and died in Lakeport on Feb. 23, 2025, at the age of 77 from NET cancer.

He was a lifelong visitor to Lake County then moved to Clearlake in the 1980s, eventually settling in Lakeport in 2000.

Dan proudly served in the US Navy for four years during the Vietnam War. After his service, he attended college at UC Berkeley, majoring in business administration and worked in the computer industry in Silicon Valley for 30 years.

He then took an abrupt change of careers and came to Lake County to work in health care as a CNA, LVN and phlebotomist. In 1998, he changed careers again and worked as a travel agent where he met and married his wife of 23 years, Cindy Giles.

During his retirement years, he volunteered with most (if not all) the veteran organizations in Lake County. He loved giving to and advocating for veterans from all branches of the services and did so proudly for almost twenty years.

He and Cindy volunteered their time, hearts and strong backs to the local food bank for many years.

Dan is survived by his father, Ignatius; his loving and caring wife, Cindy; his daughter, Melissa (Matt) Norris; stepdaughter, Megan (Gary) Pedro; grandsons, Tristan Davi, Leland Norris and William Pedro; sister-in-law, Connie Brewer; brother-in-law, Ross (Miriam) Giles; and many nieces and nephews.

He will be missed by his favorite cousins, Rick (Dianne) Gervasi, Dianna (Joe) Palmer and Bryan Palmer; his loving friend, Vivian Bucknell; all his vet buddies and all the guys at the lake.

He will be sorely missed by his three cats and all his fur buddies who adored him.

He is predeceased by his mother, Isabel, and his sister, Linda Pagano.

Per Dan's wishes there will be no funeral or memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to our local food bank: Clear Lake Gleaners, P.O. Box 266, Finley, CA 95435.

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Richard Stephen Altman was born on Oct. 27, 1942, in San Francisco to Ethel and Lee Altman.

He passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2025, at Lakeport Post Acute after a long battle with cancer.

Richard was married to Linda Claire Jacobs for almost 44 years. While they had no children together, he is survived by his son, David Israel and his wife, Barbara (from a previous marriage) along with a grandson, Jacob Hal; and his brother, Barry Altman and his wife, Linda.

Richard shared a strong bond with Brian and Kimberlie Austin, his wife's son and daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, Zachary and Lauren, whom he considered family as well.

His kindness, wisdom and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His kindness will not be forgotten.

Richard started playing the accordion at a young age. This became a passion his entire life.

While in his late teens he started playing the piano and organ. After high-school he earned a bachelors and master’s degree in music from San Francisco State University. For several years he taught music in San Francisco’s public schools. While in college, he worked at the Sinaloa Cantina, playing the accordion, in San Francisco’s famed North Beach area.

A few years after moving to Clearlake in north central California, he started Beit Chavurah Synagogue in Lake County. As a lay Rabbi, Richard held regular services for the local Jewish community for more than 30 years. For over 50 years his music was heard in numerous Jewish services and weddings and well over a dozen synagogues in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Richard had a deep compassion for animals, especially those in need of a second chance. Over the years he welcomed numerous cats, dogs and birds into his home, providing them with love, care and a forever home, ensuring they knew comfort and companionship.

Funeral service will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N High St., Lakeport, on Tuesday, March 4, at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at Hartley Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Jewish National Fund by planting a tree in Richard’s honor. Contact the organization online or call 800-542-8733.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Mel Louis Goos lost his 22 year battle with Parkinson’s on Feb. 19, 2025.

Born in Denver, Colorado on July 29, 1946, to Louis and Katherine Goos, the second oldest of four kids. He graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in 1965, joined the Air Force the same year and served in Thailand as a jet mechanic.

Mel moved to Redwood City in 1969 where he met Lynn and they married in 1971. They had two girls, Teri and Lori.

Mel was an airline mechanic at TWA for 15 years, then moved on to work on the Bradley tanks as a mechanic for FMC for 15 years. He was a talented wood worker and mechanic. There wasn’t anything that he couldn't build, fix, create or modify, usually without a plan or instructions. He was very funny, witty and always had a good story to tell.

Mel is predeceased by his parents and oldest brother, Don. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Lynn; daughters, Teri (Dominque) Monbureau and Lori (Miles) Blair; his only beloved granddaughter, Danielle; brother, Bob; sister, Karen (Ernie); many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed dearly.

It’s break time now, Dad, until we meet again. Rest easy, fly high with the eagles. You are now pain free.

Memorial service will be held at United Christian Parish, 745 N. Brush St. in Lakeport on Thursday, March 6, at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com. 

Frank Houston
July 26, 1944 – Jan. 1, 2025

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Frank Houston, a longtime resident of Kelseyville and Lakeport, unexpectedly passed away on Jan. 1, 2025.

Born Francisco Mendez on July 26, 1944, he took the Houston surname from his stepfather, Glen Houston, when his mother remarried when Frank was just 2 years old.

Frank is survived by his three children, Frank Houston Jr. of South San Francisco, Dawne Camilleri of Granite Bay and Tim Houston of Los Altos, as well as six beloved grandchildren.

In 1978, Frank made the surprising decision to move his family to Kelseyville to take over as the owner and operator of Lake County Welders Supply.

With no prior experience in business or the welding industry, he built the company through determination, hard work and a knack for making lifelong friends.

He ran the business for over 28 years, steadfastly refusing to use a computer and continuing to send out handwritten invoices and bills until the day he retired.

Following his retirement, and prior to COVID, Frank found a new passion in his faith through his involvement with the Gideons. He became deeply committed to spreading their message,
sharing his faith at every opportunity.

Frank will be deeply missed but never forgotten — he was a true fixture in Lake County.

A service to honor Frank’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Grace Church, located at 6716 Live Oak Drive in Kelseyville.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — David Earl Retherford, 73, of Nice, California, passed away on Feb. 14, 2025, at the VA Hospital in San Francisco, California.

David was born on Aug. 12, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Earl and Colleen Retherford.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Nice; his brother, Stephen, of St. Louis, Missouri; his children, David Earl Retherford Jr. of Wasilla, Alaska, Desiree Leahy of Gaston, Oregon, Brandon Mosby of Lacey, Washington, and Bradley Mosby of Nice; his grandchildren, Ben Retherford, Malichi Retherford, Joanna Leahy, Joshua Leahy, Xander Mosby and Harrison Mosby; and his great-grandchildren, Kiley and Bowen Retherford.

David grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and served in the U.S. Navy from 1971 to 1975. After his service, he moved to Lake County, California.

An Eagle Scout in his youth, David worked as a drywall contractor in Lake County for many years. He was also active in several organizations, including the Christian Motorcycle Association, where he contributed to prison ministries; the North Lake Garden Club; the Traveling Vietnam Wall through the Vietnam Veterans of America; and he served as a Vietnam veterans representative at the national convention.

David was deeply devoted to his family. He enjoyed traveling, sailing on Clear Lake and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and his wife Margaret also loved attending steampunk festivals together.