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Local residents who have died recently include:
Alfred Aguilar Santana, 81, a Mountain View resident who was a Vietnam veteran and whose name is engraved on the Mountain View Veterans Memorial, was remembered for his devotion to family and the legacy he leaves through his children and grandchildren. He died on July 26, 2026.
Elodia “Lupe” Soto Del Real, 88, a longtime Mountain View resident who moved to the city in 1957, worked in Santa Clara Valley agriculture in her youth and lived in the same Mountain View home for more than six decades, was known for her easygoing nature, love of California and fondness for her 1966 Plymouth VIP and 1986 Pontiac Fiero. She died on Sep. 1, 2026.
James David “Jim” Owen, 66, a former Palo Alto resident who grew up in the city and later maintained equipment at Varian and CPI in Palo Alto, also worked on major Bay Area projects and ran stage lighting for performers including Tina Turner, Willie Nelson, B.B. King and Ray Charles. Known for his generosity and willingness to teach and help others, he died on Aug. 21, 2026, in Eureka.
David Alois Fencl, 76, a longtime Palo Alto resident who served as a U.S. Navy officer and spent 40 years in federal service, including with NASA and the TSA, was also known for helping create the grotto and prayer gardens at Menlo Park’s Vallombrosa Center and for his service through the Order of Malta. He died on Sept. 18, 2026.
Matthew Carl Ragno, 75, a Woodside resident who was born in Palo Alto and spent many years co-owning John’s Liquors in Portola Valley with his brother, was a two-time bocce ball tournament champion at the Italian-American Social Club in Menlo Park and an avid outdoorsman active with California Waterfowl Association and Ducks Unlimited. He died on Sept. 5, 2026.
To read full obituaries, leave remembrances and post photos, go to Lasting Memories at rwcpulse.com/obituaries/.
