Dear Classmates,

It is with deep sadness that we mark the recent passsing of one of our classmates, Sandy Carbonaro.  Sandy passed away peacefully on March 27, 2024 in Sonora, CA.  He followed his deceased wife Karen of 30 years.

He is survived by his significant other, Brenda Thistlethwaite of over 20 years, his son Damon and his wife Danielle and their three children, Kyli, Piper and Kenzie.  A Celebration of Live memorial will be scheduled in the near future at the Moose Hall in Castro Valley  -  to be announced.  A copy of the obituary that appeared in the San Leandro Times on May 2, 2024 is pasted below.

We offer our sincere condolences to his friends and loved ones.  May his memory be a blessing.

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Sandy Carbonaro, aged 78, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2024 in Sonora, CA. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 29, 1945 to Joseph and Rose Carbonaro. Sandy followed his deceased wife Karen of 30 years.

He is survived by his significant other, Brenda Thistlethwaite of over 20 years, his son Damon and his wife Danielle and their three children, Kyli, Piper and Kenzie. He is also survived by his daughter Michelle and her two children Layla and Iain, and his close sister Francis.

Sandy was a multi-talented worker who had a strong work ethic. He was an electrician and a successful real estate agent and broker. He entered the real estate field in1984 as an agent and later earned his broker’s license in 2014. He had a long list of home construction/remodeling skills and was an accomplished vehicle and motorcycle mechanic.

Sandy attended Cal State East Bay College and majored in Political Science. He followed politics closely. He also served his country in the U.S. Marines Reserves in the middle and late 1960s, and was an NRA certified pistol and tactical instructor as well.

Sandy was generous of spirit, big-hearted and had a fun/clever sense of humor. He gave the biggest, friendliest hugs to the delight of all who knew him. He was a loyal friend who had a wide range of friends that he consistently stayed in touch with. Sandy was a kind and caring grandparent who enjoyed being with his grandchildren. Above all, he was a practicing Christian who lived a life of integrity, honesty and deep faith. Sandy loved life and lived it to the full. He had many hobbies, such as domestic and international travel with his beloved Brenda, was a Karate black belt and instructor and loved to maintain his home. He consistently stayed in good physical condition and enjoyed exercising. But maintaining and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle with Brenda on the back seat was his go-to hobby. They would cruise the highways and byways of America, visiting cities, taking in the different landscapes and diverse populations. On occasion, he would join fellow bike riders and venture out to various biker gatherings, all in good fun. In his later years, Sandy developed challenging health issues and handled them with enduring courage. He continued to engage in life right to the end. He now rests peacefully in the presence of the Lord. A Celebration of Life memorial will be scheduled in the near future at the Moose Hall in Castro Valley-- to be announced.