The summer has been tinged with sadness, as we at the Magazine of Santa Clarita lost three men very dear to us. Since these men led spectacular lives and all were a tremendous part of our community in Santa Clarita, we would like to remember them during the prime of their lives, but also say farewell to Bob Mitchell (1912-2009), Sheldon Allen (1932-2009), and Joe Cipriano (1938-2009). May your memory always be fresh in the minds of everyone who knew you.
Robert Bostwick Mitchell – 1912-2009
Robert Bostwick Mitchell, better known as Bob Mitchell, was a local resident and famous accompanist to films during the Great Silent Film Era. Bob had the opportunity to live in vastly different time periods; growing up in the 1920’s, Bob was able to see Hollywood at the height of its glamorous renown, and yet he was still accompanying silent films until right before his death on July 4th, 2009. After learning to play the piano at an early age, Bob was given an opportunity to play at Pasadena’s Strand Theater, and from there, his career expanded. His love of music was so evidenced that even after the technology of the “talkies” emerged and accompanists became obsolete, Mr. Mitchell created a boys choir, called the Mitchell Singing Boys, which was most notably praised by both the Pope and Bing Crosby. He and the boys choir were featured in over 100 movies in the ensuing decades. Though much of his film work is technically “uncredited”, his life certainly was not. Bob loved to bring back the art of the Silent Film for contemporary audiences, but now we bid adieu to the last of the Great Silent Era Organists.
Joe Cipriano – 1938-2009
Joe Cipriano was described as a warrior. What he lacked in knightly uniform, Joe made up in the dedication to his family and his friends in his neighborhood. In the words of his beloved wife Terrie, Joe was a hard worker and he had great influence in the community. After leaving the Aerospace industry, Joe pursued the field of construction, and thanks to his diligent work through the years, the Ventura ‘Plaza Del Oro’ was created, as well as land development for Lockheed Martin and Newhall Land. Joe was instrumental in the construction of the Golden Valley Shopping Center off the 14 Freeway, as well as the new building to house NorthPark Community Church. Joe is fondly remembered for his walks around the Paseos, sometimes beginning at 4 a.m., and his weekend trips to the community golf greens. He was a loving father and husband, and worked endlessly to create a great life for his family in Valencia, pouring into the community long before Santa Clarita was incorporated. His life may not make him famous, but to his family and his friends in the community, Joe was an outstanding guy who simply tried to live the American Dream, and he succeeded.
To the families of these three exceptional men, our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sheldon Allen – 1932-2009
Most Santa Claritans knew Sheldon Allen as a volunteer. Always willing to lend a hand and serve above and beyond what he was called to do, Sheldon’s service earned him the title of Man Of The Year, as well as the respect of many families in the SCV who have benefitted from Sheldon’s kindness. Sheldon was active within many clubs in Santa Clarita, so the SCV Boys and Girls Club gave him the ‘Volunteer of the Decade’ award. Sheldon sacrificed much of his free time; between helping the local clubs, and being a married lawyer with four children, his devotion to his family was mirrored in his dedication to the clubs that he was involved with in Santa Clarita. One of his more famous routines was cheering up people around Christmas time, as he and his wife Pat filled the roles of Santa and Mrs. Claus. After receiving all of his awards, Sheldon remained humbled by the community’s outpouring of appreciation, and he continued his service until his final days. His loss will be tremendous to all who loved him, but his memory will be etched in the atmosphere of the community clubs forever.
As as community, we will remember them with great reverence and admiration as we reflect on their assistance to the Santa Clarita Valley.