Our Staff Santa Cruz Memorial's experienced and dedicated staff has strong roots in the local community and is driven by a commitment to serve others. Doug Martine - Memorial Counselor Doug Martine was born and raised in Santa Cruz, and has spent most of his life in service to the local community. A third-generation funeral director, Doug began working at his grandfather's funeral home - W.H. White's - as a teenager in the early 1960s. Through his work with his grandfather, and also with his father, Bill Martine, Doug found the satisfaction that comes with helping others at their time of need. Both Doug and his wife Martha are very active in many local charitable and service organizations. The quality of service that Doug learned from his grandfather and father continues to guide him today.   Spiro Mellis - Memorial Counselor Spiro Mellis's commitment to the Santa Cruz community can best be described as active and involved. Spiro first came to Santa Cruz as a young boy with his parents in 1945, and he soon learned the importance of community involvement. With his parents, Spiro owned and operated the family grocery store on Mission Street for over 33 years. During that time he served two terms on the City Council, had a seat on the County Board of Education, was President of the Chamber of Commerce, and was selected Man of the Year in 1984. He is also a past president of the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz. He and his wife Connie are key organizers of the well loved annual Grecian Cultural & Food Festival. Spiro and Connie have passed their commitment to others on to their three children, all of whom are active in their communities. Spiro's own words describe his feelings about working for Santa Cruz Memorial: "Now, I am serving the needs of many of the families I've known throughout my life in the most trusted way. I'm glad that I can do this for my friends."   Randy Krassow - President Randy Krassow, a native of Santa Cruz, learned about commitment and service from his grandmother, Ella Bostwick, a successful Santa Cruz businesswoman and civic leader. Ella began working at the age of 15, managing the family apple orchards. She also worked evenings as a "lady attendant" at a local funeral parlor. By the time she was 24, she was a true entrepreneur, investing in property and opening the Pier Bath House as well as several motels, all while still managing the orchards. Ella was also instrumental in the development of Harvey West Park. She believed in hard work, community spirit and helping others, and she passed these values on to her grandson. Randy has served through many charitable organizations, and recently started a foundation whose charitable giving is directed to young people in Santa Cruz County. Randy's commitment to service has made Santa Cruz Memorial the most trusted funeral home in the area.   Leonard Robideaux - General Manager Leonard Robideaux has been on staff at Santa Cruz Memorial for over 25 years, serving in almost every capacity during his tenure. He is currently the General Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the cemetery and funeral home. Born and raised in the Santa Cruz area, Leonard's association with Santa Cruz Memorial is a family tradition. His father began working for the firm in 1962, and spent almost 30 years there. Leonard's brother also worked for the firm for almost 20 years. Over the years, Leonard has seen Santa Cruz Memorial make many positive changes, continually improving its commitment to serving families and the local community. Leonard and his wife Carla have two daughters.   John Krassow - Memorial Counselor John Krassow has worked for Santa Cruz Memorial for 22 years, starting first as a groundskeeper, and then later working in the office as a cemetery park director. Since 1994, John has been a Memorial Counselor for funeral arrangements. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, John graduated from Santa Cruz High School and attended both Cabrillo College and San Jose City College. He also spent two years in nursing school. John has been very active in youth sports, coaching each of his three children through their sports activities. John is looking forward to coaching the next generation of Krassow athletes - his two (soon to be three) grandchildren.   Harold "Gene" Castro - Memorial Counselor Gene Castro joined the staff at Santa Cruz Memorial in 1998. Gene is a native of Santa Cruz and graduated from Santa Cruz High School and Cabrillo College. After serving four years with the US Navy, Gene came home to Santa Cruz and spent the next 36 years working for Stewart Engineering, which later became the Watkins Johnson Company. A former member of the Santa Cruz Jaycees, where he held the office of Vice President, Gene also belongs to the Soquel Masonic Lodge, Santa Cruz Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge, Eastern Star, and the Rebekah Lodge. Gene's wife, the former Karen Kilpatric, is also strongly connected to the funeral business as her father was with White's Mortuary for many years. Gene and Karen have three daughters and eight grandchildren.

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