April 2019 – VCCCDRA BLOG

Bill Shilley’s Passing (information on services)

From Harry Cullota:

“William (Bill) Shilley passed away on April 5 at the age of 90. He had many careers – priest, family and marriage counselor, and instructor – and was the founding instructor of the Alcohol and Drugs Studies program (later renamed Addictive Disorders Studies) at Oxnard College. This is a program that exists within the District only at Oxnard College, a program for which Bill worked very diligently to develop its curriculum. Bill was such a dedicated instructor that he taught full time for many years, only retiring at the age of 79. Even after retiring, he continued teaching part time in the program for many years thereafter.

“Bill’s memorial service with be held this Friday, April 26, 5:00 p.m., at Ted Mayr Funeral Home on Loma Vista Road in Ventura. Many of Bill’s colleagues and friends (including yours truly) will want to express their appreciation for having know this educational pioneer and fine gentleman.

You can read Bill’s obituary notice at the following link.

Betty Fiorentine’s Passing

Betty Fiorentine’s obituary was published in Ventura County Star on Apr. 21, 2019

“Betty Jane Fiorentine passed away on April 5, 2019 after a long illness with her loving family at her side.

“Betty was born in Peoria, Illinois on July 2, 1920 and met her husband, Ralph Fiorentine, while both were attending the University of Illinois. They married in Illinois in 1941 and moved to Ventura in 1946.

“Betty was a full-time mom until her children grew up and then worked as Registrar at Oxnard College for many years until retiring.

“Betty is survived by sons, Tom (Linda), Bob, Jim and daughter, Marianne (Jeff) Maichen and four grandchildren, Matthew and Kellen Maichen and Jonathan and Andrei Fiorentine. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Ralph; her son, John, and grandson, Evin.

“Betty loved playing bridge, tending her roses and traveling. She was a member of a dinner club with close friends for over 50 years and a member of Knit Wits..

“Most of all, she was a loving and devoted mother to her 5 children.

“A Celebration of Life will be held in Ventura in early July.”

To leave a memory or message for the family, please use this link.

Bill Shilley’s Passing

It is with deep regret and sadness that VCCCDRA announces the passing of William “Bill” Shilley, founding faculty of the Addictive Disorder Studies Program at Oxnard College and a beloved professor of thousands of students. Bill retired in 2007 but continued to teach part-time at OC. At his passing, Bill was teaching one Spring 2019 semester class of ADS R101, Overview of Addiction. Bill was known and highly regarded throughout the State of California in the field of Addiction Studies and Prevention. He advised many colleges in the State on the establishment of their own addiction studies programs. Bill was on the board of California Association for Drug/Alcohol Educators (CAADE) for over thirty years, and continued to his passing. Bill was instrumental in establishing accreditation standards for Alcohol/Drug Studies Programs in California.

Cards may be sent to Bill’s daughter, Kristin Shilley, at:
8058 Denver St.
Ventura, CA 93004

Funeral arrangements are pending.

To visit the VCCCDRA website, click here.