Kenneth John DeCrosta's Obituary
Kenneth J. DeCrosta Resident of Piedmont Kenneth J. DeCrosta, known as “Ken”, died on February 6, 2012. He was 81-years-old and had resided in Piedmont since 1966. He was born on August 13, 1930 in New Haven, Connecticut to John and Lillian DeCrosta. He graduated from James Hillhouse High School and the International Typographical Union School in Colorado Springs. He worked for the New Haven Register before moving to Oakland in 1964 where he took a job with The Oakland Tribune. A composite typographer by training, Ken traded newspapers for commercial typography firms that specialized in servicing San Francisco-based advertising agencies. While working for Omnicomp, he began to represent the company as an outside salesman. He quickly became well known, and highly respected, by advertising agency executives for his expertise of his craft, his integrity, and the ability to meet any deadline given. His penchant for traditional attire, a trademark hat, and a northeastern heritage earned him the nickname of “Kojak”. Ken was a kind, generous, and gregarious man who greatly enjoyed the company of others. He loved traveling, cooking, gardening, big band music, and entertaining. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by friends. When his children were younger, he was active in local school issues, as well as youth sports. He was a member of the Colombo Club, an Oakland-based Italian-American social organization. Ken is survived by his longtime companion, Helen Bennett of Piedmont; his sons John K. DeCrosta of Fairfax, Virginia and Kenneth M. DeCrosta of Piedmont; his daughter-in-law Hong; his grandsons Kenneth Z. DeCrosta and John K. DeCrosta, Jr.; and, step-granddaughter Rose. His wife Lettie passed away in 1994, they had been married for 30-years at the time of her death. A memorial mass in celebration of Ken’s life will be held on March 20th, 10:00am at St. Leo’s the Great Catholic Church, 176 Ridgeway Avenue at Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. He will be interred in a private ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery.
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