Loring James McAuliffe

Date of Birth

July 28, 1933

Date of Death

March 24, 2016

Loring was born in Oakland, California, on July 28, 1933, the eldest son of John and Elma McAuliffe. He resided in Albany, California until his parents relocated to San Gabriel, California, in 1940. There, Loring attended McKinley Grammar School for a year, and then transferred to The Old San Gabriel Mission school for the next seven years. In 1942, Loring’s parents presented him with his first brother, John, and in 1944, his second brother, Michael, arrived. Because of the age differences, Loring was always the ultimate “Big Brother.” For high school, Loring attended Cantwell Catholic School. He would ride their bus each day from his Abbot Avenue home to the Monterey Park school. One of his favorite courses was Latin, and he always enjoyed reciting Catholic Mass in that language. After high school, Loring went to Pasadena City College for his Associate of Arts degree, and then attended Los Angeles State College (now California State University at Los Angeles) to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. He took a three-year hiatus from school to enlist in the United States Army 1954 until 1957, serving in Germany. Upon completion of his Bachelor of Arts degree, and while studying for his Masters degree at LA State, he met Barbara Gilbert. They started their 56-year marriage together in 1960, life-long partners until Loring’s death. Loring worked for AT&T for a short time, and then went to work for the Southern Counties Gas Company, where he learned the mysteries of the computer, a skill he perfected as his ultimate career. While working in their computerized billing department, he once sent a billing statement to his grandmother labeled “The Gal Who Shot Liberty Valance.” He had some explaining to do for that stunt! In 1966, Loring’s brother, John, married Colette Mikes. They eventually had two children, niece Colleen and nephew Kevin. The young family moved in with Loring and Barbara while John explored various job opportunities, living together for over a year. Loring and Barbara eventually settled in Santa Barbara, California, where Loring was employed by Santa Barbara City Schools, as a computer programmer-analyst for more than four years. Barbara continued to work for Bank of America. Loring later assumed the post of Data Processing Chief at Santa Barbara City College, and eventually took responsibility for the payroll conversion during the Y2K change over for the County of Santa Barbara. He retired at age 67 from the County of Santa Barbara. He was very proud when he earned his teaching credential and was able to teach Computer Sciences at Santa Barbara City College. In 1972, Loring and Barbara purchased their special home on More Mesa, in the historic area known as More’s Landing. Here they worked loyally in The English Setter Rescue Society, grew their own vegetables, and supplied the family with a variety of homegrown avocados. Another family member, Loring’s step-brother Anthony, lived with Loring and Barbara for over three years while attending high school in Santa Barbara area. Wherever these two lived seemed to turn into a “Bed and Breakfast” for the rest of the family. Because of the affection he had for his aunt and uncle, when Tony married and had a son, Michael, his boy developed a great affection for his Great Aunt and Uncle just like the rest of the family. From childhood, Loring was an avid reader, staying indoors with a book rather than being outdoors on the athletic fields. He loved classical music and crossword puzzles. He never failed to entertain with his sharp wit and intelligent sense of humor. He will be remembered as a loving son, a caring brother, and a loyal friend. But he will be revered as the true-loving husband to his forever-bride, Barbara with whom he spent 56 years of his life. Loring’s final wishes were to be cremated and interred at the National Cemetery in San Francisco, California, an honor to which he is entitled because of his service to his country. It is fitting that his final resting place will be very near his birthplace, a long journey to complete “The Circle of Life.” and will be a beautiful location for family and friends to visit. We, the family wish to thank the hospital staff, nurses and doctors in Cottage Hospital’s MICU department for their wonderful and comforting care during Loring’s his stay with them. Remembrances may to sent the the American Lung Association or to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care in Santa Barbara.

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