For whom the bell tolled: community leaders who passed away in 2011
John Workman’s body is borne from his memorial service for burial. Photo Hermosa icon John Workman In November Hermosa dignitaries, friends and family filled much of the large Community Center playhouse to say goodbye to longtime City Treasurer John Workman, who died of an apparent heart attack at age 73, just three days after he lost a reelection bid. Workman’s body lay within a stately casket surrounded by wreaths and flowers, while he was eulogized as a faithful city servant, a dedicated volunteer whose efforts made him a Chamber of Commerce man of the year, a kind friend and a loving husband, father and grandfather. Friends and family recalled Workman the entertainer, who as a youth sang Christmas carols with the Smothers Brothers at the family home in Redondo Beach, and then played piano on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and used a warm wit and deft delivery to become a popular emcee at Hermosa civic events. In the 1950s Workman played keyboards in small combos, often featuring Danny MacNamara on sax, and in one of those bands appeared on the popular nationwide “Sullivan” variety TV show. The 18-year treasurer was eulogized by his wife of 50 years, Mary Ellen Workman, who spoke of…
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