The Honorable Sidney Arthur Cherniss, Jr. passed away in his South Pasadena home on March 30, 2005, with his wife Jean at his side.

Sid was born April 10, 1921, in Los Angeles, California and was the second of four generations to attend South Pasadena-San Marino High School, graduating in the class of 1939.  In 1942, after attending Pasadena City College (then PJC), Sid enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He was able to pursue his love of flying, serving as a flight instructor and pilot during WW II and continued to fly both prop and jet aircraft while in the reserves, as a captain.  While he earned a law degree at USC, he served as a member of the South Pasadena Police Department.  He joined the Los Angeles County District Attorney's  office where he worked until retiring as head of the special investigation unit in the early 1970s.  At that time he was appointed a judge of the L.A. Municipal Court by Governor Ronald Reagan, and retired in 1989.

Sid was active in many organizations including AOPA, Footprinter's, Navy League, Quiet Birdmen, and BPOE.  He also served as Co-Chairman (with classmate Jim Fosselman) of the SPHS Alumni Association Grand Reunion II.

Sid is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean Hayes Cherniss '40; sons Jim '59 and wife Karen of Napa, Bill '68 and wife Elma of Battleground, Missouri, and a daughter, Betty Lee Hier '65 and husband Gary of Colchester, Vermont; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His brothers Charles '45, Tom '50, sister Jacqueline '41, as well as his granddaughter Jill Cherniss Bute '84 and grandson, Gary Hier II predeceased him.

Sid will be missed greatly by his family and friends.