John F, Corbani, 1935 - 2009

John Corbani, b. 1935 died peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer Feb. 6. John became a Santa Barbara resident after winning a full E.E. scholarship and studying at the RCA Institute in NY, NY. After working as a technician for various repair companies he worked for Offshore Navigation as a commercial radio operator. Drafted into the Army, he landed an assignment as a Special (atomic) Weapons specialist and rifle team member. He worked for Pan Fax Inc. and as a partner in Marinetics and was a founding partner of Sloan Technology. He designed capital equipment for the thin film industry: thickness monitors, thickness controllers, evaporation sources, EB guns, sputter sources, vacuum systems and system controls as well as the Dektak line of surface profilers. After an early retirement from Sloan, he wrote tutorials and articles for vacuum system related publications. In 1982 he began an on-going relationship with domestic and international companies developing over 100 patents for products in the high-vacuum, healthcare field and served as an expert witness in major patent litigations in Federal Court. 

He enjoyed traveling, wind-surfing, sailing, soaring, model gliders, boats and railroading and Italian cars. 

He combined his love golf and Santa Barbara in 1989 with the purchase of Hidden Oaks Clubhouse along with his wife, Candi. Together, they hosted international students, built a successful swim club, banquet and wedding facility. 

In addition to his wife of 45 years, he is survived by two daughters: Kim Corbani Tevanen and husband Peter and Donna Corbani Reurings and husband Raymond. As the eldest of 9 children, he leaves behind his sisters, Loretta Tyson, Mary Corbani, Shirley Lausten, Virginia Fox, Betty Jones, Rose Gray, Susan Jones and brother Paul Corbani as well their spouses and children. He will be missed deeply by all who enjoyed his wry sense of humor, his help with Ferrari repair and his willingness to fix anything that was broken and to come up with a solution to even the craziest problem. As a volunteer teacher and Board Member at Anacapa School, he urged students to maximize their potential. He enjoyed every beautiful day.

A Celebration of his Life for family and friends will be held on Friday, February 13th at Hidden Oaks Clubhouse from 11:45 AM -2 PM. Please call for reservation: 967-5574.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Anacapa School, 814 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, CA93101.