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John Raffetto Obituary

John Mario Raffetto
Jan. 4, 1936 -May 12, 2014
Resident of Santa Cruz
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held in Capitola on Wednesday for John Raffetto who passed away unexpectedly on May 12, while volunteering his time at Dominican Oaks. He was 78 years old. John was born in Sonora and moved to San Francisco as a youngster. He attended St. Monica's Elementary/Jr. High School, and graduated from Drew Private High School in San Francisco. Following graduation, he joined the US Army and served his country overseas during the Korean Conflict.
Following his service duty, he worked in the electronics industry for many years included his employment with Teledyne Technologies, Fairchild Semiconductor, and Lockheed. His passion for people started his career in men's clothing that spanned over 20 years, working in San Mateo, San Francisco and Campbell.
John enjoyed all sports; playing semi-professional baseball, and in later years, an avid golfer. He had a passion for coaching, and many fond memories will be cherished of John's accomplishments while coaching his daughter's Bobby Sox teams in Campbell; including a memorable victory that handed Moreland their first ever loss. He was very proud of his daughters and granddaughters, and enjoyed watching all of their years playing softball and other sports.
He will be forever remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, whose outgoing and friendly manner could strike up a smile or conversation with anyone. Having never lived in New York, John was a huge New York Yankee fan; having much fun with it whenever the topic of baseball came up.
He was very generous with his time, and belonged to the Marconi Club, Knights of Columbus, Italian Catholic Federation, and was a parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in Capitola. John also volunteered working the organization- Ministries with People with Disabilities, driving the shuttle at Dominican Oaks, and regularly sang for functions and events at the Senior's Center in Capitola.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sylvia Raffetto of Santa Cruz, their daughters and son-in-law, Lauren and George Fangonilo of Gilroy, and Robin Lerma of Hollister. He also leaves his beloved grand-daughters: Rachel, Megan, Kelli, Carly, and Jacqueline, and his two great grandsons Dino and Jake. John was preceded in death by his brother Emil Raffetto.
The mass will be celebrated on Wednesday May 21, 2014 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (435 Monterey Ave.) in Capitola beginning at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Ministries with People with Disabilities care of St. Joseph's.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on May 18, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

May 20, 2014

I'm sorry for your loss. Keeping in mind the scriptural hope of everlasting life can help sustain you.
John 17:3

May 19, 2014

My best memory of my Dad is My whole life, 51 years having him with me. He never gave up on me. Love you.
Daughter Robin

Robin Lerma/Daughter

May 19, 2014

I Love You Dad,
I listen to your voice every morning and before I go to bed.
Your the best Father a Daughter could ever have.
I will see you again

Jane and Tim McKay

May 19, 2014

To Sylvia and the family: I am so very sorry to hear of John's passing. I just learned about it in today's St. Joe's bulletin and my breath was taken away when I read it. Please do know that you are in our prayers. We are so sorry. Beautiful obituary and photo and it tells everything: everyone adored John and we shall miss him terribly. Jane and Tim, Santa Cruz

Nancy Raffetto-Skophammer

May 14, 2014

Uncle Johnny;
I thought you were invincible...you seemed to be always there. Our talks were always so precious to me..especially when you spoke of my Dad, your brother and when we giggled about Mom and her ways with you. Love you

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Memorial Events
for John Raffetto

May

21

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

435 Monterey Ave., Capitola, CA

Funeral services provided by:

Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz

1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

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