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.
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Published in Santa Cruz Sentinel on May 18, 2014
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