John Joseph Demartini

Sept. 21, 1931 - Jan. 7, 2017

John Joseph Demartini passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on January 7, 2017 at the age of 85. He was born in Stockton, California on September 21, 1931 and lived his entire life in the Linden area.
John graduated from Linden High School in 1950 where he played football and was active in the Future Farmers of America, serving as chapter president and was named F.F.A. State Farmer of the Year. After serving in the army during the Korean War, he returned to Linden to continue the family farming operation. John farmed in Linden his entire life, primarily growing walnuts, cherries, and chestnuts. He was very proud of his orchards and derived much satisfaction from his lifelong farming career. John never "retired" and was so happy to see his grandson, Steven, continue farming his orchards with him.
John was the son of the late Cesare and Maria "Masilia" Demartini. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Marie, and his daughters Karen (Kevin) Stevens and Lori (John) Matthews; 3 loving grandsons Steven (Jaclyn) Matthews, Ryan Matthews, and Paul Stevens; his cherished great-grandchildren Ashlynn and Dominic Matthews; sister and brother-in-law Josephine and George Gerlomes; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Olga and Ralph Croce; niece Lynnette (Tim) Harrity, nephews Greg (Jeanette) Gerlomes, Grant (Vikki) Girolami, Mark Croce; and his great-nieces and nephews.
There will be visitation at Casa Bonita Funeral Home, 2500 Cemetery Lane, Stockton, CA on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 12 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 18633 E. Front St., Linden, CA.Committal will be private at San Joaquin Catholic Mausoleum.
In Lieu of Flowers, remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice.