John Bruzzone

John Anthony Bruzzone Patriarch and heart of the Bruzzone family peacefully passed away at his home "Rancho Don Bosco" in Santa Cruz, California on June 30, 2010. He was 91 years old. John was born and raised in Oakland, California, with his sister Dena, brother Angelo, and his three cousins. As a boy, John enjoyed many summers working ranches in Livermore and entertaining his family and friends with his accordion and charm. John met his wife Julie Alezeri in Santa Cruz while they both worked at F.W. Woolworth's on Pacific Avenue. They moved to Oakland then to San Jose and together raised their three children, Jeanette, Joyce, and John Jr. John and Julie celebrated 56 years of marriage before she passed away in 1996. On June 23, 1944, John enlisted in the United States Army and served in the South Asiatic-Pacific Campaign during World War II. He fought in the Battle of Okinawa, the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War, and received a Purple Heart. After being wounded he was transferred to Honolulu, Hawaii and served as a translator for the Italian prisoners of North Africa before returning home to his family. John was an excellent businessman who developed many companies, starting in 1947 with The Pied Piper Exterminators, Western Roofing Supply, and most recently Hollister Motor Sports, which are all operated by his family. John was driven and had a passion for land and development. In 1974, he purchased the Roberto-Sunol Adobe in San Jose, which he extensively and carefully restored. The Adobe became a California State Historical Landmark #898 on March 18, 1977. He was one of the first recyclers in Santa Clara County where he operated San Jose Recycling and Diversified Recycling Services. He also operated the Italian Gardens in San Jose. John acquired numerous other commercial and residential properties from his early days in business to the present. John Bruzzone felt blessed by the Lord and his family. He was an extremely generous man and was devoted to many organizations. He was a dedicated member of the Catholic Church, Salesians of Saint John Bosco, Italian American Federation, Sons of Italy, Elks' Lodge, Marconi Club and San Jose's Preservation Action Council. John lived an inspiring life full of energy and passion that was felt by all who knew him. He had a special place in his heart for his family and as the family Patriarch, he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his daughters, Jeanette Bruzzone of Santa Cruz, Joyce LoFranco (husband, Vince) of Felton, and son, John Bruzzone Jr. (wife, Berna) of Scotts Valley, seven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and twin great-great-grandsons. His beloved granddaughter Lisa LoFranco Noya passed away before him. Services will be held at noon on Tuesday, July 6th at Holy Cross Catholic Church and a celebration of life will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Salesian Community at St. Francis School in Watsonville, 2401 E. Lake Dr., Watsonville, CA 95076, in loving memory of John Bruzzone. Vaya con Dios ...