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JOHN CUCHNA Obituary

CUCHNA, JOHN RICHARD John Richard Cuchna passed away October 20, 2010 at the age of 78. John was born December 14, 1931 in San Diego, California to Bohumil and Anita Cuchna. He graduated from San Diego High School and attended University of Southern California where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. John was a member of the debate team in both high school and at U.S.C. He was a member of the Phil Sigma Kappa fraternity. After college he served two years in the U.S. Air Force. John married his high school sweetheart Alice Jangaard in 1953 and celebrated 55 years of marriage. Alice passed away last summer a few months shy of their 56th wedding anniversary. John worked in the beer distribution business owning and operating H.A. Lavezzi Company Inc. for over 50 years. He was president of the California Beer Wholesalers Association in the early 1970's. John was known for his generosity and approachability by both employees and friends. He and his wife Alice traveled the world enjoying many cruises in particular. Upon moving to the north county area in 1978 near the Del Mar race track John became partners in several race horses enjoying the excitement of horse racing. ln his younger years he enjoyed hunting, tennis and a game of poker with friends. He was also a master cribbage player. John was a social guy with a jovial personality, always eager to welcome new people into his circle of many friends. John had a deep sense of family commitment always making sure everyone was taken care of. He will be deeply missed by all. He is survived by his son, John Cuchna and wife Dorothy of Solana Beach, CA. Daughter, Cindy Cuchna Rawlings and husband Gary of South Lake Tahoe, CA. Sister, Julie Cuchna Teichmann of Carlsbad, CA. her children, niece and nephew Christina and Jeff Walton. Grandchildren Trevor and Cody Cuchna, Cierra and. Shawna Rawlings along with numerous nieces. He was predecesed by his parents Bob and Anita Cuchna, wife Alice Cuchna and son Robert Cuchna. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 14, 2010, at the Del Mar Race Track from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Equus Room. All attendees are asked to enter the fairgrounds via the Solana gate located on Via De La Valle. Family may be reached at 858-245-3178 or 858-756-4019 for further details.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Oct. 31, 2010.

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George Reeves

February 18, 2023

I remember John well.
I too am a native San Diegan and was also a Phi Sig at our alma mater USC. I also had beer experience as driver/helper for San Diego Ice and Storage during summer vacations. I joined the Teamsters, got a chauffeurs license, and delivered Lucky Lager and Coors to the many bars and restaurants between SD and Camp Pendleton. Pay and fringes were good. John keep his car at the Phi Sig parking lot and in Fridays we´d drive south in his car. I don´t recall the make and model put it was top of the line. John had a great sense of humor. I´ll miss him.

November 12, 2010

So sorry to hear about Uncle John. I always enjoyed my stays with him and Aunt Alice, especially when the fair was in town. I still smile and think of those times when I pass the fairgrounds. . . Uncle John you will be missed! -Kristana Jenson, niece.

October 31, 2010

I was sorry to hear of John's passing...he was a good friend for many years both social and business.
Skip Chapin, Brigantine Restaurants

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