John Podesto

1921 - 2015

John B. Podesto

94, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and "Papa John" to many, died peacefully on November 13, 2015. John, the youngest of nine, was born in Modesto on March 26, 1921, to Giovanni and Maria Podesto. John was preceded in death by his "sweet pea," Celesta Tocalino Podesto, and is survived by his children and their spouses, Paula Fracchia (Gary) of San Francisco, Michele Podesto of Port Townsend, WA, Gina Enriquez (Leonardo) of San Francisco, Leslie Mulligan (Paul) of Mill Valley, and Jeff Podesto (Barbara) of Modesto. He leaves 12 adored grandchildren and their spouses; Antone Brummund (Tiki), Gabriella Fracchia Archini (Chris), Celene Brummund, Jared Brummund, Adriana Fracchia, Giavanna Enriquez Davis (Joshua), Dante Podesto (Christine), Giovanni Podesto, Emily Mulligan Thal (Sean), Dominic Podesto, Lorenzo Enriquez and Sam Mulligan. He also leaves two great-grandchildren, Justina Brummund and Giacomo Archini. In addition, John leaves many cherished nieces, nephews, and their families.
John was born on his father's ranch on B Street. He attended Modesto High School and Modesto Junior College where he was an outstanding athlete, excelling in both baseball and football. He continued his education at St. Mary's College and the College of the Pacific, where he played football under Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg and was honored as an All American in 1943.
During World War II, John entered the Marine Corps, where he served as an officer, achieving the rank of Captain, and was deployed to the Pacific theater. Following his time with the Marines, he returned stateside. John was drafted by the Pittsburg Steelers as their No. 1 draft pick in 1944. After his time with the Steelers, John joined the Chicago Bears under George Halas, before heading back to Modesto.
John was a successful business owner for over 50 years as a partner in the Modesto Tallow Company. The Modesto Tallow business included California Spray Dry, Pacific Rendering, Independent Rendering, Modesto Leasing, Talmex, Florin Tallow, and many others.
His greatest joy was his family. Hardly a weekend went by that he was not busy with his children's or grandchildren's sporting events, school activities or family celebrations.
His hobbies were golf, gardening, vacationing in Tahoe, and tinkering with his beloved train during the holidays. He also enjoyed his many years with his dog Paggi, named after his Italian hometown.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 19, from 4-6 p.m., at the Colonial Chapel, Franklin and Down Mortuary, 12th and G Streets, Modesto. Immediately following at 7 p.m. will be a vigil. The Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday November 20 at St. Stanislaus Mission Church on 7th and J.
Donations may be made to St. Stanislaus Mission Church/St Vincent De Paul Society Food Bank.