John Edward Pulli

A Life Rich in Family, Education, and Relationships

John Edward Pulli, 89, a beloved husband, father, grandfather passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Born and raised in Oakland, California, John was a proud product of the parochial school system, where the foundations of faith, discipline, and service to others were instilled in him from an early age.

Born to immigrant parents, John embraced his Italian and Irish heritage, with pride. His upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of family values.

Attending St. Bernard's Grammar School and St. Elizabeth High School, John grew up in classrooms where faith and education went hand in hand, shaping a life defined by integrity, kindness, and a deep sense of duty. These attributes carried through as he committed 45 years as an educator.

From a young age, John fell in love with the game of baseball. He would listen to the radio, captivated by the thrilling voices of the announcers as they brought the game to life. He especially admired legendary players like Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax. His love for the sport translated into his own success on the field-he was a stand out baseball player at St. Elizabeth's, earning All-County recognition as a talented left-handed pitcher, who threw several no-hitters. His baseball journey continued at San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University, where he played while earning his degree in education. A great moment in his baseball career was when he had the incredible opportunity to pitch batting practice for the Oakland Oaks in the Pacific Coast League. His passion for baseball continued beyond his college years. Many a Sunday he packed up his gear to play with the "Old timers" throughout the Bay Area.

John dedicated his career to education and leadership. His journey in education took him through the Berryessa, Portola Valley, and Mountain View school districts, where he served in many roles - teacher, principal, counselor, and coach. He served as President of the Portola Valley Teachers Association and later as President of the Mtn. View Elementary Principals, A.C.S.A. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or guiding students through life's challenges, he always led with compassion and an unwavering belief in the potential of every young person he encountered. He later earned his Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from San Jose State University.

In his younger years, John also had a deep passion for music and entertaining. During his bachelor days, he loved to sing and perform, even taking the stage at the Awful-Awful Club in San Jose. He found great joy in music and was especially fond of the timeless sounds of the Four Freshman, Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Matt Monro.

But beyond his career in education, John's heart belonged to San Francisco sports. He was a devoted fan, holding season tickets at Kezar and Candlestick for 42 years, where he built lifelong traditions with his family. Many cherished memories in the Niner parking lot. One of his greatest joys was traveling to Scottsdale every March for spring training, where he could watch his Giants up close and soak in the excitement of the new season.

John also had a deep affinity for gardening, particularly tomato plants. With a true green thumb, he cultivated a lush home garden in Cupertino, growing green beans, zucchini, tomatoes and corn-skills he proudly learned from his father, who had mastered the art of gardening in the old country.

To supplement his career in education - and maybe just for the love of good company - John also worked at Rosotti's, formerly known as the Alpine Inn in Portola Valley. Whether behind the bar or swapping stories, he brought warmth, humor, and a deep sense of camaraderie to the historic watering hole, becoming a fixture in the community.

John had a rare and special gift - the ability to connect with anyone, anywhere. He had a way of making people feel at home. His warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others turned everyday encounters into lasting friendships. But above all else, John's happiest days were spent when his family was together. Nothing brought him more joy than having his children and grandchildren in the same room - laughing, eating, and sharing stories. Those moments, filled with love, good food, and lively conversation, were the ones he cherished most. His family was his greatest pride, and he made sure they knew it every single day.

At the heart of his existence were his family, friendship, and education. John was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Karen, with whom he shared years of love and companionship. Together, they built a beautiful family, blessed with three children and nine grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Karen of 58 years; his children Jon (Laura), Karianne, Kyle (Lisa); and his nine grandchildren; Nico, Marie, Sofia, Elizabeth, Gianna, Lauren, Alia, Vivien, and Antoinette. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Marie and John Pulli, as well as his sister, Gloria Whitfield Pulli; and two brothers who passed away in infancy.

Family and friends are invited to attend John's funeral service, which will be held on March 28, 2025, 1 pm at St. Elizabeth Parish, Oakland. A celebration of John's life will follow at Scoma's in San Francisco.

A private family inurnment will take place at St. Joseph's Cemetery in San Pablo, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Elizabeth School in Oakland to support tuition assistance for low-income students. Contributions may be sent to St. Elizabeth School, Attn: Sylvia Rodriquez 1516 33rd Ave. Oakland, CA 94601, in honor of John Pulli.