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BORN
1910
DIED
2014
John Gotelli Obituary
July 28, 1910 - Jan. 14, 2014
Resident of Walnut Creek
John R. Gotelli, passed away peacefully on Jan.14th, 2014 at the age of 103. John was born and raised in San Francisco to Italian immigrant parents Giovanni Gotelli and Carmelina Cafferata and later moved to Healdsburg. After his school years he held many jobs in San Francisco, including driving horse drawn ice wagons on Lombard St., working in the shipyards, working for Levi Strauss, serving as a Lieutenant of the SF Volunteer Fire Department and working as a civil defense warden during WWII. In 1948, John became a real estate broker and opened Fireside Realty in San Mateo. Later he moved to Burlingame and worked 25 years at the US Post Office. Upon retiring, he went to work again at the Burlingame Smoke Shop part time.
He loved travelling with his wife, Clara Biaggi of 70 years and was fortunate enough to travel around the US and the world after retirement, including the birth places of his and his wife's parents in Italy. John was also an avid golfer and enjoyed entertaining his fellow golfers with stories.
John was always energetic and enthusiastic about everything he did and stayed active throughout his entire life. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Beldin, Jonine Slutz, and June Church, 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. His wife Clara preceded him in death in 2004.
A celebration of John's life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Gotelli
John Dutcher
January 15, 2021
John had a happy outlook on life even when he was driving and calling other drivers "banananose" and the like. My very sincere condolences to the family.
Jonine Gotelli Slutz
January 17, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful father. We will love you and miss you always. I will cherish every memory of our time together. My father was so interested in everything and was willing to try just about anything. He was creative and smart and enjoyed life to the fullest. He was a true inspiration to me and, I am sure, many others.
Jonine
June (Gotelli) Church
June 21, 2014
June (Gotelli) Church
June 21, 2014
June (Gotelli) Church
June 21, 2014
June (Gotelli) Church
June 21, 2014
Scott Cordell
June 16, 2014
My grandfather has always been the person I've admired the most. When my mom told me that there would be a guest book on line, I was nervous about what to write. What can I say about a person who I adored SO much? I knew it would be difficult for me, and here I am, several weeks after this book was started, and just now getting it together enough to write something. I think the one thing that makes writing this so difficult, is that my grandfather gave so much love and positive assurance to me and my family (and just about everyone else, too). I'm not sure I'll ever know anyone with as much compassion, opinion, and grace, all combined impressively in an unconcious effort to show you that you belong there with him. Even if he never knew that he made so many around him feel so endeared, he knew how much he was admired by, and connected with, those closest to him.
My great respite in this difficult time is my immense collection of memories that I think anyone would be envious of. It's not that he and I did a lot of things together. We mostly were together just on Sunday's when we would rituallistically meet at my grandparents house to visit for the afternoon and evening (always dinner). I always felt that when we were together, my grandfather was thinking of me. Not just me, but everyone. He cared for all of us SO much, and you knew it. It didn't matter if he disagreed with your opinions (which he never was afraid to let you know about it), he would always expertly explain why what you believe is true, or may not be, and he was usually very animated and sincere. He was always so involved in what everyone had to say, he would listen intently until it was his time to reply. Then if he felt passionate enough (he almost always did), it was everyone elses turn to listen to him.
When we did spend time alone together (it wasn't until I was in my twenties) my grandfather and I would talk about when he was young, his first job, his friends, things he did for fun. We traded stories, and it was like we were old friends reminiscing, laughing, both of us remembering our past. His stories were always better than mine, but he really got a kick out of some of the crazy stuff I've done. I am truly thankful for having been a part of his life. I know I'm a better person for it.
I'm going to miss him.
May 22, 2014
Sadly, with John gone, it's the end of an era. We miss him, Clara and all their family and friends who have passed.
Love, Barbara and Tom Warda
Garey thomson Wood
March 16, 2014
I dreamt of John and woke up feeling so peaceful. I have felt so lucky to know the Gotelli family on this life time. Meeting Jonine in school was wonderful since we became like sisters
Even to this day. So I was able to met John and Clara early on. God bless them for being iny life. I am glad that my brother alan and I were able to be at john's 100 birthday at jonine and don's home host by the 3 sisters Jonine, sharen and Junie.
David Beldin
March 9, 2014
I feel very lucky and proud to have had so many good memories with my grandfather.Family was very important to grandpa and he enjoyed having us all together where he would share many great stories,interesting accounts of history and give some good advice sometimes with strong opinion.
Grandpa is an inspiration to me,I enjoyed the times we spent together,I love him and I miss him.
March 7, 2014
Where to begin, Uncle Johnnie and my mom were the almost the last two standing......well, at least the oldest. What memories of family gatherings - not many, because we were down south and you all were up north, but they were always fun filled. In the later years, I really enjoyed "chewing the fat" with him in Italian. And Auntie Clara, what an amazing woman. Both of you will be missed, but you leave sweet memories behind.
Joanne Ling
March 4, 2014
My Uncle Johnny (as well as my Aunt Clara) will rest in a special part of my heart forever. I was lucky to have them grace my life from the very beginning. Many, many fond memories were made at 773 Willborough Pl. From my mother, brother and myself staying at their house when I was a child (while my Dad was in Korea) to the time my husband and I attended one of the monthly “get togethers” with their group, as I became an adult. From running their neighborhood filling pillowcases with candy Trick-or-Treating with Sharon and Jonine (baby Junie was too small) to the special trips my mother and I made from San Diego for a visit. Celebrating Uncle Johnny's 90th birthday with him in Italy was amazing and some of my fondest memories will always be the times we sat around the dinner table, Uncle Johnny at the head, bottle of wine in attendance, and solved (or dismissed as not worthy) pretty much any world, US, local or family event. There was never a lack of opinions at that table! I learned most of my Gotelli/Biaggi family history from my Uncle Johnny during those wonderful times. The world's a little dimmer without him. May he rest in peace… hand in hand with my aunt…together forever.
February 20, 2014
Pax Vobiscum, Gianni---until we meet again. Pat (Moresco) Kowalewski Thanks for that phone call, Don----Our family has the Gotelli connection now & forever.
February 20, 2014
Giovanni Gotelli was my Mom's first cousin & through her photo album I saw his picture standing with her in front of the first car she owned--a Model A Ford Roadster. A few years ago, before his 100th birthday, a phone call from Don Slutz came out of the blue & told me he had Gianni Gotelli with him at that time. He explained how we were related & I knew he was a special link to our family. It was such a joy to have he & his family in our lives the past few years & to be able to join with him to celebrate his very special 100th birthday with them. Rest in peace Gianni & say "ciao" to my Mom.
Valerie Fuerst
February 16, 2014
Holiday feasts at Don & Jonine's were how I knew John. He manned the head of the table with grace and ease when given the chance. Seeing him once or twice a year really doesn't make for close bonding, but his daughters were devoted to him so I know he was someone special.
Jo Ann Dutcher
February 9, 2014
When I was in high school and forever, Sharon has been my best friend. Her dad was almost like a father to me. He will be in my heart forever.
Don Slutz
February 9, 2014
So many good memories. I spent 100's of hours with John while his daughters shopped. Heard fascinating stories of the 1920's and 1930's. John had a special zeal for life and travel and anything interesting. I miss him.
Rod Cordell
February 8, 2014
Jonine, Sharon and Junie,
You must know how much this hurts me.
I grieve for all of you.
He was my second dad. I loved him so much.
Dave & Marissa Schultz
February 8, 2014
John, We had the honor to meet you in this life, you are a wonderful soul. You will be in our hearts forever.
john heywood
February 8, 2014
I didn't meet John until he was a few months shy of his 100th birthday. i was walking up Los Vecinos and there he was taking the trash out to the street. He walked with authority and had a gentle loving way about him.
What a guy! He will be missed!!
garey wood
February 7, 2014
your spirit will live in my heart. I will rmemeber your gentlesmile as I go over to your home in burlingame with jonine. also your time in the post office as a boss to alison and dale mccwon. I felt so lucky that alan thomson andI were ableto attend yourbirthday several years back with jonine,junie and sharen hosting it. Say hello to my dad ,bill thomsonand my husband norman wood.
February 7, 2014
Uncle John
You were an inspiration to our family and I will never forget you. Say hello to our mom and dad for us.
Don Serao
Jennifer Jansen MacDermott
February 6, 2014
Rest in peace Uncle John. I will always remember that wonderful smile of yours. You never seemed to age, even as I look back at photos of you from 20-30 years ago. All with that great smile. You will be missed. Say 'hi' to my dad for me.
Doreen J.
February 6, 2014
Rest in peace, Uncle John, you are finally with your loving wife, who's been patiently holding your place in Heaven. Love you both forever.
Nellie Fitzgibbons
February 6, 2014
John you will be missed by the many people who's lives you touched and made better.
Maggie Brock
February 6, 2014
To Jonine, Sharon and June. I am so very sorry for your loss. John was such a gentle soul and had a spirit that time cannot touch. What a wonderful Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, and Great great Grandpa he was. Thank you for sharing his legacy with me. He lives on in so many... all my love, support and prayers are yours during this difficult time. We love you all.
Rayn, Maggie and Kids
Judy Chiasson
February 6, 2014
Jonine, my thoughts and prayers are with your and family. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Rayn Brock
February 6, 2014
Grandpa thank you so much for all of the wonderful tales, the childhood memories, and for being the most inspirational, and interesting grandfather a kid could hope for. I am ever so grateful to have been able to spend so many special moments you with..
Darrin Atkins
January 27, 2014
You will be missed.
January 25, 2014
Johnny,
I'll always remember the fun you had with mom and dad and the"gang". You were a blessing to your family and friends. I'll remember you always.
Love, Carol
Beth Anderson
January 22, 2014
He lived a wonderfully long life. He will be missed by his family.
You will be remembered, John.
John Dutcher
January 22, 2014
John, I wish you well in heaven. Your legacy of three fine daughters and their children and husbands should make you proud as you watch from on high.
John Dutcher
January 20, 2014
Jonine,
I am so sorry for your loss, it's heartbreaking to lose a loved one, especially one of your parents.
Betty Botelho
January 20, 2014
I'm sorry Jonine... May the God of all comforts comfort you as you grieve.
Dalynn Thomson Proffitt
January 20, 2014
Thanks to John R. Gotelli for all his years of service to his community of Burlingame , CA not only as a reliable postal carrier but so much more. His memory will live on in our hearts.
January 20, 2014
I will always treasure our times spent together. I love you Daddy.
January 20, 2014
You will always be with me. Love Sharon
Jonine Gotelli-Slutz
January 20, 2014
Dad, you will always be in my heart.
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