John Brinson Overstreet died suddenly on the 28th of September at his home in Los Gatos. John was born on April 30, 1959 in Savannah, Georgia to Mary Ann Luck and Robert Lane Overstreet. His early life was spent in Statesboro, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama and Stafford, Texas. He graduated from Dulles High School in Sugar Land, Texas in 1977 and then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University in 1981.In 1988 he married Lisa Gossett. Two lovely daughters, Sarah and Kate, who were the pride of his life, were born from that union.In 2002 he married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne McMeans. He moved into the loving community of the Santa Cruz mountains in Los Gatos, California with Suzanne and her little daughter, Christy. John began his career working for STARS, a satellite communications company in Houston, Texas and then joined MCI/World Com for a number of years. For 23 years John worked for CPI, Palo Alto, California as Vice President of Engineering and Senior Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff.John and his partner, Neil Parrelli, worked together to make excellent wine under the label of Villa del Monte. John loved making new friends through this endeavor.John is survived by his wife of 22 years, Suzanne, his mother, Mary Ann Taylor, Stepfather Jim Taylor, daughters Sarah O. Council and husband Greg, Kate O. Chow and husband Simon, Stepdaughter, Christy Koons and many dear aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Robert Lane Overstreet and sister Laura Overstreet Biering.There will be a celebration of John's life at 4:00 on Friday, October 6th at the Darling and Fischer Funeral Home in Los Gatos. There will also be a later service of remembrance at the Brinson Cemetery in Emanuel County, Georgia on November 24th at 2:00.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association. John loved life, nature, his family, his work, his community and his many friends.

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Published by Mercury News on Oct. 4, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for John Overstreet

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8 Entries

Tom Wright

March 20, 2024

John Overstreet, a remarkable individual whose memory I hold dear. In 1985, John welcomed me at the Houston airport, casually balancing a Foster Lager while warmly greeting me with a handshake. Surprisingly, this was during an interview. He inquired if I was familiar with link budgets, to which I confidently replied yes. Following that, he drove me back to what was known colloquially as the "Stars" or the Houston International Teleport, where I ultimately secured the job. John played a pivotal role in nurturing my engineering career. As time went on and I transitioned into sales, he continued to support me by providing purchase orders. John embodied the essence of a genuine deal; he possessed an in-depth understanding of engineering, a kind heart, and a compassionate nature. Individuals like him are rare finds nowadays. His passing has left a void in my life journey; he departed far too soon. May he rest in peace, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and expertise.

Jessica Wiggins

January 3, 2024

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Joseph Penniman

October 31, 2023

John and I crossed paths periodically over the course of the last 10 years. We met through his winery where we connected over his love of technology, specifically electric cars. I had just started working at Tesla at the time so we bonded over topics related to engineering and emerging technologies. I enjoyed catching up with him every year at the Capitola Art & Wine festival, where we would share life updates and talk about technology and wine. I'm sad to hear of his passing but grateful to have known him. He had an enthusiasm and optimisim about technology and life that I found inspiring and will continue to reflect on into the future.

Sharon Brown

October 16, 2023

I just learned of John's passing. I am so overwhelmed and saddened at this news. John was such a beautiful person, we worked at CPI for many years together. He always had a helpful suggestion and was always so very kind. He loved the winery and he loved his family and friends so much. He loved Hawaii and spoke of returning. We will float leis of remembrance on the bay for him. Our heartfelt condolences to dear Suzanne. Sending our love to his family.

Ann F

October 16, 2023

I just learned of John's passing and wanted to send my condolences. I was a member of the Villa del Monte wine club, and loved chatting with Neill and John. So VERY knowledgeable in their craft. I loved to help bottle there - John & I would talk tech sometimes. I am sorry to hear this news.

cathy kleiman

October 6, 2023

I have such fond memories of John. He taught me so much when I worked for Stars. He knew whenever I came into his office, he was going to have to draw a piece of equipment. He was such a great guy and will be so missed. May his memory be a blessing to his family and to all those who knew him. Rest in peach

Shannon and Robert Impey

October 6, 2023

John was a mountain friend and an extraordinary community member. The Villa Del Monte Winery he helped create is a special place with kind and generous wine makers. We want to send our deepest condolences to John's family, friends and community who all lost a shining star.

Darling & Fischer Chapel of the Hills

October 3, 2023

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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