John Paul Bremis

1927 - 2021

John Paul Bremis, Jr., age 94, passed away on October 1, 2021.

He was born in Watsonville on August 6, 1927, to John Bremis, Sr., an immigrant from Croatia and Nellie Bremis, a Watsonville native of Croatian descent. When his dad came through Ellis Island in 1905, immigration officials changed his surname from Birimisa to Bremis, a common practice for those arriving from Slavic countries.

Mr. Bremis left Watsonville High School early to join the war effort in 1945; the Navy assigned him to the Alameda Shipyards. After the conflict ended, he returned to town and completed his high school education, went on to graduate from San Jose State, and began working at Coast Counties Gas. He retired from Pacific Gas & Electric in 1985 after 34 years of service. In his spare-time he enjoyed tinkering on cars, especially his pride and joy, a 1932 Ford Five Window Coupe. But the love of his life was family.

He leaves his loving wife of 68 years, Josephine of the family home, son John III of Morgan Hill, daughters Janice of San Jose, Karen of Watsonville, and Nancy (Michael) Wagoner of Watsonville, as well as grandchildren Briana, Zachary, and Joshua, all of Watsonville. Additionally, he leaves his sister-in-law Norma Jean Bradley of Lewiston, Idaho, and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Mr. Bremis was preceded in death by his younger sisters, Kathleen Marrington and Mary Lou Sears.

The Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick's Church and entombment will be in the family vault at Watsonville Catholic Cemetery. All services are private.

Donations to a favorite charity, EDRC (3131 S. Bascom Ste. 140, Campbell 95008) or the Watsonville Community Band (PO Box 1708, Watsonville 95077) are welcome. Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.