John Arthur Batto

John Arthur Batto

NAPA - A fifth generation Napa native, 1960 MEL Champion starting pitcher for the Napa High School Indians, retired Asst Supervisor for Dillingham Construction Inc, member of the Monticello Horseman's Association, a member of the Native Sons, NRA member, a member of the Napa Pistol and Rifle Club, a local taxidermist and all around friend to many in our Napa community. John Batto (81) passed away peacefully at his home on May 28, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.

John's family has a deep history in Napa, with ancestors that came to California with the Harlan Party in 1845. His relatives include John Wooden, founder of Wooden Valley, CA, on his mom's side and the Batto Family of Sonoma, CA, on his father's side.

In 1960, after graduating from Napa High School, John had a tryout with the SF Giants while playing for the Semi Pro St. Helena Blue Sox team. After an injury, John decided to give up baseball, get married to his High School sweetheart, take a job as a laborer at Basalt where he worked for the next 30 plus years. After retiring, John went to Taxidermy school in Colorado, just so he could have something to keep busy with.

Since a young age, John was an avid hunter, fisherman, classic car enthusiast, drag racing fan and truly enjoyed swapping stories of the old days or the history of Napa with his friends and family. John was also a man of many talents, whether it was doing an artistry pencil drawing for his friends, working on someone's trophy as a taxidermist, restoring his dad's 1950 Chevy Pickup, remodeling the family home, building his 40' x 60' shop (just the way he wanted it), mowing his pasture to keep the grass down or just helping a neighbor with whatever they needed, because it was the right thing to do. John was a truly great man with a very large heart and will be missed by many.

John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mabel Batto; his son, James (and Cynthia) Batto; daughter, Lisa (and the recently deceased Bob Massaro), all of Napa. John has seven grandchildren: Ethan Batto of Sylvania, OH, Jessica Jaeger of Napa, Charles Jaeger of Napa, Leah Batto, Jamie Batto of Napa, Jessica West (and Jeff Enos) of Petaluma, Kyle (and Casey) West of Willows. John also has nine great-grandchildren: Kaelynn Weaver, Kayen West, Mila Enos, Tedson Enos, Carver West, Kaleah West, Kodiak West, Faith Enos and Kashton Batto.

The family will announce a "celebration of life" to be held sometime around John's birthday this summer at Tulocay Cemetery.

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Queen of the Valley Foundation.