John Albert Sapata

John Sapata Obituary

Napa

July 14, 1952 - January 15, 2007

In loving memory of John Albert Sapata; John passed away peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2007 with family and friends at his side at Queen of the Valley Hospital at the age of 54 after a brief illness. John was born July 14, 1952 to Nisha Sapata, (who preceded him in death) and raised in Stockton, California, where he met the love of his life, his wife Cathy. He moved to Napa Valley in 1985. John loved golfing, fishing, music and people. John and his wife, Cathy are best known for operating Napa Sports Officials Association. He was a coach and umpire for most of his adult life. He coached girls softball with NVGFA from 1996-2000 and also coached an OYB team for a year. He was most recently employed at Redwood Middle School as a yard duty supervisor. Most of all, John lived his life not only courageously, but every moment to the fullest. John touched the lives of all he met. He was always there for those in need and was an inspiration to all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Cathy of Napa; son, Jason and wife, Ruth of Sacramento; his brother, Tony Garcia and wife, Nora of Stockton; adopted brother, (and son), John Garcia of Napa; nieces, Raquel Ordez, Michelle, Nicole and Danielle Croom of Stockton and Carmen Phelan of Redwood Valley; nephews Anthony and Robert Garcia of Stockton; Arthur Garcia of Modesto and Vincente Phelan of Redwood Valley; great niece and nephew, Carina and JoJo Ordez of Stockton and numerous friends. He is also survived by his beloved pets, Oso, Reina and Boo.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 22, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church with a committal service to follow at Napa Valley Memorial Park. Visitation is on Sunday, January 21 from noon until the start of the Rosary at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Richard Pierce Funeral Service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Napa Valley Girls Fastpitch Association scholarship fund, 1370 Trancas St. #238, Napa, CA. 94558; Napa Optimist Youth Basketball, PO BOX 10032, Napa, CA 94581, the Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation, 1000 Trancas St., Napa, CA 94558 or the American Diabetes Association, PO BOX 1131, Fairfax, VA. 22038-1131. Condolences may be sent to the family on-line at WWW.RPFSC.COM.

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Published by The Record on Jan. 18, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for John Sapata

7 Entries

Laura Alaniz

January 30, 2007

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Tom (Tavo) Catanio

January 27, 2007

I remember hanging out with John at Van Buskurk Golf Club where he played many rounds with my Dad Tavo. I will always remember his smile and laughter... Viva Sapata! Soul Vike!

Nick Yaranon

January 26, 2007

One of my favorite photos of all time is when we were in 2nd grade and went on a field trip to the
Sunbeam Bakery in Stockton. We were in the back row and John is leaning up against me with a very cool expression on his face. Although I haven't had contact with him for a little while, I know that he had a good heart and was a good man. God Bless, Nick Yaranon.

Billy Sims

January 25, 2007

John "Brother Soul Vike" I will miss you! My prayers go out to your friends and family. I'll forever cherish our long time friendship.

Michael Jones

January 24, 2007

My name is Michael Jones. Albert, as I called him, was a school mate of mine from Zachary Taylor Elementry through Edison Senior High school.

I remember John as a fun loving, considerate person.

I know he will be greatly missed.

Anita Sapata-Lovato

January 22, 2007

My cousin Johnny was like my third brother. Frank, my brother, Tony and Johnny,we grew up together in Edison Villa. So many fun memories as children, hide and seek, red rover, building scooters out of boards, boxes and old skates.
Tony and Johnny where always the life of any party at any age. They would have my Dad, Slitz and my Uncle Frank in histarics, laughing so hard tears would roll down there cheeks. We always looked forward to Sundays at Grandma Josephinas and Aunt Nishas house, my Dads mother, and sister.
Getting to see all the cousins and aunts and uncles, eating great food,playing, and hearing many stories my dad, uncle, and aunts told of their youth.
If I close my eyes,I can hear the laughter, smell the good food cooking, I am right back to a Sunday afternoon with my Grandmother, Aunt Nisha, Tony, Johnny, my Dad and Mom, Frankie,
Terri, Uncle Frank, Aunt Sara, Ruthie, Mona, Frank, George Mondo,and Sara Sue, laughing, playing, listening to stories that we will hold in our hearts forever.
Memories that cousins share.

I extend my heart to you Cathy and I feel for your loss. I'll miss my cousin John dearly.

Always in my heart,

Anita Sapata Lovato

Rikk Banas II

January 18, 2007

I first met John many years ago when I began first playing fast-pitch softball and Cal-Mex baseball at Stribley Park. As I got to know him during the many times our paths crossed while playing ball, I realized not only was John a good coach and official, he was also very smart and gave excellent advice in both the game of ballplaying and the game of life. I respected John Sapata tremendously and thank him for his influence. I just bet John is sitting down right now at Frank Cortez's poker table in the big blue sky and telling Frank to shut up and deal! It's been a terrible year to lose Frank and John in the space of a few months. My deepest condolences to John's family on the passing of such a good man.

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