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John Tripodi Obituary
John "Superman" Tripodi, a local firefighter and cancer awareness advocate, died peacefully with his friends and family by his side on Wednesday February 23rd. He was 61 years old. John was born to John and Ruth Tripodi and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut with his siblings Tom, Joey, and Barbara. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1971 as a hull technician and amateur boxer. When John turned 23, he moved to California and earned a BA degree in Recreation Administration from S.F. State University. In 1981 he moved to Santa Cruz and started a wallpaper hanging business until 1989. He then worked as a professional plumber and for Santa Cruz Lumber Company, where he met the love of his life, Jackie. From 1991 to 1995 John worked as a paid call firefighter for Central Fire of Santa Cruz County. He was promoted to a fulltime firefighter with Central Fire in 1995, where he continued his career until he was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2005. His illness forced him to retire from the fire service, but he began a new career as an educator and cancer awareness advocate. He began teaching Fire Technology classes at Cabrillo College and became an active member of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and the Fallen Officer Foundation. Superman, as he was called, surpassed the medical community's expectations with his illness. His story will continue to inspire and give hope to cancer patients everywhere. He will be missed by all that knew him. John is survived by his wife Jackie, son John, daughter Meghan and siblings Tom, Joey, and Barbara.
A memorial service will be held at Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Dr. in Aptos at 11:00 am Saturday, March 5th. A reception will follow at the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. In Lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation be made to the following: Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Fallen Officer Foundation, or Central Fire Local 3605 Firefighters Union's Widow and Orphan Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Tripodi
Jody wheeler
September 17, 2022
I just read this and am so sorry to hear of johns passing... I knew him as a young teenager... he was such a nice caring young man..... it is so wonderful to hear what a positive mark he made to society and to his family... I am sure he is missed
Cece Lewis
April 22, 2011
Jackie & Meghan & John (Jr.) ~ I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I was not aware until today when I read the news. You have all been on my mind for several weeks and today, I made it my goal to reach you when I came across this very sad news!
Jackie, I am so sorry and Meghan, words cannot express how I feel for your loss. I never met Little John, but my prayers go out to him too!
John & I also worked at SC Lumber back in the early 80's and were friends well after..........You will all be in my heart forever!
With love, Cece
Jason Norman
March 6, 2011
John and I went through CPR Instructors Training together. John was a very likeable guy, funny, and easy to talk to. The community has lost a very special person. My thoughts and prayers go out to his love ones.
March 4, 2011
the world lost a great man with your passing,my condolences to your family clifford voight ffld ct
March 4, 2011
john with your passing the world lost a great advocate. my condolences to your family. clifford voight ffld ct
Jeff Stevison
March 3, 2011
John was Superman.... Jackie would have to be Wonder Woman. As family, we witnessed the two of you defy odds through strength, courage, and most important... Love - that you could see in both of your eyes every time you looked at each other.
Gayhart Family
March 3, 2011
Jackie and Johnny,
Our hearts mourn for your loss. John was a great guy and will be missed.
The Gayhart Family.
Bill & Robin Gayhart
March 3, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
I'll miss you, Superman!
Eva-Marie T
March 2, 2011
Dave Stevison
March 2, 2011
John, you will always be a superman! not a day will go by that I do not think of you, all of our hearts are broken....
Natasha bennett
March 2, 2011
Thank You~
Ron Simoni
March 2, 2011
Brother John,,,in your life you have given us all many gifts and most of all showed us how to accept anything life might bring to us. I watched you live your life to the fullest and live each day in the moment on your terms. You looked at the cards life dealt you and smiled and in your powerful way showed us all how to live life. I say goodbye to you knowing you your spirit is by my side and watching my back. I will use what you have given me to ride in the wind,, continue my life,,,and then I will meet with you down the road.
Love You Bro,
Kat Gonzales
March 2, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Soren Coats
March 2, 2011
THE FIREFIGHTERS PRAYER
When I'm called to duty God wherever flames may rage give me strength to save a life whatever be its age?,
Help me to embrace a little child before it is too late or save an older person from the horror of that fate?,
Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out?
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me to guard my neighbor and protect his property?,
And if according to your will I have to lose my life bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.
Eva-Marie T.
March 2, 2011
I have so many wonderful memories of John and I will cherish those memories forever. John was an amazing human being. He was a good man; He was a dedicated husband and father, loyal friend and dependable colleague. We loss one hell of a guy.
Joe Cave
March 2, 2011
Tom and Joe,
I'm very sorry for your lose. I lost my sister to cancer just 5mths ago as well. Hoping you guys are doing well.
Maryann Kovacs & Family
March 2, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss.
Jim Nielsen
March 2, 2011
Sometimes God needs help,,,and he calls on the best to come home. John is forever and always with us when its time to get the job done,,,we never go alone.
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