John passed away unexpectedly on April 28, 2018 surrounded by his adoring wife Margaret Sellai, children, grandchildren and siblings. He was 74.
John was born in Madera, CA on October 30, 1943 to Fred & Irene Sellai. He attended St Joachim's Elementary School, graduated from Madera High School in 1961, and moved to San Francisco to attend the University of San Francisco. To help with college expenses, John got a job at a neighborhood flower shop, Pinelli's Flowerland, and shortly there after married his hometown sweetheart Margaret and they began a life together raising 5 beautiful children in San Francisco.
In 1968, John & Margaret purchased Pinelli's Flowerland where John never stopped working and was an everyday presence for over 50 years on Clement Street in the flower shop that he loved.
John was involved in many organizations over his lifetime, but dearest to his heart was the Star of the Sea Parish & School community where he chaired the annual parish festival fund raiser for over 30 years, donated flowers to the church, and served on numerous committees.
John is survived by his wife, Margaret Sellai, children, J. Brent Sellai (Stephanie), David Sellai, Christine Sellai (Joe Kaniewski), Mark Sellai & Michael Sellai (Elyse); along with 11 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He leaves brothers & sisters, Don Sellai (Diana), Cathy Black (Bruce), Dee Dee Soltes (Mark), and Ed Sellai (Suzy), and was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Irene Sellai, and brother Ken Sellai (Jean Anne).

A Rosary Service will be held at Star of the Sea Church 4420 Geary Blvd. S.F., CA on Friday, May 4th at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass at Star of the Sea on Saturday, May 5th at 1:30 PM with a reception immediately following the service. The Interment will be on Monday May 7th at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1500 Mission Rd. Colma, CA.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 1 to May 4, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Sellai

Sponsored by McAvoy O'Hara The Evergreen Mortuary.

14 Entries

Adele Balmy

November 5, 2018

Dear Margaret and Family,
It has been 7 months since John passed so suddenly. My memories are so full of the generous man I knew. He was endless in his energy , working on everything he did with dedication and fortitude. He helped to make years of wonderment of involvement at Star of the Sea fun and successful for all of us.
John and Margaret's friendship went beyond Star. Anatole and I had many good times together with them.
I feel the loss of this special friend, but I know God said, "Come on John, I am ready for you" and I know John is praying for all of us. That's the way he is.
Rest in Peace John
Adele Balmy

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Donna Gates

May 10, 2018

Dear Margaret and Family

I was so sadden to hear of John's sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. We had a lot of wonderful memories in the past and I hope you keep all of yours in your heart. He is now at rest with my John in Heaven. Hard to believe they are both gone! God Bless

All My Love
Donna and Family

Wayne Gomes

May 5, 2018

My deepest condolences on the passing of John. Many fond memories of the Sellai Family in Madera growing up. A classmate of Ken, Irene would give me numerous rides home after class at St. Joachim's School. May all their memories be eternal.

Janice Wrobel

May 5, 2018

Dear Margaret,
I was shocked and saddened hearing about John and realize the great loss this is for you and your family. I meet John in the first grade at St. Joachim's in Madera. It was a small class and close community in many ways. John was a good student and a funny guy, always a leader.
Now I reflect that it was an honor to be friends with John and you both in High school.
He left Madera and became so accomplished in San Francisco, marrying, becoming a successful business and wonderful father of 5. You and John were great partners.
This passing of John Sellai is like hitting close to home, one of "our"own, and I am very sad.
God bless you and all your family.

Jan Wrobel (Janice Fuller)

Greg Jue

May 4, 2018

As longtime residents of the Richmond District and parishioners at Star of the Sea, our family was always treated very kindly by Mr. Sellai. We passed his flower shop every Sunday after Mass and were greeted with a warm hello and a smile. After I moved to Southern California for graduate school in 1978, I would occasionally phone Pinellis to have flowers delivered to my mother; if Mr. Sellai answered, he recognized her name and I always felt her arrangement received extra attention.
Condolences to the entire Sellai family during this difficult time.

Ken Balmy

May 4, 2018

Rose and I were very sad to hear of Mr. Sellai's passing. He was truly a good man, a nice guy and a gentleman. He and indeed the Sellai family were so very helpful when we were making arrangements at the time of her father's passing as well as my own father's, among countless other instances of their caring and generosity. The neighborhood bids adieu to a friend and institution.

Stephen Kossuth

May 3, 2018

I am saddened by the sudden loss of a great man and my heart, thoughts and prayers are with the entire Sellai family. It is often said that the true measure of a man's worth can be best summarized by the legacy of those that he leaves behind. In this regard, John truly is rich as his legacy will thrive through his terrific children, grandchildren and Sellai family at large. He will certainly be missed, but not forgotten. May fond memories of this great man quickly overtake the overwhelming sensation of loss.

Chris Balmy

May 3, 2018

John (actually "Mr. Sellai") gave so much to his community, truly he lead by example. I have much to be thankful for due to him. My thoughts are with the Sellai Family at this time.

Mike Balmy

May 2, 2018

The inner Richmond District will miss part of it's fabric now that John has gone. Thanks for everything.

Don and Beth Burkhardt

May 2, 2018

We are so glad we got to meet John and Margaret in Italy. It was a wonderful time for all and we have many special memories, especially the farmhouse dinner at the winery. John told many interesting stories about his life and we enjoyed them all. Your family is in our prayers.

Dean Backus

May 2, 2018

Sending prayers to the Sellai family and all their extended loved ones and relatives during this difficult time, and may memories of love sustain you. Peace. Dean & Jonathan

Judy & Richard Chrzanowski

May 2, 2018

Marilyn and family,
We send our love and prayers to you all. We will hold memories close to our heart.

Love & Light,
Richard & Judy Brosi-Chrzanowski

Sanabria Family

May 2, 2018

Sending our love and deepest condolences....

MARY HAYDEN

May 1, 2018

Oh Margaret and family,
This is shocking and heartbreaking.
I am just so sorry and wish that there were adequate words.
Peace to him and to all of you. You have all been so lucky to have each other.
BaseballMary

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