Obituaries

Condolences

• 10/01/2021

  The Serna Family

  John was a great man, neighbor, and friend (who turned into family)! He truly made a great impact in our lives! May he Rest In Peace forever in eternity... we love you John! -The Serna Family

• 10/01/2021

  COR

  My wife Yolanda and I were very sorry to hear of John's passing. We knew John from St Elizabeth Church in Milpitas. The sunset picture is from a wonderful day we spent with John and Paulette at Oceanside last year. We will miss John very much. Winston Jackson Friend February 24, 2021

• 10/01/2021

  Richard Osugi

  I first met John when I joined the Santa Clara Chinese Golf Club over 20 years ago (I'll bet you didn't know John had some Chinese ancestry :)). As most know, John loved golf. I'd like to share a recent golf anecdote witch epitomizes John's love of golf. Last year, in mid July 2020, John called me to see if I could play golf with him at Los Lagos (he had a great discount coupon!). As we chatted to set things up, we started talking about my swing. John suggested a swing technique that he used, and offered me a VHS tape that described the technique. I didn't have a working VCR, so I politely declined his offer. Later that day, the name of that VHS tape "Automatic Golf, by Bob Mann" stuck in my mind, and sounded vaguely familiar. I checked my box of "golf stuff" and found that I had the same tape, and immediately called John to inform him of the coincidence. I told him that I don't think I bought the tape, or had even watched it. In fact, I didn't even remember how I got it. Well, John hunted for his tape, and couldn't find it. Turns out that John lent it to me years ago, back in the days of the VCR. I had set it aside and forgot all about it, as did he. Pretty funny. I went to his house that same day and returned the tape to him. I got curious, and found a YouTube video of "Automatic Golf", and watched it. Seemed like reasonable advice, even though the lesson was a bit dated. When John and I met for golf two weeks later, on July 28th, I used this new swing. I ended up shooting what may have been a personal best (which triggered the exceptional score penalty). John was amazed, and very happy for me, and told me to stick with the swing. It had served him well. This was the last round I played with John. Sadly, two weeks later, I learned of his cancer diagnosis. This last round that I played with John will be the one I remember the most. It characterizes John's love of the game and the joy he feels when he is able to help others with theirs. Jo

• 10/01/2021

  COR

  Paulette, I was so saddened to read about John’s passing. Such a wonderful fellow and always so loving! A larger than life personality! I know you will miss him a great deal. Sending you good thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Cathy Cathy Schulze Friend February 23, 2021

• 10/01/2021

  COR

  I'am saddened to hear of the passing of John Ciaccio, my deepest condolences to the Ciaccio family, they lived across the street from my Aunt Edith and Uncle Guido Cellini,in Steger Illinois.... A wonderful loving family.... I was a play mate to Annmarie Ciaccio when visiting my aunt ad uncles house... Paula (Guiliano/Julian), Blissett Friend February 22, 2021

• 10/01/2021

  Faith ONeill

  Uncle John :heart: One of the Very Best Men I've been Blessed to know. Kindness Always. Smiling Always. Many Great Memories. 4th of July, Easter Egg Hunts, Pinatas And So Much Laughter. Rest Easy Uncle John ... See You Over The Rainbow :shamrock:Love You Faith

• 10/01/2021

  Valerie

  Paulette, my deepest sympathies go out to you. May God give you the peace you seek. We were neighbors for nearly 40 years and have so many memories. John was loved by all the children at Highland Park and famous for the candy jar in the kitchen window! It was so special that you joined us for college graduations and babies arrivals. He made a huge contribution to our Homeowner’s Association as one of the longest-serving members. I will be forever grateful for the 2 calls with John in his last few weeks and his Prayer to Jesus he shared with me. Much love, Valerie

• 10/01/2021

  COR

  More than my first cousin, John, I’ve thought of you as my adopted brother - having played together since five years of age. You were always good to people throughout your life. We are proud of you for your good character and for fighting in Viet Nam. You will always be in our hearts. Candle lit by Eugene Bernardo on February 12th, 2021

• 10/01/2021

  COR

  Johnny fanned the flames of golf passion for both myself and my wife, Kate. He got us involved with the Hackers couples league at Sunken Gardens in Sunnyvale. He got me personally involved with his men's club group at Tularcitos (now Summitpointe). We golfed at Pine Mountain with friends and family. He was our golf mentor, guru and best buddy. Candle lit by Michael Hoesly on February 15th, 2021

• 10/01/2021

  COR

  John was an amazing person, so full of life, smart and funny. John and Paulette treated me truly like family and I will never forget the dinners we shared. John taught me to play golf and and to enjoy life. When I left California in 1986, I lost track of one of my favorite couples, Its hard to explain how a simple evening with these two was so much fun, even when we just sat and talked. Candle lit by John Meli on February 19th, 2021

• 10/01/2021

  Michael Wu

  I first met John when I joined the Santa Clara Chinese Golf Club. He and I had many conversations not only about golf, but about life in general over the years that I knew him. I remember one time he came out to work with me on my swing at Fremont Park as well as chipping that day. I also remember the times that we had playing in the Federation Tournaments and him seeing me dye my hair red, white, and blue at the Memorial Day Tournament down in Los Angeles (with assistance from Jayne Bautista). I will miss his great stories and all of the great memories of golfing with him. RIP John. Hope you are shooting your personal bests up there with the angels.

• 10/01/2021

  Charmaine Gardley

  I am so saddened by John's passing. I will definitely miss his gregarious demeanor and his pinochle card playing.. Gone much too soon, but we know God doesn't make mistakes, and earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal. Paulette, take care of yourself, be strong, and know that you have many friends who care. Charmaine Gardley

• 10/01/2021

  John Schoenbrun

  We'll miss one of our most special friends, John, may you rest in peace. We've known John and Paulette for several years. There are many memorable times we spent together. There were four couples, John & Paulette, Jim & Jean, Charlie & Carole, and the Schoenbrun's. The eight of us had for several years spent time at Pine Mountain to play golf, have fabulous dinners, play cards and pool in the evenings. John for all those years made arranged these outings. He arranged to rent a 5 bedroom home every time and making all the arrangements for tee times at the various golf courses. Those were one of the most memorable times we all had together. Another memorable time was John with his surprises, arranged to surprise Paulette for her birthday with an outing at Sea Ranch to play golf. Unbeknownst to Paulette, John and I were the surprise for Paulette when she came to the door. We had the best time celebrating Paulette's birthday. John was good at arranging surprises too. As we all know, John was an avid golfer. In 1989 during the Loma Prieta Earthquake we made arrangements to meet John at the Santa Clara Golf Course so he could help us with our game with tips, etc. While putting on the green, the earth shook and we couldn't stand and that ended our lesson; went home immediately. We have many more memorable times; we'll always cherish them all. John, you will be missed and always your smiling face. May you rest in peace. Lots of love, John and Grace Schoenbrun

• 10/01/2021

  COR

  February 15, 2021 We will miss John. He was always the life of the party. John and Paulette were a beautiful couple for so many years and always a pleasure to have visit us. We continue to send our love to Paulette and the family. Jim and Linda LoBue Family

• 10/01/2021

  Nicholas

  John was my Uncle, and he really was a great one! He made a huge impact on just about everyone he ever talked to, and always had a story to make you laugh, or smile... (He really knew how to break a window) He was an amazing golfer, and he taught me a lot, however I will never let him live down the time that I out drove him on the Urbana course! He was very smart, and knew a lot about everything, especially California. My favorite memory with him was my trip to California when he took me to the Mystery spot! We had a great day, and it was one of the coolest experiences of my life! He always put others before himself, and never asked for anything in return. I am so glad to have grown up knowing, and spending time with my uncle John! I will always love him, and will cherish all the times, and memories that I got to spend with him! I love you so much uncle John!

• 10/01/2021

  Ashanti B.

  Blood makes you related but loyalty makes you family. You have made me feel like I was family. John was a great, patient, loving and gentle man that was filled with stories. I will miss the photos and history lesson that you shared from the trips you took to the old day at EIU. Us EIU Panthers will always stick together. I love you Uncle John

• 10/01/2021

  Betty Bryan

  Paulette I am so very sorry for your loss. John will be missed by many. I always admired his kindness and fun loving nature. You are in my thoughts and prayer. Betty Bryan

• 10/01/2021

  Nikki

  Heaven gained another great one... We're so very sorry Paulette. We sure will miss Uncle John...his stories, his smile that could light up a room, his "jokes" and mostly his contagious laugh! Thinking of you :heart: Nikki & Parker

• 10/01/2021

  Debbie Novelli

  Dear Paulette and Ciaccio family. I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of John and his friendship with my brother from their grammar school days at St. Casimir's. Such a sweet guy with a beautiful smile and warm personality. May he now rest in peace and joy with the Lord.

• 10/01/2021

  Robert Nagata

  John was a very generous person. John had invited a number of us to Nakoma, north of Truckee and would drive us up to the golf course and back the same day. He also invited a number of us to the private golf course in Berkeley before it expired. John even paid for lunch stating he has a credit so he wouldn't take no for an answer to help pay. John and I had one common issue and that was diabetes. John would always talk about it and what would be better to take to control it. Although, lately I haven't seen him in a while, I will always remember the good times that we golfed in the SCCCGC as well as other outings with him. Robert

• 10/01/2021

  COR

  John fanned the flames of golf passion for both myself and my wife, Kate. He got us enrolled in the Hackers couples league at Sunken Gardens in Sunnyvale and me, personally, with his men's club at Tularcitos (now Summitpointe) in Milpitas. With friends and family we also made fond golfing trips to Pine Mountain. John was the best golfer of the group and always encouraging and inspirational. His passion for the game never faltered. His loyalty, faith and devotion never faltered either. I knew him not only as a friend to many but most importantly as a loving husband, a devoted son and a proud sibling and uncle to many. Michael R. Hoesly February 15, 2021