Obituary of John Legge

Long-time resident, John Legge, died peacefully with his daughter by his side Sunday, December 4, 2016 at the age of 96. It was his latest goal to live as long as his grandmother, who also lived to the age of 96. John was born in Torino, Italy on September 7, 1920. At the age of 4, he and his mother immigrated to the United States to be with his father. They settled in Morgan Hill and at the age of 17 he began work in the California wine industry for Cribari Winery and San Martin Winery. When working for Almaden Vineyards he was transferred to the Paicines winery at which point he moved to Hollister in 1963 to be closer to work. After working in the industry for 45 years, he retired in 1982 as Superintendent of Wineries for Almaden. Upon retirement he took up golfing and traveling with his wife, Mary. Together they enjoyed many cruises, trips to Reno and Laughlin, and spending time at their beach house in Santa Cruz. He also looked forward to meeting with his buddies for breakfast and he was a long-time member of the Hollister Elks Lodge and Italian Catholic Federation. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his granddaughters. John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Loreen and Noman Dow of Gilroy; his two beloved granddaughters, Danell and Deena Dow, and his niece, Lynn York of Santa Cruz. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary, of 56 years and his sister Tillie Bargiacchi. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 14, at 9:30 am immediately followed by a Mass of Resurrection at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tres Pinos at 10:00 am; reception to follow. Private interment will be held Thursday, December 15, at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery in Santa Clara. Donations may be made to Italian Catholic Federation c/o Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home in lieu of flowers. John was truly beloved by his family and friends. We will miss you.