Obituary of John Fredrick Lavagnino

A farm boy who had never flown in an airplane flew a four-engine bomber! John Frederick Lavagnino passed away at his home in San Juan Bautista surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 19 at the age of 94. John is predeceased by his parents John H. and Rose (Beresini) Lavagnino of San Juan Bautista, brothers August Lavagnino of Hollister, Charles Lavagnino of Los Angeles, William Lavagnino of San Juan Bautista and his sister Pearl Opie of Sonora. John is survived by Esther his loving wife of 68 years. They were married in Old Mission San Juan Bautista on November 22, 1947. John was born in San Juan Bautista, California on April 29, 1921. He graduated from San Benito High School. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, completed flight school and piloted a B-29 during World War II. When he came home from the military, he worked as a farmer until the time of his retirement in 1988. John and Esther traveled the world extensively. John was actively involved in the Boy Scouts as a Scout Master, he was the director of the Tomato Growers Association, Farm Bureau and the San Juan Cemetery. He was also a committee member of the Farmers Home Administration. John was a life-long parishioner of Old Mission San Juan Bautista. John is lovingly remembered by his sister Rosemarie Caetano of San Juan Bautista, children Kathleen Spano of Hollister, John A. Lavagnino and his wife Lisa of Watsonville, Mark A. Lavagnino and his wife Kim of Hollister, his grandchildren Kelley Wyrick, Douglas Wyrick, Stephen Wyrick, John “Jack” Lavagnino, Matthew Lavagnino, Gina Lavagnino, Jason Spano, Claire Lavagnino, Earl Lavagnino, Alison Lavagnino, Blythe Bolea, Chloe Lavagnino, twenty great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The visitation will be held Sunday, January 24 from 2:00 to 4:00pm at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Family Funeral Home in Hollister, CA. A rosary will be offered Sunday, January 24 at 7:00pm at Old Mission San Juan Bautista. The funeral service will be held at Old Mission San Juan Bautista on Monday, January 25 at 10:00am with Father Jerry Maher officiating. Reception to follow at Casa Maria. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice: https://secure3.ssmedia.com/ccvna/forms/donations/