John Sigona

John Sigona was born on July 27, 1924 in the same house he would grow up in at 926 Elizabeth St. in San Francisco, California. He was the 4th of 2 sisters and 3 brothers. John attended school at James Lick Jr. High and Mission High School where he excelled as an athlete, particularly in soccer. He left school after his sophomore year, during the Great Depression, to help provide for his family. He worked at Planters Peanuts as a Warehouseman, then at Bethlehem Steel Corp.as a Painter in the Shipyards at Hunters Point, where he excelled and was promoted frequently, before being drafted in 1943 to serve his country in WWII.

A proud American, John originally served as a cook in the 77th Artillery Division before being transferred into the 95th Infantry Division, where he attained the rank of Sgt., while fighting at the battles of Rhineland and Ardennes (The Bulge) in The Central European Campaign. John served as a Squad Leader in the 95th which crossed the Moselle River. He led his squad into combat, which was instrumental in capturing the city of Metz. Later, The 95th’s crossing of the Lippe River led to the capture of Hamm, Soest and Dortmand. John served until the conclusion of the war in 1945.

After the war, John met and married the love of his life, Rose Franzella, upon which time they started their wonderful family. An avid fisherman, John enjoyed teaching his 6 children how to catch striped bass along the San Francisco Coast. He worked for Sunset Scavenging Company on truck #80 from 1951 until his retirement in 1981. His true passion of being outdoors inspired him to buy property and move to Morgan Hill. Being a part of the Greatest Generation, John enjoyed working with his hands and spent many hours on his farm. With his love for agriculture and a self sufficient spirit he lived off the land, breeding and raising animals, as well as birds, and growing his own produce.

John’s favorite pastime was cooking for his family. As the patriarch, John was happiest sitting at the head of the table, surrounded by his family enjoying one of his feasts. John lived life on his terms and when his physical body would no longer allow him to do so, in true fashion he departed on his terms. He passed away with his eternally devoted wife at his side, surrounded by his family on April 19th, 2014. He was 89 years old.

John is survived by his wife Rose, Brother Joseph, 5 Sons, 1 Daughter, 14 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren.

Viewing and Visitation will be held from 5-9 pm at Johnson Funeral Home in Morgan Hill, Friday April 25th with Rosary to commence at 7 PM.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12 Noon, Saturday, April 26th at St. Catherine’s Church, 17400 Peak Ave. Morgan Hill.

Burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Flowers, graciously accepted, may be sent to Johnson Funeral Home, 17720 Monterey St. Morgan Hill, CA, 95037. Please send by 1 PM Friday.