John Kentera

His parents, Sam and Angelika Kentera, moved their family to California when John was just a baby. The family consisting of his parents, his older sisters Violet and Olga and his younger brother Andy, moved around the San Joaquin Valley in his early years working the crops. They eventually settled on a 40-acre farm outside of Madera, California.

John grew up as a hard working farm boy. He attended a one-room schoolhouse with his brother Andy and graduated from Madera High School as a standout athlete. He served in the Army during World War II, where he was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division in North Carolina.

In 1946 John’s parents left Madera and relocated to Leucadia. They opened Palace Market and Auto Court on North Highway 101. At the time, John was attending the University of Nevada Reno where he played football. He was also an accomplished boxer and went on to become the Nevada State Heavy Weight Boxing Champion in 1950. During those years he commuted from Reno to Leucadia in order to assist his parents with the family business.

After his boxing career, John became a full time Leucadia resident. He spent days working alongside his parents at the market and nights as a bar tender. Known for his work ethic, he often worked over 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. He and his brother Andy opened up a bar of their own in 1951. They named it Johnny’s Beer Bar, which eventually became, The Leucadian. They were partners for 44 years. John also owned The Office Bar in Cardiff by the Sea for 20 years.

1955 was the year that John married his beloved wife Peggy. They made their home in Solana Beach where they raised their two sons, Bill and John. Always active in the community, he was a member of American Legion Post 416 of Encinitas and was a Charter member of the Encinitas Elks Lodge. For over 30 years, he generously donated his time and money to charitable causes.

His final three and a half years were spent living in the same home as his beloved granddaughter and caretaker, Ashley Kentera-Brophy, and her husband Matthew Brophy. Ashley and Matthew were married on John’s 88th birthday of this year. His bond with them was one of the greatest joys of his life.

John was preceded in death by the love of his live, Peggy in 2001, his parents, his sister Violet Mihich, and his brother Andrew Kentera. He is survived by sister Olga Bien, his two sons William Sullivan and John Patrick Kentera, along with their wives Michele Sullivan and Kelly Kentera; his granddaughters Annette Hall-Neville, Adrian Sullivan, Margaret Hamilton, Brooke Kentera, Ashley Kentera-Brophy and Lori Motlagh; one nephew, four nieces, 5 great granddaughters and 4 great grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name can be made to the American Legion Post 416, P.O. Box 230416, Encinitas, CA 92024-0416 or Elks Lodge #2243 BPOE, 1393 Windsor Road, Cardiff, CA 92007-1353.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday October 28th from 4pm to 8pm at Eternal Hills Cemetery & Mortuary 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054. His burial will take place on Saturday October 29th at 10am, also located at Eternal Hills. The burial will be followed by a celebration of life luncheon at the Encinitas Elks Lodge at 1pm.