John Joseph Penero Sr. was born on January 11, 1925, in Stockton, California to John Dalebout and Adeline Santos. He lived across the street from the McKinley Park Tennis Courts where he was first introduced to the game of tennis. A sport that he enjoyed for the rest of his life. In 1943, he graduated from Stockton High School where he played football and baseball. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego. While in the Marines he married his high school sweetheart Lillian V. Giannini. They had two children, Dean and John Jr. He honorably discharged from the Marines in 1946 and returned to Stockton. In 1953, he accepted a position with Stockton Police Department. During his 29 years with SPD he had various assignments including 18 years on a motorcycle. One of his fondness accolades was Officer of the Year presented by the Italian Athletic Club.
When he returned home from the Marine Corp, John continued his tennis ambition being an active member of the Stockton Tennis Club. He ran various local tennis tournaments along with tournaments sanctioned by the United States Tennis Association. He also introduced tennis to his two sons. They went on with successful careers in professional Tennis. After his retirement from Stockton Police Department John became Head Tennis Professional for Woodbridge Golf and Country Club in Woodbridge, California. He retired from Woodbridge G&CC at the age of 84. In 2013, John Sr, Dean and John Jr. were all inducted into the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame. John was 93 when he passed away.
DeYoung Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Penero family. A Chapel service will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 11am at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California St. Stockton.
In leu of flowers please send donations to VITAS Hospice Healthcare of Lathrop.
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