John A. Gustas

Baptized, Confirmed and Married Catholic

Mother, Dorothy Marie Gustas (Kessel) from NY and Father: John Sylvester Gustas from Pennsylvania, (both deceased) 2 older sisters, Donna Philpott from Florida and Sandra Bonefede from Hamburg, NY and 1 younger brother James (Jimmy) Gustas, from Derby. 2 Brother-in-Laws, Joe Bonafede and Kent Philpott, and Sister-in-Law Tina Gustas. He has 5 Nephews from his side, Johnny, Billy Jeff, Darrel, Joey and Danny and two nieces Melissa and Lisa. He came from a close loving family and they shared many good times together. His childhood love was hunting and fishing in the beautiful woods of Upstate New York, teasing his older sisters and driving cool cars.

He married Deborah DiGioia on April 29, 1972 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, in Rialto, CA. Actually met his father in law, Ross DiGioia, before he met Deborah while he was stationed at Norton AFB for 4 years, from May 18, 1971 to April 18, 1975. He worked as a mechanic and reached Staff Sergeant within those 4 years.

He has 3 beautiful Daughters, Gina Marie Morton, Jeannette Louise Gustas and Jamie Lea Mote. A Son-in Law, Johnny Morton, 6 Grandsons, Christopher, Kirk, Johnny, James, Mason, and Christian, 2 Granddaughters, Marley and Sheridan and 1 Great Granddaughter Ashlynn. He has 5 Nephews through marriage, Johnathan, Derek, Sammy, Michael, and Lawrence and 4 Nieces Lori, Tami, Donna and Sheila. His Father-in-Law Ross DiGioia, and Mother-in-Law, Lois DiGioia (Hill). Sister-in Laws: Donna Crouch, Diane Weddington, Gayle Villvicencio, Lynda Loudon and Broth-in-Laws, Mark DiGioia, Michael Crouch, Gary Villavicencio and Norman Weddington.

After John was honorably discharged from the Air Force on May 18, 1975, his new family moved back to Batavia, NY and lived in a 100 year old house on 3 acres of land with a beautiful live fish stream on the land. He worked for CB foods, visited all his family, hunted and fished in the same woods as he did as a child. Due to the poor economy in NY John decided to return to CA, in May of 1976. In order to support his family; he worked as a welder at U.S. Steel for awhile, and then worked for San Bernardino County as a mechanic for 14 years. He then went from Levi's and t-shirts to dress suits and ties and from hand tools to computers, when he became a Program Representative for the state of California's Bureau of Automotive Repair. After 18 more years, working for the state he retired on August 1, 2008. For the last 32 years, he and his family have resided in Yucaipa, CA.

John was known as the man who could do anything and fix anything and everything. He along side Ross DiGioia, his Father-in Law, mentor and best friend, and with help from other family members, and his good friends, he built many different buildings and remodeled many homes. If he didn't know how to do something he would work until he figured it out and he always figured it out. If he were called to help for whatever reason, John would be there to help in whatever way he could. He loved to teach and share what he knew with anyone who wanted to learn. His Son-in-Law and friend Johnny Morton and his Grandsons, Christopher, and Johnny Jr. spent time in Utah helping and learning from John how to build a garage, from the ground up, on a piece of land that would be used for summer vacations. John had planned to build a home there for the whole family to enjoy.

He loved to plant gardens, raise chickens, goats and even black Angus with his daughters. John and his wife, Debbie, would take the girls and other family members fishing, camping, quad, and motorcycle riding often and enjoyed the outdoors together. John's Grandsons Kirk and James learned a lot about planting vegetable gardens and how to reap what they sow.

He could be very strict with his daughters at times, especially when the boys started to come around, but he loved his daughters very much, and always wanted the best for them. He also loved and enjoyed spending time with all his Grandchildren Planting vegetable gardens, hunting, fishing, and watching them play sports. He loved being Papa John and was very proud of all his family.

He spent many summers and hunting seasons in Koosharem, Utah, with his family and friends, he loved the woods and traveling. He loved to hunt and fish. He also loved to go deep sea fishing, and dove hunting with his friends and family.

Keno and playing craps were his favorites at the casino. Sometimes he would be so lucky and of course other times not so great. When he won he wouldn't hesitate to share with others. He also enjoyed playing cards and other games with his and family here and in Koosharem, Utah.

He was a good man with a good soul; he loved and was loved by many. Arrangements under the direction of Weaver Hughes Mortuary, Yucaipa, CA.