Born on February 4, 1934, in Eldorado, Texas, John was the cherished son of the late Maria Sosa and Lorenzo Gonzalez Frutoz. He was the second youngest of 10 children and completed school up until the 8th grade. John proudly served in the Army from 1956 to 1962, earning the title of Private First Class Post KVT Light Weapons Infantryman. He was also a veteran of the Korean War. He worked alongside his father and brothers shearing sheep and later found his calling as a steel fabricator at Kearney Manufacturing Company, where he eventually retired.
In 1959, John met the love of his life, Josie Roman Frutoz, at the Rainbow Ballroom in Fresno, California. John asked Josie to dance, and she replied, "I don't know how to dance to this song". John's response was "I will learn you". The rest is history, leading to 61 years of beautiful marriage. Together, they raised four accomplished children and were also blessed with five grandchildren. A favorite story of Josie's is the time that John hired musicians to serenade her for her birthday, as music was his love language.
John, affectionately known as Farmer John, had a passion for many different things. He liked being outdoors and going camping. He enjoyed woodworking, and built numerous structures, including sheds, coops, gazebos, and even a front porch. He also enjoyed farming and took care of more than ten breeds of animals. His favorite colors were navy blue and red, and he had a deep love for music, especially songs like "El Rey" by Vicente Fernandez and "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley. John was a huge fan of the Denver Broncos, and he also enjoyed gambling on slot machines, card games, and scratchers. He also enjoyed golfing with his brothers and close friends. John was also known to enjoy refried beans with every meal, always followed by dessert. John was even the bookie for the annual Super Bowl squares all the way up until he could no longer do so. He was also known for telling funny jokes - always laughing at anything and everything, including his own jokes - and for always singing a song. John loved family gatherings where there was food, fun and drinks, and he would make sure to provide entertainment by singing and leading prayers.
In his community, John was a coach for little league baseball, always making sure the kids had a guaranteed ride to the games, and was also an active PTA member at West Park Elementary. He was known for his selfless nature, often willing to give the shirt off his back to those in need. His is a legacy of being the head of the family who kept everyone together, known for his huge heart and always making sure his family was taken care of, which will be cherished forever by his family.
John was preceded in death by his loving family; parents Maria Sosa and Lorenzo Gonzalez Frutoz, as well as his siblings. He is survived by his immediate family; his loving wife of 61 years, Josie Roman Frutoz, his children, John Frank Frutoz and wife Laurie Frutoz, Gilbert Frutoz and wife Marisa Kono, Lucinda Garcia and husband Marcus Garcia, and Nina Acosta and husband Vincent Acosta. John is also survived by his grandchildren; Toby Frutoz and fiancée Channing Wilson, Lauren Olmos and husband Matthew Olmos, Alyssa Acosta and fiancée Rudy Ramirez, Sabrina Acosta, and Shelby Frutoz.
John's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered love and support during this difficult time. His final quotes, “I love you all my darlings,” and “Life is too short,” as well as a family favorite, "I am one handsome man," serve as a reminder of the love, laughter, and joy he brought to those around him.
His family also asks that any donations made in John's honor be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by following the link listed below the obituary.
A visitation for John will be held on August 19, 2025, starting at 2:00 pm at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm. A funeral service for John will take place on August 20, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, located at 4636 W Dakota Avenue, Fresno, California, 93722, with the committal service following at Fresno Memorial Gardens, located at 175 S Cornelia Avenue, Fresno, California, 93706. All who knew and loved John are welcomed to attend.
