David James Canclini

David James Canclini, loving family leader, hunting buddy, retired Stagg High School teacher, and coach passed away on September 17, 2021. David had been battling a number of health issues in the last couple of years; primarily leukemia and infections in his brain, throat, and lungs.

David will be missed by his loving wife Judy (Arbios)Canclini whom he shared 57 exciting years of his life with. Together they raised two children, daughter Kristin (Canclini) Covello of Stockton, son Jeffrey Canclini of Sacramento, and one granddaughter, Carly Covello. He has one older sister, Janice Wagner (Neil) and many aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family here and in Italy. He has been proceeded in death by his parents, Lydia (Pizzorno) Canclini and Sesto (Dave) Canclini. Family was always important to David; he enjoyed researching his genealogy extensively and sharing his findings with his family.

David grew up in Stockton, California where he graduated from Stagg High School's first class of 1958. He then went on to Sacramento State where he achieved a degree in Physical Education. David returned to his beloved Stagg High School in 1963 and established the school's wrestling program that is still active today. David was a notable wrestling coach as well as, coaching swimming teams, and the undefeated Sophomore baseball team. He was named Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1965, and went on to be recognized by the California Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010 with the Lifetime Service Award.

In 1992 David began playing Bocce; a sport which he dearly loved and excelled in. As co-director of the US Bocce Championships, he won gold medals in many tournament and championship games. His most notable games being volo doubles, club punto, raffa volo, and open rules. This same year, David had the honor and joy of representing the United States of America at the World Championships held in Passo Fundo, Brazil. In the years following, David also had the privilege of coaching the United States 'under 21' championships in Rome, Italy. And in 2002, he and his team won 3 gold metals at the US Bocce Championships, this had never been done before on a championship level. Over the years David had the opportunity of serving as the US Bocce Federation Western Sector President for eight years, President of the Stockton Sportsman's Club, President of the Italian Athletic Club, President of Liguri nel Mundo Stockton Chapter, Treasurer of the Bocce Western Sector, Secretary of the of the Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club, and Treasurer of the Stockton Italian School. Along with many other hobbies he also held a membership in the San Joaquin Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services and was also a General Amateur Radio License holder. (WB6WEW)

As a lifelong avid Sportsman, hunting and fishing were a huge part of David's life. He shot his first duck at age nine. In David's seventy-one years of continuous hunting he was fortunate enough to hunt ducks, geese, deer, elk, caribou, antelope, pheasant, and ptarmigan while making many good friends along the way. David and his granddaughter, Carly, bonded over years of trapshooting tournaments and hunting trips at David's beloved Duck Club the 'Quack Shack' in Gustine. David supported all of his families endeavors, including buying his granddaughters 4-H Swine project year after year.

David will be dearly missed by his family and friends. His family greatly appreciates the support they have continually received from David's past students and close friends. A mass will be offered on Thursday, October 7 at 10:00 in the morning at St. Luke's Catholic Church. Committal to follow at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery. Reception to follow at Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club at 4343 N. Ashley Lane. Please wear a mask!

We thank the teams of doctors and nurses at Stanford, Meadowood, and Saint Joseph's for their excellent care. David's family would like to thank friends and family for the heartwarming support during these past few difficult years. Your prayers, calls, visits, and cards have been deeply appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Liguri nel Mundo: attention Gary Giovanetti at 1048 W. Robinhood Dr. Stockton, CA 95267 to the David Canclini Scholarship Fund. Donations can also be made to the Central California School of Italian Language and Culture at P.O. Box 4769 Stockton, CA 95204.