John P. Mike

John was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania, on March 7, 1934, to Tony and Fatima Mike. He was one of seven siblings—Mary, Annie, George, Abe, Pete, and Steven—and grew up in a loving, close-knit family. From a young age, John displayed natural leadership, becoming Class President at Rochester High School, where he proudly initiated the ‘Old Oaken Bucket’ rivalry trophy tradition for the school’s football program.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, John served his country with dignity and dedication, achieving the rank of Specialist (E3) and receiving an Honorable Discharge for his service.

After marrying the love of his life, JoAnn Petrella, the couple shared 60 wonderful years together. Their journey took them from Pennsylvania to California, settling first in the San Fernando Valley before making their home in the Temecula Valley. There, John remained an active member of their local Catholic parish, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus.

John was a lifelong learner, attending L.A. Valley College and later Cal State Northridge. Over the years, he held a wide range of jobs that reflected his work ethic and diverse interests—from working on the railroad, to roles as a union worker in HVAC, with the Automobile Club of Southern California, and even within the motion picture studios.

Beyond work, John’s life was rich in passions. He loved officiating football and basketball games, proudly refereeing numerous championship matchups—always boasting that he never got “redlined.” He cherished time with his large extended family, and nothing brought him more joy than being surrounded by loved ones, whether near or far. His warm heart reached across continents, with family in Australia, and countless nieces, nephews, and Godchildren in California and Pennsylvania, all of whom he held dear.

John is survived by his beloved children, Paula and Steven, his four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, each a shining light in his life.

Those who knew John will remember him for his one-of-a-kind laugh, infectious smile, witty humor, and endearing personality. He was a joy to be around, a favorite among friends and family alike, and a man who left a lasting impression on every life he touched.

John will be laid to rest with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518, among fellow heroes, where he will rest in eternal peace.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

May he rest in peace.