Born to Salvador and Ramona Negrete in Visalia, CA on May 31, 1933, John was one of 18 kids in his family. He grew up in Visalia and made it his home all his life. He graduated from Visalia Senior High School in 1952. On August 27, 1955 he married Stella Monharez, and they had 3 children.
John was a hard worker all his life, always being sure to provide for his family. Most of his career was with Claude's Buggies as a specialized salesman and mechanic in Volkswagen engine repair and building high performance engines, until he retired in 1995. After retirement, he kept busy helping everyone with anything and everything; he could fix or build anything.
John was a thrill seeker all his life. He was a founding member of the San Joaquin Valley Skydivers in 1961 with his brothers Salvador and Peter. They jumped for pleasure, local exhibitions at festivals and rodeos, and competitions. After retiring from skydiving, he started stock car racing at the Tulare Thunderbowl just for the fun of it.
John was a true animal lover and was an avid Raider fan for life. John was a tough man, but underneath his strong demeanor, he had a loving heart for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents Salvador and Ramona Negrete, his wife of 60 years Stella, his son John, his daughter Irene (Larry) Sloan, his granddaughter Heather Sloan, and 15 brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his daughter Patsy Ikeno, grandchildren Christine Crivello, Jonathan, Jeffrey (Tasha), Jennifer Ikeno, and Tyler Negrete, his sisters Isabel Enos and Rosalie (Frank) Aguilar, and 8 great grandchildren.
Our family would like to sincerely thank American Care Hospice for their dedicated support and compassion.
On August 28, 2024, the Rosary will be recited at 9:00 am at Miller Memorial Chapel; Mass will be held at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church; burial to follow at Visalia Cemetery.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.
