John Paiva

John was born on October 14th, 1934 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Manuel Paiva and Guilhermina (Canha) Paiva. Both of his parents were from the Madeira Islands in Portugal and immigrated to the United States in the early 1900’s. John was the “baby” of his family which included 10 children. His Portuguese heritage and his family were so very important to him.

John was a wonderful husband and father. He left behind his wife of 46 years, Sharon (Cleveland) Paiva of Surprise, AZ; two sons, David Paiva of Reno, NV and Dayton Paiva of Surprise, AZ; two daughters, Lisa (Ellis) Bello of Larkspur, CA and the late Lucinda Ellis. He is survived by his brother Joe Paiva and wife Sandee Paiva of Danville, CA. John was proud to call three young girls his granddaughters, Mary Frances Bello of Larkspur, CA, Nicole Paiva and Melissa Paiva, both of Reno, NV. John also had many nieces and nephews that are part of a large extended family. He is preceded in death by his brothers Manuel, George, Art, Pete and sisters, Mary, Alice, Carrie and Jenny; John loved his family very much.

John went to New Bedford High School and after he joined the U.S. Navy in 1953 and sailed on the U.S.S. Des Moines to Northern Europe for NATO exercises. When he separated from the Navy, he moved to Northern California with his brother Arthur Paiva where he worked for General Foods in San Leandro. John later made his living at the “Ranch” restaurant in Hayward, CA as a cook, then a bartender and worked his way up to bar manager of four establishments. Later in life John was a car salesman; he was always working to support his family, sometimes two jobs at the same time, continually thinking of his loved ones first.

John was raised Catholic and loved the Lord; he went to church every opportunity he had. In his later years he would go several times a week and even watch services on TV if he couldn’t attend. While in the hospital, a priest was making his rounds on July 23rd, 2015, the day John passed and gave him his last communion, blessed him and they said the Lord’s Prayer.

John was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the San Francisco 49ers. He was a faithful supporter of both teams through the years and supported them even when they weren’t doing well. Before his passing, he was able to see each team “go all the way”.

Throughout the years, John was legendary with his quick wit; which all his family and friends could attest to. He will be dearly missed by one and all.

A Catholic Mass is scheduled for October 13th, 2015 at 1:30pm, at St. Monica Catholic Church at 1001 Camino Pablo, Moraga, CA 94556. His final resting place is scheduled for October 14th, 2015 at 11:30am at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery at 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon CA 95620.