John Carl Marcelli

Gentle, unassuming, peacemaker, and incredible man of character, John Marcelli was born in Fresno on November 5, 1923 and went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Good Friday, April 6, 2012, fifty years to the day of his mother's passing.

John was the third of six brothers and graduated from Central Union High School. He enjoyed successful careers in the farming and automotive industries. He was service director at Valley Ford/Friendly Ford for over 35 years, worked for Slavich Brothers Mercedes, and for Jura Farms.

In the summer of 1946, John met LaVera Pardini at a St. Alphonsus youth group event and was smitten. They were married on August 8, 1948 and have two children, David and Cheryl. Dad always teased Mom by telling everyone that "she chased me" so eventually he gave in and they enjoyed 63 years of marital bliss.

John's greatest joy was spending time with family. John's son always worked along his father's side which explains David's strong work ethic. Cheryl gave her daddy the gift of his only grandchild, Gianni, who will always be the light of his life. John took great pride in attending all of Gianni's school, athletic, and extracurricular activities. Apart from family, it was common to see John happy on his tractor, working the land. He loved maintaining pristine gardens of vegetables, Sago palms and various flowering plants. If John touched it, it grew. His signature crop was red onions and they were so sweet and delicious, it earned John the nickname of "Onion King". John was also very skilled with his hands and was a master of many trades.

John was a long time member of the Italian Catholic Federation and Knights of Columbus, Council Number 12555.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Mythe Laramie, John's physician for his compassion and personal attention he provided Dad for many years.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Rose Marcelli; his brothers, Angelo, Joseph, Dominic; and John's adoring daughter-in-law, Leslie.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, LaVera; children, David and Cheryl; grandson and namesake, Gianni; and Gianni's father, Darryl McClaine; brothers, Anthony Marcelli and his wife Laura, and Albert Marcelli; sisters-in-law, Tessie Marcelli, Betty Marcelli, Lorraine Pistacchio and Linda Mastro and her husband Pat; in addition to many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Visitation will be held at his church home, St. Mary Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, a church John helped build, Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 5:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Queen of Apostles Catholic Church on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. followed by entombment at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to St. Mary Queen of Apostles Building Fund or to the Sisters Pious Disciples of the Divine Master.