John Peter Pianta Sr

A visitation/vigil for John will be held Friday, February 25, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 12:00 PM at St Kilian Catholic Church, 26872 Estanciero Dr, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. A burial at ascension cemetery will occur Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 1:30 PM. at 24754 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest CA 92630. Follow by reception: Mangia Bene! cucina 27281 La Paz Road Suite i Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorialservices.com for the PIANTA family.

John Peter “Papa” Pianta Sr passed away peacefully on February 15, 2022 at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with cancer. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, John managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. On his final days, he was surrounded by his wife, Linda, and his three children, Michelle, Joseph and John, Jr, who he had adored more than anything else in the world.

John was born in Los Angeles to Peter and Lena Pianta in June of 1942, and became a big brother to his sister, Ann-Marie. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business from Loyola Marymount and served as a medic for the United States Army during the Vietnam War. In his mid-20’s he met Linda Mortara, fell in love and within a couple of years they married on August 2nd, 1969. He worked as a purchasing agent for Burroughs (Unisys) and served as Vice President of the Italian Catholic Federation. John became a father in August 1971 when their daughter, Michelle, was born. Over the next five years, they had two more children, Joseph “Joey” and John Jr, to make their family complete. Through the years John became a grandfather to Raymond, Anthony, Jayden, Gavin and Kayla, and a great grandfather to Annabella.

John loved spending time with family, watching sports, gambling, playing bingo, fishing, listening to Jimmy Buffet and going on vacations with his family. Anyone who knew John was touched by his kindness and mild temperament. He was truly a peacemaker and was always a source of positivity, reliability and loyalty.

John was preceded in death by his father, Peter; and his mother, Lena Pianta.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; their 3 children; Michelle; Joseph “Joey”, his wife Wendy, their 2 children Raymond and Anthony, their grandchild, Annabella; John Jr, his wife Rebecca, their 3 children Jayden, Gavin and Kayla; his sister Ann-Marie and her husband Charles “Charlie” Weinstein, their 4 children, Patrick, Nicholas, Natalie and Michael.