John Sebastian La Barbera

In the year 1906, two major events occurred. The first was on April 18th, the day the Big Earthquake Struck San Francisco, and the second event took place on August 3rd, when John La Barbera was born to Maria Turturici La Barbera and Salvatore Sebastian La Barbera.The earthquake destroyed the family home in North Beach. The family consisted of three younger sisters, Antoinetta, Mary, and Josephine. The United States Army provided temporary shelter in a hastily constructed “Tent City” in Golden Gate Park, where Maria gave birth to her first son, John. San Francisco was in total shambles, with the most damage caused by fires. The water mains had been destroyed leaving the City without the means to put out the fires. The family escaped with only a trunk of clothing. Salvatore was a friend of A.P Gianinni, then head of the Bank of Italy, later to become the Bank of America. Mr. Gianinni made building loans to those whose homes were destroyed on the shaking of hands- no lengthy forms were necessary. Salvatore was able to rebuild his home, along with income units, and begin life anew. Son John was always very ambitious and industrious, had an ability to create and maintain things well.When John met his first and only love, Caroline Zisa, the two immediately fell in love. They were very young, and knew the families would not be in favor of a marriage, so they decided to elope. They were initially married at St. Rose Church in Portland, Oregon, and then later renewed their vows at St. Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco.John and Caroline had one daughter, Marie, who was the light of their lives. John worked diligently, saved prudently, invested wisely, and was able to take early retirement at the age of 56. The couple loved to travel, and now were able to fulfill that dream. They embarked on many cruises, and enjoyed seventy-seven (77) years of marriage. The couple had many anniversary celebrations, beginning with their 50th. On the occasion of their 75th Anniversary, Marie and her late husband, Dene Zahn, arranged a celebration including the renewal of their vows with Father Donald De Angelo, then pastor of the Church of the Nativity, presiding at Sharon Heights Golf and Country in 1998.John was an active member in the Native Sons of the Golden West, Druids, and Sons of Italy. He was a member of the Church of the Nativity. The love of his life, Caroline, preceded him in going to the arms of Divine Love in 2001. He is survived by his loving daughter, Marie La Barbera Zahn, Granddaughter, Lynne Meyer (Robert), Grandson, Timothy Cookston, Great- granddaughter Lisa Meyer Finnigan (Shane), and little Great grandson, Sebastian Robert Finnigan, who kept him filled with joy. The family was privileged to have John with them for over 103 years, and he will be sorely missed, by those who loved him so much. He was truly the patriarch of the family.A Celebration of Mass will take place on Thursday, February 11th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Nativity, 210 Oak Grove Avenue, Menlo Park. He will be escorted to the Mausoleum at the Italian Cemetery, 540 “F” Street, Colma. The family prefers donations to the Church of the Nativity, Sequoia Hospital Foundation, 170 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City or Pathways Hospice Foundation, 585 N. Mary Ave. Sunnyvale.