Jack Joseph Sapnaro

Born on Good Friday - March 29, 1929

Born to Eternal Life - June 18, 2013

After a very long and courageous battle with leukemia, lymphoma, and congestive heart failure, Jack passed peacefully to Heaven from his home, surrounded by the love and prayers of his devoted family. Beloved son of the late Jack Sr. and Lena Alessi Sapnaro. Cherished husband and best friend to Rose (Buscaglia) for 62 blessed years. Loving father of the late Richard (Eileen), Jacklyn Slakey (Steven), and Leanne Sapnaro. Adored grandfather to Stephanie Slakey Campbell (Tom), Christopher, Michael, Daniel, Andrew, and Benjamin. Precious great-grandchildren: Mia, Liam, Gavin and Annabelle. Beloved brother of Gene Sapnaro (Pat) and the late Constance Morgan, and brother-in-law to John Buscaglia. He is also survived by cousins, loving nieces and nephews, and many treasured friends.

Born in Sacramento, Jack grew up during the great depression. His family home was on a small plot of land in the Pocket area. From a very young age, he learned to plant and pick fruit and vegetables, drive a tractor, and attend to the chickens, pigs and rabbits, and many chores before and after school each day. He had a very happy and peaceful childhood. He attended Sutter Elementary School, California Jr. High, C.K. McClatchy High School, and Sacramento City College.

In 1949, he joined the California National Guard, 184th Infantry Division, where he served honorably for nine years. He was employed at the State Department of Education for 44 years. He worked his way up to various levels, serving as Chief of the Business Services for 13 years, and then in 1988 was appointed Deputy Chief, Surplus Property Officer, a position he held until his retirement in 1991.

Worship and service in his church were always of the upmost importance to Jack. He and Rose were founding members of St. Robert Catholic Church since 1955, where through the years he faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, CCD volunteer, sang in the choir and was a chairman on the planning and finance committee of the present church which was dedicated in 1988. For more than 20 years, he barbecued and served the best ever chicken dinners for the annual St. Robert Fall Festival.

Jack always celebrated his grandchildren's educational, sporting and artistic events with great pride and joy. Through the years, to witness their receptions of the holy sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and his granddaughter Stephanie and Tom's marriage, brought special happiness and lasting memories.

From the time that his son, Rick was a young boy, and together with his brother Gene, and other family members, they spent many happy times camping, hiking, hunting and especially fishing. Jack so enjoyed these outings, until Rick could no longer participate due to severe multiple sclerosis.

He loved to work in his garden, where he had pots of various herbs, an abundance of roses, and several fruit trees. He made wine from the fruit of his plum tree which won a medal at the California State Fair. He was an excellent craftsman and created beautiful wood furniture which his family will treasure for generations. His woodworking skills were very much appreciated when he volunteered to help build the chapel at Camp Pendola.

He belonged to the Knights of Columbus, Dante Club, Sacramento Italian Cultural Society, and was a long time member of the Marsala Lodge, where he held various offices, including President.

Visitation will be at Harry A. Nauman and Son, 4041 Freeport Blvd. on Thursday, June 27 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m, with Rosary and Vigil at 6:00 p.m. Father Santiago Raudes will preside at the funeral Mass on Friday, June 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Robert Church, 2243 Irvin Way. Private interment at Saint Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.

Arrangements entrusted to Harry A. Nauman & Son Funeral Home. Please visit the website at www.harryanauman.com.

'Gone from our sight,

but never our memories...

Gone from our touch,

but never our hearts.'