Jay Jay Bandanza

Jay passed away to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 89. He was the oldest of three sons born in Chicago to Nicholas and Josephine Bandanza. His younger brother, Salvatore, died in infancy. He is survived by the youngest brother, Mel, also from San Jose.

After high school he worked with his father as a machinist helper in the printing industry until entering the Army as a private in 1943.Jay served in the 38th Armored Infantry Battalion, 7th Armored Division during WW I I & was in the European Theatre of operations for 19 months. While there he was a PFC radio operator assigned to a colonel serving under General George Patton and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

He met his wife, Alice, on July 4, 1946 after returning from Europe. Jay & Alice were married in Chicago on Sept 11, 1948. They moved their family of five to San Jose in 1960, living first in the Cambrian area, then Willow Glen, & most recently in the Santa Teresa area. Jay and Alice were able to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary together at their home in 2013.

Jay worked as an appliance repairman after the war until his retirement in 1989 from University Electric in Santa Clara.

Jay bowled in many leagues and tournaments over the years, making numerous friends in the valley. He was a member of the Sons in Retirement & American Legion. He also loved fishing at the local reservoirs and knew all the good fishing spots. Jay & Alice were active members of Dwell Christian Church (formerly Willow Glen Baptist Church) for over 50 years.

He is survived by his widow, Alice, 3 children, son-in-law, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren & many extended family members in the state and around the country that will miss him.

A Memorial/Celebration of Life will be held on Sat. Feb 8th at 1:00 PM at the Dwell Christian Church in Willow Glen 1292 Minnesota Ave. (corner of Minnesota & Hicks) San Jose

Any donations made in Jay’s memory to Dwell Christian Church, will be deeply appreciated by the family.