B. John Talia

Our beloved Dad and Papa passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Monday April 6, 2015. He is now in eternal rest with his family and friends in Heaven. Our Dad was born in Campbell, CA on February 3, 1930 to the late Katherine and Blase Talia. He was preceded in death by his sisters; Lee, Ann, Betty and Kathy. Our Dad married the love of his life, Anna Ferrara on April 26, 1953. They were married for a few weeks shy of 62 years. In addition to his wife, our Dad is survived by his children; Mitchell (Roben), Mark (Anita), Michael (Veronica), John (Jennifer), Mary (Phil) and Jo Ann (John). He was blessed with and found endless joy and happiness in his fourteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Our Dad was extremely proud of his Croatian heritage. He loved to speak and read in the native language of his parents. Our Dad loved everything Croatian, the customs, the food, the music and the beauty of his parent’s homeland. While our Dad cherished his Croatian roots, there was no denying his love and devotion to the country of his birth, America. He often told his family that we lived in the greatest country on Earth and should always be grateful. Our Dad was a veteran, he served in the United States Army from 1951 – 1953. Our Dad was very passionate about many things in life, including his love for the San Francisco 49ers, who he followed fanatically since their inception in 1946. He was also a devoted fan of the San Francisco Giants from their move west in 1958. He loved sports, coaching his children’s baseball and softball teams. He took tremendous delight in attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, their school activities and their entertainment shows. Our Dad was a very social person. He belonged to many organizations. He was an officer in the Slavonian American Benevolent Society of San Jose. He was the President of the Napredak Club of San Jose and the past President of the Italian Catholic Federation #5. He was also a member of the YMI #81, the Spanish Club, the Elks, the Native Sons of the Golden West #22, the Croatian Fraternal Union and the American Legion. Our Dad was so well respected and loved by family, friends and anybody that he touched during his lifetime. He exemplified all that is good, honest, hard-working and honorable in life. Our Dad was an usher and active parishioner at St. Justin Parish in Santa Clara for over 60 years. Our family would like to thank everyone who shared their lives with our Dad. The world has truly lost a wonderful and beautiful human being. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015 from 5-9PM with Rosary at 7PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 11AM at St. Justin Parish, 2655 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. Donations may be made to Wellspring Women’s Center, 3414 4th Ave., PO Box 5728, Sacramento, Ca 95817 and St. Justin Community Center, 2655 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara, CA 95051.