John Joseph Peth

John Joseph Peth passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on January 6, 2014. John was 83 years old. John was the first child of George and Josephine Peth, and was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up just a few houses away from Wrigley Field, and enjoyed watching the Cubs and hunting for loose change after the games. Eager to strike out on his own and serve his country, John enlisted in the Army and served as a Sargent during the Korean War. Through an introduction by his best friend, John met Rosina Chelli, a beautiful young woman who had recently immigrated from Fossato, Italy. That fateful encounter led to 60 years of marriage and three children. In 1960 John and Rosina moved their family to San Jose in search of better job opportunities, warmer weather and a smaller city in which to raise their children. John loved exploring the great outdoors with Rosina at his side. He enjoyed dirt bike riding, camping in the Sierra’s, picnics at the beach, and driving on open highways. After retiring from a lengthy career with Hewlett Packard, John and Rosina enjoyed long scenic road trips and touring the National Parks. John also had a profound love of tools, and could frequently be found tinkering in the garage working on his cars or motorcycles, or in the backyard tending to the vegetable garden he took such pride in. All who knew John will fondly miss his unique quick wit and playful sense of humor. John’s legacy lives on through his three children: Harold (My-em), Jerry (JoAnne), and JoAnn Ernst (Don), along with seven grandchildren and a great granddaughter. He will be missed by his devoted sister-in-law Tina Gemignani, brother-in-law Neal Brabazon, sister Georgia Tynan, brother Tom (Darlene) Peth, and numerous nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Italy. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 11AM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara. Donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, Northern California 2290 North First Street, Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95131 (408)372-9900.