John Joseph Arias Sr.

John Joseph Arias Sr. was born on April 27th, 1941 in Stockton, Ca. He passed away unexpectedly on September 19, 2023 at Dameron hospital, he was 82 y/o. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Judy Arias and 2 children, Toni Harbin and Shawn (Kelly) Harbin. As well as his brother, Hank Arias and nephew Dino (Heather) Arias, sister Florence Romo and daughter in law Cheryl Arias, granddaughters Amy (Matthew) Feaver and Kristine Harbin, and three great grandchildren Madilyn, Joey and Benjamin Feaver, with another on the way and numerous cousins. He will be missed beyond comprehension and never forgotten. John is preceded in death by his mother Rose Garduno, his son John Joseph Arias, Jr. and grand-son Joseph Andrew Arias and sister-in-law Frances Arias.

How do we sum up my father? “Dude” as he was fondly referred to dedicated his entire life to work. He was an integral part of Antonini Trucking for the last 32 years as a fleet manager and drove trucks since the age of 16. He ate, slept and breathed work. Dude was a man of character and had a reputation as a “straight shooter” whose handshake was a deal sealer. People always knew exactly where they stood with Dude. He either liked you or he didn’t. For those whom he did like there was nothing he wouldn’t do. He spoke his mind regardless of the consequences.

Dude was the grandson of Italian immigrants and told countless stories of growing up on the “ranch” and fiery spirit of his “Nonno.” He often times had to interpret for his Nonno who spoke no English. He was fluent in English, Italian and Spanish. A proud member of the Italian Gardeners Club of which he became a member in the latter part of his life. He had limitless knowledge of agriculture in Stockton before it became the developed city it is today. Because of that knowledge he was interviewed and included in the San Joaquin County Historical Museum at Mickie’s Grove.

In his spare time, he loved to cook (especially on the holidays) for family and friends. He loved old cowboy movies, reading, gardening and telling stories, antique trucks and never left the house in a wrinkled shirt. A man of few words but he possessed a colorful vocabulary when he did speak. He was a man’s man and rarely asked anyone for help. He was, in many of our eyes, a “hero.” Strong willed and stubborn he did it his way until the very end. We love you Dude, always and forever.

DeYoung Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Arias family. A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 4th, 3-7pm at DeYoung Memorial Chapel – 601 N. California Street. A Mass will be held Thursday, October 5th, 10am at St. Luke’s Catholic Church – 3847 N. Sutter Street. Committal will follow the Mass at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Stockton Gun and Bocce Club – 4343 N. Ashley Lane.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Jude's Hospital, American Heart Association, or the Delta Humane Society & SPCA of San Joaquin County.