John Gatturna

Graveside Services with military honors for John Gatturna will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Restlawn Memorial Park with Jim Dial playing the bagpipes. There will be no formal visitation.

John grew up in New York City, NY. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the Navy. He was a Navy Seal and was presented a Korean War Medal awarded on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. He met his previous wife Pat and had four children. He supported his family by working at the General Telephone Company for over 20 years. Once he decided to start his own business he obtained a Certified Universal Technician and a State of California Contractors License. He opened his own construction company. He did electrical and air conditioning work. He then ventured in to a demolition company.

Through the years his hobbies included scuba diving and he was a licensed open water diver instructor. He successfully completed the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boating skills and Seamanship course. He was a pilot and received a radiotelephone operator license. He was a vivid reader of medical books. He was very knowledgeable in all medical areas. He mastered the art of Hypnosis. He was interested in any history. He was skillful at playing craps and spent years working out his formulas to beat the odds. He raised German Shepherds and entered them in dog shows, where they received several awards. He practiced yoga and working out with weights. He knew a little of several languages and enjoyed surprising people when he could speak their language. He was also avid photographer.

In 1996 he retired and moved to Texas to be with Naomi. He enjoyed living out in the country and the local wild animals. Not many Texans take pleasure in feeding turtles and raccoon's. He had an amazing connection with all animals. Not wanting to share his secret ingredients, he was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking for his spouse, Naomi and guest. He enjoyed traveling to various places. His favorite place was the Giant Forest and any beach setting.

His loved ones want to express how much we love John for all the ways he made our lives wonderful. In small, everyday gestures of kindness, he told us in his own way that we were important to him. We found comfort, respect and gratitude that made such a difference in our lives. Our hearts are filled with every memory made. For every time he made a difference in our lives, for every time he listened or cheered us up, or shared our good mood, helped us through a crisis, or taught us something important about ourselves and the world, it showed us how very much we meant to him…that's how special a man he was-that's how important he is in our life.

We will remember the laughter, the affection and the joy, and not just the recent tears. We will cherish the memories and hold on to the love we shared and be happy with the time we spent together. He will always be in our hearts and with us always.

He is survived by his spouse Naomi Barber of Cumby, one son John Gatturna and wife Ethel of Ontario, California, three daughters, Louie Manolescu, Toni Defazio and husband Darrell and Frankie Gatturna of Chino Hills, California. John was blessed with 9 grand children and 7 great-grand children. His sister Mary Lou Koziol and husband Ed of Wappingers Falls, NY. He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Vicovasi Gatturna and his father Albert Gatturna of New York City.