John G. Ciaccio

John Ciaccio, loving husband, brother, uncle and great uncle, quintessential salesman and avid golfer returned to his heavenly family February 8, 2021. He passed peacefully at home in Milpitas, CA with his loving wife, Paulette by his side. Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois on May 10, 1945, to Nicholas and Anna (née Girnis) Ciaccio, John was a gentle and caring soul, going out of his way for anyone in need. After graduation from Bloom High School, he went to work at the Allis Chalmers engine division in Harvey, Illinois. In 1965, he entered the Army and proudly served the United States in Viet Nam. Defending our dream while attached to the 123rd Transportation Company in Cam Ranh Bay. Upon his return to civilian life he decided to advance his education under the GI bill and graduated Prairie State College in 1970 and Eastern Illinois University in 1972. While at Prairie State he met and in 1972 married his lifelong partner, Paulette (née Hrovat). After graduating EIU, John spent his first few post college years selling for Western & Southern Life Insurance. This provided John, always a people person, a platform to polish his skills for the ‘gift of gab’. In 1976, he reconnected with Allis Chalmers, which relocated him to California as a district manager covering a six state area. His entire career was spent with various companies in industrial sales and service throughout Northern California and surrounding states. John’s love of people extended into his daily life, especially his passion for golf. He took interest in the young folks living in his townhome complex. He started a group hitting whiffle balls, hoping to instill in them his “love of the game”. John was an avid golfer, history and Trivia buff, and worldwide traveler. He was happiest playing with the SIRS on Wednesday’s Golf and Monday’s Bocce Ball competition. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife of 48+ years, Paulette, along with his brothers Michael (Judith), James (Rosemary), sister AnneMarie (Robert) Gavenda, niece Margaret Ciaccio, nephew Mark (Jeanne) Gavenda, nephew Carl (Alita) Ciaccio, great niece Madison Jordan Ciaccio and great nephew Nicholas Ciaccio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Anna Ciaccio and brother, Robert Ciaccio. John lived a full and rewarding life but the most important lesson he instilled in his family and friends was to live life with dedication and love for your family, faith and community. He was a great friend who was loved by many. He respected all, and impacted everyone he met. John will be remembered for his gregarious personality, friendly demeanor, and unique smile. He will be truly missed. There will be a Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 750 Sequoia Drive, Milpitas, CA on Thursday, July 29th at 11AM. Another Memorial Service will be held at St. Agnes, 1501 Chicago Road, Chicago Heights, IL on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in John’s memory to Pancreatic Cancer research and early detection, American Diabetes, Golf’s First Tee or your favorite charity.

John G. Ciaccio

May 10, 1945 - February 8, 2021