John passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 29th, at the age of 75, leaving behind to miss and mourn him his beloved wife of 54 years Barbara, loving daughter Christina and son-in-law Nick, and cherished grandchildren Connor and Cecilia. He is also survived by his loving cousins, sister and brother-in-laws, nephews, nieces and many, many friends from every aspect of his life.
John was the only child of Stella and Tony Barassi. He was born and raised in Albany, CA, a city that remained close to his heart, filled with many fond memories. He spent many a day driving to Albany just to reminisce about his childhood, visit friends that still lived there or enjoy lunch at one of his favorite restaurants with his buddies.
John attended Vista and Cornell Schools. However, in the Fourth Grade, he transferred to St. Jerome’s Catholic School in El Cerrito, graduating in 1963. He went on to proudly graduate from St. Mary’s High School in Berkeley, in 1967 and Merritt College in 1969. During these school years he made many lifelong friends.
Having known each other for many years, both living in Albany, John started to date his wife in 1968. They married in April of 1970 and enjoyed many years together before the birth of their beautiful daughter. Christina was their pride and joy and Daddy’s little girl. With much love, joy and happiness she completed his world. Christina met and married Nick and together gave him his beloved grandchildren. This completed John’s universe. Becoming a Nonno meant everything to John. He loved them to the moon and back; he felt totally blessed.
John enjoyed a 37 year career with Chevron. He began as a contractor until being hired on at Chevron Shipping where he was in procurement, outfitting the Chevron ships. He did some domestic travel with his work, going aboard the ships he equipped and meeting the crew and captains. Having worked in San Francisco and the Richmond Refinery, he retired from the Chevron offices in San Ramon 17 years ago, maintaining and enjoying the many friends he made through his career.
John was very proud of his Italian Heritage, taking pleasure in driving over to San Francisco’s North Beach, with family or friends, to enjoy a delicious meal at one of his favorite restaurants.
He was a proud member of three Italian social clubs in the East Bay; Fratellanza, Galileo and Colombo Clubs. His heart, though, was at the Fratellanza, where he held many offices, knew much of its history and had many friends that he treasured. He was so proud to serve as its President and was touched when he was awarded the Recipient of Merit at their annual anniversary celebration. It was an honor he cherished, as were all the friendships he made through the years. He loved the events at the club, especially the men’s monthly birthday dinners where there was so much fun and camaraderie.
John found the water peaceful and calming. He would often drive down by the waterfront just to sit and watch and listen for the train to go by. He so enjoyed the many cruises we took, making sure we had a balcony so he could sit and watch the waves.
John was a staunch Ford man and had developed a mini museum of cars, nostalgia and retro treasures of sorts in his garage after he retired. He loved his garage, spending many hours in it enjoying his “toys,” music and talking with neighbors.
John was a very kind-hearted, loving, gentle man who will be missed by those who knew him.
He always had a welcoming smile on his face and just enjoyed all the people in his life.
He was a wonderful, loving Husband, Father, Father-in-law, Nonno, Brother-in-law, Uncle, Cousin and Friend.
He was preceded in death by his mother Stella Barassi, father Tony Barassi, step-mother Olga Barassi, his in-laws Olga and Till Calegari, brother-in-law Richard Calegari, his grandparents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 308 Carmel Avenue in El Cerrito, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 11:00 am.
A reception, in John’s honor, will be held at the Fratellanza Club following the Mass.
1140 66th Street, Oakland
Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation, in John’s name, to St. Jude, Shriners, Heart Association, Alzheimer Association or a charity of your choice.
Author: gqlshare
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/obituaries/john-allen-barassi-brentwood-ca/