John M. Plaza 88, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, May 18, 2012, in the home of his long time “special daughter” and friends Jarvis and Peggy Ivy in Santa Ynez, CA.
The son of Miguel and Isabel Plaza John was born in Hollister, CA on 6/16/23. John went to school and played baseball in Hollister until he was drafted into the army. During boot camp John was shot three times in live ammunition practice at Ft. Ord, then transferred all over the country with his unit, from hospital to hospital, until he was discharged as a disabled veteran.
John loved to dance to the Big Band Music and he met his lovely wife Gertrude Mary Plaza at a USO dance when he was stationed in New Jersey. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage and lived in Burbank, CA until her passing in 2003.
John returned to Hollister from 2004-2008 until it was necessary for him to be closer to his special daughter in Santa Ynez.
John was a Branch Accountant and later Branch Manger for International Harvester Company; now known as Navistar, for over 35 years before retiring at a young age of 56 so he and Gertrude could travel the world. They traveled to Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Iceland, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and Europe. They enjoyed cruises to the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska. They especially enjoyed the senior citizens gambling tours to Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Laughlin where they visited their good friend Mae McBroom.
John was a true gentleman, always opening doors for women, standing when a woman entered the room, treating them with the up-most respect. Everyone that met John loved him as his social graces were impeccable. He was friendly, kind, gracious and generous to everyone in his life. John touched many lives and will be truly missed.
John was the last surviving member of a family of nine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Isabel Plaza, brothers and sisters: Carl, Lawrence, and Henry Plaza. Mary Blasquez, Joaquina Amaral, Fidela Callahan, Ricky Kennedy and Alice Elliott.
John is survived by his brother-in-law Bill Elliott (Alice) nephews: Carl Plaza Jr. (Joyce)
Craig Kennedy (Melissa), Mike Elliott (Sharon).Nieces: Donna Bauer (Randy), Trisha Martin (Terry), Isabel Paruleski and special grandnephew: Don Perrien (Danette), along with many great-nephews and nieces.
Pallbearers will be: Carl Plaza Jr., Craig Kennedy, Mike Elliott, Don Perrien, Terry Martin and Jarvis Ivy. Honorary Pallbearer will be brother-in-law Bill Elliott
Visitation will be on Thursday, 5/24/12 from 3:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home. Mass will be on Friday 5/25/12, at 11:00 A.M. at Scared Heart Church followed by graveside services at Mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery.
Being a World War II disabled veteran John has requested donations to be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.@ www.woundedwarriorproject.org this web site lets you specify the veteran you are honoring with your donation.
To send condolences please visit www.grunnagle.com
