John Connett came to California with his parents, 3 brothers and a sister in 1920 and lived on Mission Street, building their home with their own hands while living in a tent on the property.
John, or Johnny Connett as he was known growing up in San Jose, was a paper boy for the San Jose News. He carried his papers all over the city of San Jose from the time he could ride a bike until he entered the Marine Corps in 1936. He fought in World War II in the Philippines and Okinawa. He honorably served in the United States Marine Corps for 30 years.
He married Claire Luella Fisher on April 5, 1941. From this union, three girls and a boy were born. They joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1950 and have remained faithful members for over 58 years. Johnny’s family was sealed to him for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in 1952.
In 1956, John retired from the Marine Corps, for the first time, and entered the Fleet Reserves. He attended school where he learned to fix typewriters and began working for Lockheed Corporation. During that time, he was called back into active duty and retired from the Marine Corps for the last time having served his country for 30 years.
He then settled in Sunnyvale, CA in 1958 and lived there until 2007 when he and his wife Claire moved into assisted living in Gilroy, CA.
John was born Dec 18, 1916 in Lola, KS. He died April 3, 2009 at the age of 92. He loved his family, he loved his God, and he served both. We will remember him forever; because of him, unborn generations will be blessed with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
John is survived by his wife of 68 years Claire Leulla Fisher Connett, three daughters Pat Cowdery, Eileen Bremner and Bonnie Goff, 13 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by a son Bryan John Connett and a grandson Daniel Charles Connett, his parents, brothers and sister. Funeral services Saturday, April 11, 2009 – 10:30 A.M. at the Gilroy LDS Church, 7999 Miller Ave. Graveside services will be held Monday, April 13, 2009 – 11:00 A.M. at Oak Hill Memorial Park, San Jose, CA.
