Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2014, from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M., at Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy. Services will be held on Monday, September 15, 2014, at 10:00 A.M,. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Gilroy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jack’s name to St. Joseph’s Family Center in Gilroy. Condolences can be sent through www.HabingFamilyFuneralHome.com
Jack Sturla lived a long and full life on his family farm on Holsclaw Road. Independent, active, and engaged until the very end, Jack made friends wherever he went, and was always ready for a get-together.
He was born in 1919 to Angelo Sturla and Anna Schmitt Sturla in Old Gilroy. Except for time away at college, work at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island, and service during World War II, Jack spent his entire life living in Gilroy.
He was much in demand for his knowledge of local history. Jack attended San Ysidro School, Gilroy High (class of 1936), Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Berkeley, and San Jose State.
Jack was a First Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during World War II, piloting A-20’s over New Guinea.
In 1948, he married Dorothy Nagle of Gilroy. They were married for 63 years, until her death in 2011.
They had three children: David (Mary), Juliann, and Holly (Don).
In retirement, Jack and Dorothy travelled throughout the United States, but Jack always remained a proud 4th-generation Californian, with a passion for the outdoors and natural history.
He was a prune farmer for many years, the farm manager for Pieters-Wheeler Seeds, and the manager of the Gavilan Water District. He never lost his love for growing fruits and vegetables, and was well-known for his homegrown tomatoes. An avid hunter and conservationist, he was on the Board of Directors of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, the Grasslands Water District in Los Banos, and the Gavilan Water District. He was a 50-year member of the Underwood Duck Club, and also belonged to the Pine Ridge Association, the Elks Lodge, and the American Legion.
Jack is survived by his children, and grandchildren Victoria Sturla, Jarred Sturla, Arlen Masulis, Derrick Masulis, Janna Masulis, Caroline Pasyanos, and Mark Masulis.
