John Reza

March 27, 1919 - December 19, 2011

John Reza March 27, 1919-December 19, 2011 Our Great-Grandfather, Our Grandfather, Our Father and My Husband “Our Great-Grandfather, Our Grandfather, Our Father and My Husband was but a man, but an extraordinary man. He was a man who always had smiles to brighten your days, who always made you feel good with his caring heart, warm embrace, and welcoming words of praise. And what’s more he knew what to do to make most wishes come true. He was our Great-Grandfather, our Grandfather, our Father and my Husband. He was someone who would celebrate our successes, understand our problems, who taught us by example, the value of hard work, good judgment, courage and integrity, and the power to dream, but just as importantly he knew how to be a good listener as well. He was patient and kind and the very best friend you could ever hope to find. He was an extraordinary man. And we are proud to tell the world that John Reza was our Great-Grandfather, Our Grandfather, Our Father and My Husband” John Reza passed away peacefully at home in Sparks, Nevada, on December 19th, 2011 at the age of 92 years. He was the loving son of Jesus and Maria Reza of Vallejo for whom he provided lifelong, selfless devotion and care. John was married to the love of his life, Jean Chalmers Reza for 67 wonderful years, and is also survived by his only sister, Juliet Ramsey of Vallejo, California, and daughters Gayle Foltz (and Jack) of Sparks, Nevada, Karen Chick (and Jim) of Claremont, California, sons David (and Pati), of Dallas, Texas, Kenneth (and Deborah), of Danville, California, grandsons Todd Fannin (and Allison), of Sparks, Nevada, Scott Fannin of Roseville, California, great-granddaughter Keeley Fannin and great-grandson Jaxon Fannin of Sparks, Nevada. John was born in El Paso, Texas, and was raised in Crockett, California through his early years. Upon the untimely death of his father at age 11, John, while attending and excelling at local schools in both course work and athletics, worked at a variety of jobs to support his mother and sister. By age 18, he had saved enough money to build a home for his family in Vallejo. Leading up to World War II and after high school graduation with honors, John was eligible to attend the University of California at Berkeley, however, decided to pursue a career with the Federal Government within their Machinist Apprenticeship Program, whereas he finished the 4-year program in approximately 2 years. During this period, John met his future wife Jean Chalmers, of Vallejo, and subsequently, plans were made to be married and raise a family. With the outbreak of the War, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and was selected as a Submarine Technical Machinist Mate aboard the U.S.S Nereus serving within the Far East Pacific Theater. With the War’s end, John re-established himself in Vallejo at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, where he quickly moved through the civilian machinist ranks into management ultimately being promoted to Group Master Machinist. John received numerous commendations and awards for his service during his career involving the construction, upgrading and launching of several notable Attack and Polaris submarines produced at Mare Island, including the U.S.S Marino G. Vallejo and U.S.S Theodore Roosevelt, notwithstanding being Honorary Keel Layer for the Sturgeon Class Fast-Attack Submarine, U.S.S. Hawkbill. John retired with 34 years of service to this nation at the age of 53. However, foremost in John’s life were his passions for his family, where he brought great warmth, unrequited love, and unyielding companionship for his wife Jean over the three score and 7 years they spent together. He evidenced his love and commitment to his children by championing their interests at all times, and forever approaching their life vicissitudes with positive reinforcement and compassion. John was also a true believer in the American Dream, where hard work, perseverance, and fortitude would enable a young man to improve his lot in life and provide for his family. Through these gifts, he was also able to build homes with his own two hands for his family commencing in Vallejo, continuing to the Silverado Trail Area of Napa, and ultimately to the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. All this while working full time and raising four small children. The memories for his family have proven steadfast and invaluable. Beyond his family, and upon his retirement, whereas, his children were grown, he elected to focus on the pursuit of worthy charitable causes and utilized his membership in the 850,000 member national fraternal association of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, (BPOE), to provide the platform for his efforts. Through his 50 plus years of membership, John steadily progressed through the appointed Chairs and committees, ultimately reaching the position of Northwest District Deputy Exalted Ruler in 198_. During his tenure, he created, spearheaded or managed national and localized endeavors covering a multitude of fundraising needs for such programs such as, Elks National Foundation, Elks Scholarship, Youth Basketball Hoop Shoot, Youth Drug Awareness, Youth Activities including Americanism Essay Contests, Junior Golf Program, Youth Recognition of Young Men and Women within the Community, as well as, Veterans Remembrance and Memorial Services. John also created many other local fundraising and social events which have been continued to this day, some of which commenced 25-30 years ago. One special fundraising program he created was for the Loma Vista Elementary School, at the time, the only elementary school in Vallejo that provided preliminary animal husbandry education for special needs children. Additional programs included, to name a few, the weekend Mystery Bus Trips within greater Northern California accommodating up to 450 members and spouses, and Gaming and Golf Trips to Lake Tahoe and Reno via Bus and Amtrak Train services. His prolific fundraising for his Lodge and his community has been unsurpassed by any local member to this date. John Reza was truly an extraordinary man. The Reza Family would like to invite friends and family to join in a celebration of John’s life. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 12th, between 11 am and 2 pm, as well as, a Memorial Service at 2 pm, at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee Street, Vallejo. In lieu of flowers, it is John’s wish that you make a donation to the Elks National Foundation, located at 2750 Lake View Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60614, or the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, which provides in-home therapy at no charge to children in outlying and rural areas in the U.S. The address is CHEA Major Project, Inc., 5450 East Lamona Avenue, Fresno, Ca 93727-2224. Additionally, anyone can leave a special note or a remembrance of John at www.johnreza.dinstudio.com