John Togliatti

John was born on February 20, 1934, to Rita Dellanini Togliatti and John James Togliatti in Gilroy, California. He grew up working in the family prune orchard and cucumber fields, which instilled in him a lifelong passion for growing things. He attended Rucker School and Gilroy High where he excelled in athletics - namely football, baseball and track. His nickname in football was “Swivelhips” and he went on to be one of the fastest 100-yard dash runners in all of Santa Clara County. He also served as FFA President.

After high school, he enlisted in the Army and served two years, where he continued to play baseball. He was also an original ‘loan shark’ and used to loan money out to fellow soldiers and collected interest from them. He never spent his own money, so always had it to spare. After the military he returned home, met Pauline Mary Felice at a wedding and married her in 1961. He had a burning desire to farm on his own property. Land values in Gilroy were high at the time, so he took a big chance and moved to Hughson to buy land, where he put down his roots as a peach farmer and farmed for 59 years. In 1982, the peaches came out and almonds were planted as well as a small plot of Granny Smith apples. He farmed almonds until 2015 when he leased the ranch to his daughter Melinda and son-in-law Tom. His proudest farming achievement was earning the award for the FHA Farm Family of the Year in 1975.

John enjoyed being a member of the SIRS where he participated on the bowling team and loved golfing. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Church and was a Knight of Colombus. John will be remembered as always being full of life and for his exuberance. He loved nothing better than being with his family and friends and sharing a meal. He took great pleasure in his life with Pauline, and he delighted in the beautiful meals she made for him – the homemade raviolis and gnocchi, her delicious pasta sauce and an occasional juicy steak. He took great pride in his lifelong work ethic, and nothing brought him more joy than sharing his bountiful fruit and nuts from his trees with family and friends. He couldn’t stand wasting one peach!

Besides leaving Pauline, he leaves his daughter Melinda and son-in-law Tom (Orvis), along with his two grandchildren Francesca and Dominic (Raven). John also had one great-grandson – Barrett Orvis. Also still with us are his brother and sister - Arnold and Debbie Togliatti (Deb).

Visitation and rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. on December 20th at Lakewood Cemetery.

A funeral mass will be held on December 21st at St. Anthony’s Church in Hughson at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow a reception at St. Anthony’s Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Knights of Colombus at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hughson or a charity of your choice.