John Charles Sagin Jr.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of John Charles Sagin on February 23, 2018. John was born on October 31, 1948 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He attended elementary school and high school in Pennsylvania later attending Erie Community College in Buffalo, New York.

One evening in late August John and a friend went to a dance in a converted bowling alley where a cute little brown haired blue-eyed girl named Gayle Storm stole his heart. Gayle’s birthday was the next day so he took her out to dinner and then home to meet his parents. The fun-loving couple were married on July 11, 1970 in Lancaster, New York. A beautiful union that lasted almost 48 years and produced an amazing son, Douglas in 1980.

John had a real love for building style and design. He taught drafting at the New England Institute of Architecture in West Palm Beach, Florida. But California was calling so they packed up and moved to Merced in 1992 where John worked with his sister. In 1994 with a little push from Gayle John took and passed the test for his architect license. In 1994 John started his career with Merced City. Retiring 15 years later as Senior Architect. John loved his years working for Merced City. John was proud to be such a large part of several important projects in Merced. A few of which were the upgrades at McNamara Park in October of 2013. The “G” Street underpass which opened in 2011. The restoration of the beautiful old Merced Theatre and a new fire station for Merced City.

John loved golf, vintage cars, music, travel and bowling. John and Gayle were members of the Bellevue Seniors Bowling League in Atwater. John also enjoyed his Saturdays at the Merced Flea Market where he sold miscellaneous tin signs.

Most of all John loved spending time with Gayle and Doug. John designed many beautiful buildings but the most beautiful design he created was his unique little family. It was built on unconditional love and held together with deep devotion. Gayle and Doug were blessed to have John and will hold him in their hearts forever.

John is survived by his loving wife Gayle and their beloved son Doug. He is also survived by his brother Richard Rager of Florida.

There will be a Celebration of John’s life on Monday, March 5th at 3:00 p.m. It will be held in the Sam Pipes Room at Merced City Hall located at 678 West 18th Street, Merced, California 95340.