He was born in Shafter, CA on April 15, 1928 to Carmelo and Anna Maniaci. He had four brothers and three sisters.
His early years driving trucks was interrupted by joining the California National Guard and subsequently being drafted in the US Army in 1951. He served in the Korean War weathering the brutal winters until being honorably discharged in 1953.
He soon married his wife of 69 years, Elsie, and had five children. After returning to truck diving, he barbered a short time, then enjoyed a successful sales career in insurance, real estate, the mortuary business, and ultimately developing a solar pool heating manufacturing company.
John loved activities with his family, such as camping, working in his yard, and engaging a spirited conversation once in a while. He also enjoyed playing music on the accordion, harmonica, piano and guitar.
He is survived by his wife Elsie, daughters Sherry, Michille, Becky and Renee, son John, fifteen grandchildren, twenty nine great grandchildren, and one great great grand daughter.
