John was born July 17, 1927, to Mauro and Angelina Papagni and died on Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at the age of 85. He grew up on the family ranch in Kerman, California. For 26 years he was the owner and operator of Papagni's Service Station on the corner of Clinton and West. In his later years he worked for Auto Parts Distributors until his reluctant retirement at the age of 80.
John met and married Lorita Noblet, in 1949. Together they raised three children. John's passions were his love of family, gardening and being an
avid Fresno State fan.
John is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Rita; his son, Doug and wife Kathy; his daughters, Patti Lalanne and husband Gary; Teresa Nunn and husband Jim; his sisters, Flora Souza, Julie Stevens; and brother Frank Papagni; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
