John Lewis

John Stewart Lewis quietly and peacefully passed away on Wednesday May 7, 2014. He touched many with his fun loving spirit, kindness, and his almost childlike sense of wonder about the world. John was born in Long Beach California, but really grew up and was a long time resident of Santa Clara Valley. He got to see the evolution of the Bay Area from a farming community, the Valley of Heart’s Delight, to a the high tech hub, Silicon Valley. He graduated from Lincoln High School while working summers in the many orchards and canneries in the Bay Area. John went to college at UC Berkeley and graduated with a degree in Political Science. Inducted into the Army during World War II he served for a year and a half towards the end of the conflict. Upon discharge, he sought his Law Degree from Stanford using the GI Bill and got his JD from San Francisco Law School. He joined the California Bar on July 22, 1954. He started his practice and became a partner at Rea, Frasse, Anastasi, Clark and Lewis and practiced there through the 1960’s and 1970’s. On October 17, 1964 he married the love of his life Trinidad (Trina) Baltierra whom he first met working in the canneries years earlier. In 1965 they welcomed their only child, Gayle. Later John started his own Law Practice and continued to practice Family Law and Probate Law for many years dedicated to helping many of the less fortunate seek legal advice. Having a strong religious faith, he was an active member of both Trinity Episcopal Church in San Jose and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Santa Clara. A long time fixture of downtown San Jose, John touched many whom he met until he finally retired in 2005. John is survived by Trina his wife, his daughter Gayle, son-in-law Michael Rally and grandson Nathan. Friends and family are invited to a Visitation on Sunday, May 18, 2014 from 5-9PM with Vigil Service beginning at 6PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 19, 2014 at 11AM at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1957 Pruneridge Ave., Santa Clara. Interment to follow in Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.