March 9, 1946 - March 30, 2023
John Matthew Spatola, 77, of Sacramento died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 30, 2023. John was born in Stockton on March 9, 1946, where he spent the first 50 years of his life. He was a proud Army Veteran who served during the Viet Nam War. He had a long and successful Real Estate career, beginning in residential sales and eventually transitioning to Commercial sales after obtaining his Broker’s License. In 1994 John and his wife, Sonja, relocated to Sacramento.
John had an artist’s heart, leading him to study art at Delta College. He pursued a wide variety of interests, making it second nature for him to find common ground with others and giving him the ability to converse knowledgably on a wide range of topics. He was an avid photographer with his work published in national publications, talented calligrapher, award winning marksman, Wild West aficionado, enthusiastic boxing fan, member of Toastmasters, and longtime member of the Diablo Caravaners RV Club. He, Sonja, their two kids and the family’s black labrador retriever embarked on a cross country RV adventure in the summer of 1980, long before it became fashionable to do so. The many memorable stories from that three month trip provided a lifetime of sentimental memories and laughs for the entire family, many of which were recounted to great delight at every holiday gathering. John was proud of his Italian heritage and loved nothing more than a good salami and fontina sandwich from Genova Bakery, where five generations of family have graced the doorstep through the years.
He was larger than life with the biggest, softest heart. There was always room for one more at any celebration. Though John never sought out pet ownership personally – and despite some initial grumbling - he never turned down the numerous strays brought home by his children through the years. Unsurprisingly, he usually ended up being the one who most spoiled the newfound family pets. Favorite among them were his “magnificent champion” cat, Bismarck Alexander, and the long haired chihuahua he never wanted but utterly adored, Timmie. The feeling was mutual.
John’s immense love and pride for his family shone brightly in his eyes. He was the beloved husband and one true love of his wife, Sonja Spatola, his Blondie as he affectionately called her, of Sacramento, the wise and loving father of Craig Spatola of Sacramento and Claudia Spatola (Michael Nassr) of Carmichael, and step-granddaughters Alex Nassr of Sacramento and Juliana Nassr of Brooklyn, NY, the proud and doting grandfather of his twin granddaughters, Clover Lang and Lillie Lang, of Carmichael, the older brother of Barbara Spatola-Valenzuela of Lodi and James Spatola (Susie) of Stockton, and a longtime steady presence for his sisters in law Lana Roberts (Wayne Dinwiddie) of Sacramento, Gloria Fitzpatrick (Jim) of Lake Tahoe, Lisa White (Ken) of San Ramon.
He was preceded in death by his son, Craig, last year. Also predeceased by his father, Charles Spatola Sr., his mother, Antonette Spatola, and his brother, Charles Spatola Jr., all of Stockton. He will be warmly and lovingly remembered by his many extended family members, longtime neighbors, and lifelong friends.
Though a long term illness eventually stole his mobility and affected his ability to speak, his razor sharp wit and true gift of seeing the humor in all things remained intact, and he remained strong in mind and spirit to the end. His resilience and sheer grit in the face of adversity were unparalleled. His ultimate wish was to remain at home throughout the duration of his illness, and through the hard work, dedication, love, and support of his wife, Sonja, that wish was granted. For that we are eternally grateful. May he rest in peace forevermore.
In John’s honor, a celebration of life will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in the Chapel of Flowers at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi, to be immediately followed by interment. All family and friends are welcome to attend. Lunch will be provided at Heritage Dining and Provisions (Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club). The family requests the favor of an RSVP for planning purposes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Baby Baer’s kidney transplant donation fund at https://gofund.me/f546d71c or to your favorite charity in John’s name.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Spatola family.