Obituary — John Joseph Farizell,
March 14, 1951–September 30, 2023
CLAYTON, CA (Oct. 30, 2023) — Clayton resident John Farizell, 72, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Sept. 30. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, papa, G-pa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
John was born in Cleveland, Ohio and after a few years moved with his family to Martinez, Calif. He loved his years at the Russian River and Sonoma County. He lived in Oregon for a time before moving back to the Bay Area.
You could find John tinkering on a Morris Minor, a VW Bug or maintaining his boat. He always had a project in the works. He spent lots of time on the open road with his Harley making new friends everywhere he roamed. Whether on a Toy Run, a pilgrimage to Sturgis or the annual Turkey Run with the boys, John loved the wind on his face and the freedom of the moment.
He started his career at Chevron where he met many longtime friends. He went back to school at 50 and became an X-Ray Technician, from which he eventually retired. John treasured his night shift family at John Muir Medical Center.
Post retirement he loved camping with his family, friends or on his own. His happy place was on the water with a fishing pole in his hands. John also loved spending time with his grandchildren. They brought him so much peace and joy as he was truly a kid at heart.
John was a fan of the Cleveland Browns, the Indians, and the SF Giants. He was a great bowler and bocce ball shooter and could play a mean game of cribbage. He loved games, but more than anything he loved to cheer on his children and grandchildren in their various sports and activities.
John had a passion for life and vowed to live in the present. He will always be remembered for his kind heart and his goofy personality.
John is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Farizell; his sisters Margaret Garcia (Patrick); Kathy Farizell, Jannette Wilkinson, and his sister-in-law Vicki Farizell. He is also survived by his beloved children John Farizell (Noelle), Ashley Sealock (Scott), Jared Farizell (Kristen); and his cherished grandchildren Ella and Vince Farizell, Jackson and Avery Sealock, and Gaston and Lily Farizell. He was preceded in death by his father, John (Jack), his mother, Genevieve (Jean), his brother Vincent, brother-in-law Ken and numerous loved family and friends.
A memorial service and celebration of life was held Oct. 12 at St. Catherine’s of Siena in Martinez with a graveside service immediately following.