John D. Guastavino
Feb. 4, 1916 – Jan. 31, 2015

LAKEPORT, Calif. – John Dominic Guastavino, 98, a World War II veteran who was a co-founder and popular member of Lake County's Sons of Italy, passed away Jan. 31, 2015, at Sutter Lakeside Hospital after a short illness, four days short of his 99th birthday.

Born in Colma, Calif., Guastavino moved to Lakeport in 1977, enjoying a long retirement as an active local citizen. 

Having grown up working on his family's vegetable and nursery businesses in the Colma area south of San Francisco, he was known for his gardening expertise that produced abundant vegetables and fruits in his backyard. 

He frequently fished on Clear Lake and other Northern California fishing spots.

A highly social man, he also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, dancing, listening to music, making wine, cooking, playing cards and bowling.

Guastavino took a break from his family's nursery business in August 1941 to join the U.S. Army prior to the start of World War II and developed a lifetime love for cooking as a mess hall sergeant while serving in England during the war. He also saw duty during the war as a physical therapist, helping wounded soldiers recover.

After the family business was sold, he worked as a school custodian in Milbrae for 15 years until retiring and moving to Lakeport.

In addition to the Sons of Italy Chapter 2537 of which he formerly served as president, Guastavino was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7611 of Lakeport, St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Lakeport, VFW Post 2015 of Lakeport, and the California Retired Public Employees Association.

He is survived by his son, Bob Guastavino of Sunnyvale; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He also leaves 10 stepchildren, Donald Hansen of Anaheim, Anne Marie Gabri of West Sacramento, Cathy Chand of Sacramento, David Hansen of Groveland, Lori Hansen of Sonoma, Jeanette Anderson of Colorado Springs, Vincent Hansen of Haines, Alaska, Barbara Edwards of Nice, Thomas Hansen of Upper Lake and Patrick Hansen of Juneau, Alaska, along with many step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ambrogio and Josephine (Bruzzoni) Guastavino; first wife, Rose (Craviotto); and second wife, Mary Anne Guastavino (Hansen-Nunes).

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by the Rosary, on Friday, Feb. 6, at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, followed by interment at Upper Lake Cemetery.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .