HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – God knew he was tired and called him home to rest.

John Borzoni, age 79, peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family in Hidden Valley Lake.

Beloved son of the late Luigi Pasquale and Maria Angela Borzoni. Dear brother of the late Anna Maria Cipollina.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lourdes Borzoni, and his proud children, John (Melissa) Borzoni, Stephanie (Peter) Topper, Elaine (Rick) Podesta, Christopher (Jennifer) and Michelle Borzoni.

A loving Nonno to Tiffany, Stewart, Katie, Monique, Bianca, Nicolas, Giovanni, Mia, Vincenzo and Stella. His sister Anita Belluomini, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends here and in Italy also survive him.

John was born in Parma, Italy on April 4,1939. With his Father, Mother, and two sisters, la famiglia Borzoni sailed to the United States on the Andrea Doria in 1954 to begin their journey in San Francisco.

John was 15 years old when he came to this country. Not knowing a word of English, John wasn’t afraid to do what he knew best and that was work.

John grew up in North Beach, frequenting a lot of neighborhood places. He graduated from Galileo High School in 1959 where he met his love, Lourdes. In 1962, they were married at Saints Peter and Paul’s Church.

John became an original shareholder of Sunset Scavengers where “ha lavorato molto sodo,” he worked very hard for 35 years; also working with his Mom and Dad at their North Beach establishment: The Original U S Restaurant est.1962.

He looked forward to his out-of-state hunting trips to Colorado, Wyoming and Idaho with his paisani. He loved duck hunting at his duck club in Willows, with his sons and grandchildren: John, Chris, Tiffany, Stewart, Giovanni, Nicolas, Vincenzo and faithful hunting partner, Patty.

John enjoyed his retired life in the ranchos in Hidden Valley, his “piccola caffèrasca.” He loved to smoke his cigars, raise his pet goats and sheep, work in the garden growing his tomatoes, his table grapes, his fruit trees, and his infamous chestnut trees. Come un vero e bravo parmigiano!

He loved watching his favorite cowboy series: Cheyanne, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, all western movies, Jeopardy, Wheel of fortune, Giants Baseball, Niners and his favorite team the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was the strongest man, we knew with a heart of gold. He was proud of his Italian heritage and was proud to be an American.

We will forever be grateful for all that he did for our family and his name and legacy will live on forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lymphoma Cancer Society, American Diabetes Foundation or to a charity of your choice.

Services will be held privately

Care and arrangements entrusted to Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel #FD800.

Please leave your messages of thoughtfulness at www.jonesandlewismemorialchapel.com.