Tributes

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and Papa, John Reyna Rosales. John was surrounded by his family when he passed away on November 26, 2023 at his home in Selma, California. John was born September 25, 1949 in Fresno, California, to Jennie and step-father Mike Ortiz. John was raised in Selma, attending Washington Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, and Selma High Schools. Selma High School is where he met his future wife, Deborah, in 1967. John and Deborah dated for five years and were married in 1972. The newlyweds enjoyed vacationing before they began their family in 1976. First Victoria was born, followed by Veronica, then John-Fidel. John knew how to keep himself busy. He was employed by PG&E for 43 years, first as a Lineman, then as a Foreman. John was a hard-working man. He enjoyed his job and loved his co-workers, many of whom became family throughout the years. John gave back to the community of Selma by volunteering as a coach and teaching the values of good sportsmanship and teamwork to Selma’s youth. John volunteered for the City of Selma’s Softball League in 1984 and continued to coach softball every year, for the city and traveling teams, until 1995. In the summer of 1995, John began to coach football for the Selma Bandits, then for the Selma Grizzlies until 2011. John still kept himself busy after his retirement from PG&E. If he was not home working on his yard or in his garage, you could find him at Home Depot, sporting events, visiting family, or hanging out with his Taco Bell crew. John loved getting together with his friends, some whom he has known since elementary school. John also loved to watch football with his family, cheering on the USC Trojans and lighting his religious candles for the Las Vegas Raiders. Football season will not be the same without him, and his smile and sense of humor will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. John is preceded in death by his father, Cecilio Rosales, mother and step-father Jennie and Mike Ortiz, sisters Ramona Morales, Yolanda Chavez, and Rosalie Martinez; and brothers Albert Rosales and Mike Ortiz. John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Deborah Rosales, daughter Victoria Rosales and grandchildren Jesse Ray and Jesslyn Barreno; daughter Veronica Rosales, son-in-law Angel Maldonado, and grandchildren Cecila Rosales and Regina and Angelica Maldonado; and son John-Fidel Rosales and partner Sal Reyes. John is also survived by his siblings Cecelia Andino, Daniel Rosales, Ruthie Zamora, Felix Ortiz, Lupita Bustillos, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews who he loved dearly. A service will be held on Wednesday December 13, 2023, at 10:00am, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church located at 2441 Dockery Avenue, Selma, CA 93662. Family and Friends are welcomed to honor John’s memory at a Celebration of Life at The Selma Portuguese Hall located at 1245 Nebraska Avenue, Selma, CA 93662 after the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in John’s name to Avila's Cancer Fund at avilascancerfund.com.

Tributes

John Reyna Rosales

September 25, 1949 - November 26, 2023