John A. Chartz, Jr.

March 23, 1949 - December 17, 2018

John Chartz passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on the evening of December 17th at his home in San Mateo. A life long resident of San Mateo, he was 69 years old. Born to John and Beatrice Chartz, John was the fourth of six siblings raised in San Mateo Park. He attended St. Matthew’s Catholic grammar school, graduated from San Mateo High School and Colorado State University and was married for 15 years to Lufi Faiva-Chartz, the love of his life.

Faith and family were the cornerstones of John’s life. They were the foundation of his work and play. His generosity to family, friends and anyone in need was abounding. He never arrived empty handed, and always left us richer just with his presence. His was a heart of gold. John was involved in a number of enterprises over the years and eventually became a small business owner providing trucking to construction sites. Most notable however, in all his endeavors, was his humor, adventurous spirit and welcoming personality. From his mother, John inherited his sense of humor and faith in God, from his father, his determination and a positive attitude that the glass was always half full.

John loved nature and was an avid gardener. In addition to a vibrant collection of unique plants, he filled his garden with bird feeders and nesting boxes, and cherished the birds that came to visit. He enjoyed being in the mountains where he became a skilled and graceful snow and water skier throughout his twenties and thirties. He also loved the coastal life in Half Moon Bay and it was here where he rode horses as a teenager.

For the last two decades John’s life was enriched by the welcoming warmth of his large, happy Tongan family who surrounded him with love, laughter, respect and affection. His home was his sanctuary and he took great pride in improving it and creating play space for the grandchildren. He loved laughter, music, dapper clothes, and a good cigar. He loved family gatherings – the more the better. He loved children and animals; “Papa John” was happiest with a toddler grandchild on his knee, and his dog, Frizz, at his feet. Above all, John lived with an abiding love and loyalty to family. These two facets were the essence of the man. Larger than life, he leaves behind a sad void in all of our hearts.

John is survived by his beloved wife Lufi Faiva-Chartz, daughters Daisy Po’oi (Jaime), Crystal Fakava, Ana Longolongomaka Olie (Viliami) and Bijan Lama (Pita) as well as grandchildren Vincent, ‘Ofa, and Dominic Po’oi; Alatasi and Pelenatita Lama; and Mecca Manatuki-Kalevalio Olie.

John is also survived by his siblings Jane, Louis, Peter and Sarah Chartz as well as loving nieces and nephews Matthew, Anna, Daniel, Alexander, Katherine, Christina, Jean Baptiste, William and Peter. He was pre-deceased by his beloved sister, Emma, with whom he shared a special bond.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 1pm on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at St. Mark Catholic Church, 325 Marine View Ave., Belmont, CA. A luncheon reception will follow.