John W. Hafner Jr.

July 22, 1924 - January 19, 2023

John Wright Hafner, Jr. (Jack, or “The King” to his family) entered the Pearly Gates, greeted by his beloved wife Helena and daughter Christine who preceded him. Jack left peacefully on January 19, 2023, at the age of 98, surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was born in San Francisco. He attended both Lowell and George Washington High Schools where he excelled as a talented multi-sport athlete. He went on to USF and then into the Navy where he was enrolled at Gonzaga University in their V12 training program. While at Gonzaga, he was on their first championship “Bulldogs” basketball team. Jack was the only man to ever have played on USF basketball and Gonzaga basketball varsity teams. His love of sports continued throughout his life and he even took up tennis, played well into his 80’s and was nationally ranked in the sport. He loved watching the Warriors and Forty Niners games with his grandchildren.

He returned to San Francisco where he met the love of his life, Helena Kockos. They went on to have six children. He joined Helena’s family’s business, Kockos Brothers, which would merge with Fleming Foods where Jack stayed on as President. Upon retirement from Fleming, he acquired a shopping center, which featured the local Clover Market, in Cloverdale, CA.

Jack’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the highlights of his life. He loved spending time with them and had many special breakfasts and road trips with them. Jack was the ultimate gentleman, known by all for his wonderful sense of humor and was passionate about his love for his family. He was a genuinely gracious and loving man, adored by all and welcomed all he met into his home. He often said “I have had a beautiful life and if I came back again, I would not change one thing”. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. The world will not be the same without him!

Jack is survived by his children, twins, John (Lori) and Andrea (Mark), Diane, Janet (Mehran) and Sharon, 11 grandchildren, 2 greatgrandchildren and son-in law John Germino. Private services were held.