John Anthony Mancini March 7, 2024

Modesto, California - John Anthony Mancini passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2024 at the age of 86. John was born in Waterbury, Connecticut in August of 1937 to Michael and Margaret Mancini. The family relocated to Modesto, CA. in 1944. John had fond memories of traveling on a troop train, those were the only trains running during the 2nd World War, from Connecticut to California. John often spoke how he had to sit on a solders duffel bag or had to sit between two solders on the train.

John graduated from Downey High School in 1955. Upon graduation John joined the Navy Reserves and after boot camp he moved back to Modesto. For the next several years he attended Modesto Jr College while attending naval reserve meetings one weekend a month as well as two weeks of reserve drill training during the summer. In November of 1958 the Navy called John to active duty for two years. Upon completion of active-duty John was transferred back to the active naval reserve where he served another 6 years and obtained the rank of 2nd class Petty Officer.

John worked as an accountant for two years prior to purchasing Rapid Shoe Repair from his uncle and aunt in 1963. For the next 35 years John repaired shoes for many Modesto families including some of Modesto’s most notable families. At the time of purchasing Rapid Shoe Repair in 1963 Modesto had a population around 30,000 and over a dozen shoe repair businesses. By the time John closed Rapid Shoe Repair in 1998 Modesto’s population was around 250,000 and had only 5 shoe repair businesses left. After closing Rapid Shoe Repair John worked for Storer Transportation for many years starting as a driver on small school buses providing transportation for developmentally disabled adults and then ending his tenure as a parts driver to Storer’s vast network of bus yards throughout Northern California. John was recognized several times as “Driver of the year”.

John loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always made sure when his grandchildren spent the night, they never went to bed without a tummy full of vanilla ice cream with chocolate shell sauce. John and his wife Julia also enjoyed traveling with friends, Alaska being one of those trips, as well as annual trips to Fort Bragg and Monterey. John was also very active in senior soft ball and basketball leagues; both of which he participated in for several decades.

John leaves behind his wife, Julia Mancini, a son, John Mancini Jr., three stepchildren, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his daughter, Christi McCarthy, and one of his grandsons, Justin McCarthy. A celebration of life will be held by the family later this spring.