Juan "Johnny" Goleta's Obituary
Juan “Johnny” Goleta5/15/27- 7/20/17 Grandpa was born in Nabua, Camarines Sur, P.I., and grew up on a farm there. In 1944 at age 17, grandpa joined the US Navy and worked as a Steward and Gunner’s Mate, working his way up to Lead Steward and Ship’s Cook. After retiring in 1970, he worked as a Meat Cutter at the 32nd Street Navy Commissary until finally retiring for good in 1989. While in the Navy, grandpa served on seven ships, including the USS Iowa during the Korean War. He was also assigned to four different base stations, the second of which was NAS Barber’s Point in Kapolei, HI, where he says he spotted grandma (Anita Elizabeth Ganare), from the top of a coconut tree and instantly fell in love. They married on August 4, 1950, raised five children, and had a very active and happy 59 years together until she passed away on October 15, 2009. Together they had loved to dance, travel, garden, entertain a vast number of friends and family, and just spread aloha wherever they happened to be. Grandpa was a real character, and had a great sense of humor…he would send us grandkids scrambling around the commissary looking for items such as “KOHL-gah-tay” (Colgate. The toothpaste. Who knew?) and the “Pybe dolors” (five dollars) he had dropped somewhere, just to keep us busy and stop bugging him for stuff. He was also a legendary cook, and people have been known to marry into the family so as never to miss anything to come out of his kitchen. He was one of the most hospitable individuals ever to grace this earth; grandpa’s heart – and door – were always open to anyone ever needing anything for any length of time. He loved thoroughly, generously, and unconditionally, never judging and accepting everyone for who they were, a lesson we all learned and continue live by. Grandpa leaves behind daughter Fe Carmen of La Mesa, CA, son John (Tiew) of Crestview, FL, son Jim of Spring Valley, CA, son Pete (Bridget) of Oxnard, CA, and daughter Paula of La Mesa, CA. Also to carry on his legacy are ten grandchildren (Maile Shalana d: 12/24/97), and 10 great-grandchildren.
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