Passed Away On: January 24, 2021
John Paul Bocanegra of Hollister, Ca, passed away from COVID-19 on January 24, 2021 at the age of 69.
He was born on August 30, 1951 in Dos Palos, Ca, to Cruz Bocanegra and Charlotte Sotelo and was a lifelong resident of San Benito County.
John married the love of his life, Virginia in 1972. They created a beautiful life together where they were best friends and true soulmates. The love they had for each other was one of a kind and an inspiration to many. John was a wonderful involved father to his three children and an adoring grandfather to his seven grandchildren. His most treasured moments came from being a loving husband, father and grandfather. His family meant the world to him, and he meant the world to his family. John became a father figure and mentor to many. He enjoyed hosting parties and get-togethers often. You always felt welcomed in his home and the door was always open. When you were in John’s presence, you immediately felt comfortable. He would always greet you with a joke and a smile and had the best dance moves. John always left an impact on everyone who he came into contact with. John was an avid softball player in his young adult life and enjoyed playing on the goNads. John’s other huge enjoyment in life was driving his 1970 El Camino SS with a 454 engine (he would want that explained in detail lol), his love for golfing, fishing, the Miami Dolphins and his beloved dog Bokie.
John attended all local schools in Hollister, including San Benito High School where he participated in tennis, basketball, football, track and band. John started working at K&S Market in high school where he was employed for many years. He attended Gavilan College & South Carolina Technical College where he received his Associates Degree and focused in Intercultural/Multicultural & Diversity Studies. John’s professional career spanned over fifty years starting off in banking then managing a variety of different types of businesses. His personality and management skills made him the perfect person to lead any company. John spent fifteen years traveling around the US for Denny’s Corporation as Regional Manager. In 2010, John joined Infinity Staffing Services in Hollister as their Corporate General Manager. He was instrumental in growing the business into what it is today. He was the perfect person to fill that role and he excelled at his position but most importantly he loved going to work every day. He was committed in helping many members of the community find their first job and for some, an opportunity they might not otherwise have had. John put a strong value on giving people chances, and providing a job was his way of saying he believed in you. He treated everyone the same regardless of your position or status. It was his passion to make a difference in people’s lives. John was also a Notary Public, C.A.C (California Accredited Consultant) and received several awards at his time with Infinity Staffing. They include Best Business of the Year from San Benito Chamber of Commerce, Certificate of Recognition from the City of Hollister, Certificate of Recognition from State Assembly Robert Rivas, & Special Congressional Recognition for Business from Jimmy Panetta.
John was an active member of the community and spent a lot of his time supporting local businesses. You could always find John at a local restaurant or store, talking, making jokes and providing a laugh. He attended community events and supported nonprofits in a variety of ways. John served on the Hollister School Board in the early 80’s, where one of his big accomplishments was legislating in Sacramento and implementing the joining of parks and schools in our county. He was instrumental in naming Calaveras School, where there stands a plaque with his name. He was also a catechism teacher for Sacred Heart Catholic Church and coached many youth sports programs. John was an avid volunteer at San Benito High School where he helped with the snack bar, floats, signs, chaperoned many dances and the disneyland senior trip. He had also been a Jaycees Board Member where every year he dressed as Santa Clause and took presents to local farm workers children. He also supported Small Steps and served as the HOA President for Southside Estates where he resided.
He leaves behind his wife, Virginia Bocanegra; his daughters Gail Hernandez-Muhilly, Peggy Bautista, son Johnny Bocanegra Jr. (Adely); grandchildren Briana Prado, Stephen Prado, Marissa Bautista, Vincent Hernandez, Nickolas Hernandez, Hannah Bocanegra, Enzo Bocanegra; Siblings: Emily Villalon, Gloria Braun, Vera Powers, Mark Garcia, Sylvia Gleason, Marcie Bocanegra, David Bocanegra, Jesse Bocanegra, Angie Bocanegra, Amber Bocanegra, Diana Grasty. John’s extended family includes many nephews, nieces and cousins and his beloved Uncle George Bocanegra (Alice). He is preceded in death by his parents Cruz Bocanegra and Charlotte Sotelo and his siblings Dora Bocanegra and Cruz Bocanegra Jr.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tres Pinos at 11 a.m. (outside service), immediately following interment of ashes at Calvary Cemetery, with a reception following at The Barn at Swank Farms from 2 to 6 p.m.