Kenneth Edward Vaccarezza passed away on September 18, 2023 at the age of 97.
He was born on April 1, 1926 to Charles and Louise Vaccarezza and lived in the San Juan Bautista area before moving to Hollister in 2000. Kenneth joined the Navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II.
After the service he returned to San Juan Bautista where he held several jobs before owning and operating a gas station where he met Marilyn Arceo. They fell in love and were married in October 1951. Kenneth and Marilyn went on to have seven children.
When the children were growing up they all belonged to 4-H and FFA where Kenneth loved to be involved with all their animal projects including sheep and steers. He was also an avid San Francisco 49er fan and attended many games when he was younger.
Kenneth worked for over 40 years as a Meat Cutter for Lucky Stores before retiring. During his retirement he enjoyed fishing and gardening. He especially enjoyed his rose garden where he had over 50 varieties.
He was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn, who he had been married to for over 60 years. Kenneth is survived by his seven children, Linda, Don (Sheila), Ron (Bernedette), Kendra (Steve), Sandi (Antone), Steve (Dana) and Rob (Audra) also, twelve grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Tres Pinos on Friday, October 6, 2023. Following will be a Christian Burial Service at the San Juan Bautista District Cemetery with a reception and celebration of life at the VFW in San Juan Bautista. All are welcome to attend and pay their respects to Kenneth.