John died Friday surrounded by family. A dynamic and loving man, John celebrated life and enjoyed it to the fullest. John was preceded in death by his mother Joyce Bertacchi and survived by his wife, Janice Segars, his sister Kathi Cunningham, his stepfather Roy Bertacchi, his two children Stephanie and Zachary and many loving family members and friends.
John was born in Detroit, Michigan and moved to California in 1987. Moving from Modesto, John settled down on a ranch in Turlock with his loving wife Janice and made it his home. He enjoyed raising his chickens, tortoises, fish, dogs and cat. He attended Sacred Heart Church. He volunteered at United Samaritans Foundation and participated in many charity events. He also enjoyed scuba diving, music, wine, travel, and sports and cooking for his family. He enjoyed the theater and a variety of social events. At the age of 16, John was the youngest person in Michigan to earn a 1st degree black belt in Judo. He was invited to participate in the 1980 Olympics, and most recently taught Judo at Modesto Junior College.
John was a financial advisor at Ameriprise Financial, having started in the financial services industry in 1984.
John enjoyed spending time with his family and wide circle of friends. With an infectious sense of humor and zest for life, John embodied the lesson to enjoy life. Truly missed by all who knew him, his memory will live forever in our hearts.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 10th at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd. from 1 to 7 pm with Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 11th, at 1 pm at Sacred Heart Church, 1200 Lyons Avenue in Turlock. Interment to follow at Turlock Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United Samaritans Foundation, 220 S. Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380 or Animal Services Auxiliary 3647 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, CA 95358 or an organization of your choice.

Turlock Journal,
Wednesday, May 9, 2012