John Peranzo Sr.

John Peranzo Sr., a 67-year-old resident of Vacaville, California, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026, at North Bay Medical Center in Fairfield, California, surrounded by his family and friends after a brief battle with lung cancer.

Born on July 23, 1958 in Brooklyn, New York, John was the son of Peter Peranzo Sr. and Isabell (Giaquinto) Peranzo. He attended Thomas Edison Vocational and Technical High School in Jamaica, New York. After graduating from high school, John enlisted in the United States Air Force. After attending Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, he graduated from Aerospace Ground Equipment technical school and was assigned to Yokota Air Base in Japan. His subsequent duty station was Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

John's desire to explore the world from the air led him to change his career path and become an Aircraft Loadmaster. After completing a rigorous year of training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, and Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington, he was assigned to the 22d Airlift Squadron on the C5 Galaxy at Travis Air Force Base in California. John spent at least 16 years at Travis, assigned to various squadrons. The position he cherished the most was his years of working with and traveling the world with his comrades in the 60th Airlift Control Element, later known as the Tactical Airlift Control Element.

John, a retired Air Force veteran, spent a year working for Union Pacific Railroad before realizing that wasn't his calling. He then embarked on a 20-year career as a Coker Operator and Marine Terminal Operator. After retiring from Philips 66 Oil Refinery in Rodeo, California, John also served as the vice president of the United Steelworkers Union.

After two career retirements, John found joy in spending his leisure time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to entertain and cook large dinners with family and friends. John had honor and intregity and he lived by his words " a man is not a man unless he takes care of his family." You could most certainly rely on him to lend a helping hand, even to strangers. You could count on "Peranzo" to be there in any situation. He kept himself occupied by customizing guns, and he was avid marksman on the shooting range. John especially loved his miniature dachshund Gabby as well as Heidi, Molly and Daisy who brought him so much joy and happiness. John was a collector of muscle cars and his prize possession was his Red Eye Hellcat.

John's passing will be deeply felt by his wife, Lori (Gould) Peranzo, and their children and their spouses: Pam (Mcguirk) and Jeff Taylor, of Midland, Texas; Janelle( McGuirk) Cantrell and David McGuirk of Vacaville. Tyler Robles of Vacaville, Katherine Robles and Ty DeLosReyes of Dixon; John Jr. and Lisa Peranzo of Chula Vista.  His grandchildren include Alissa, Natalie, and Jeffery Taylor; Caleb and Jacob Cantrell; Khloe and Delilah McGuirk; Evan, Ellie, Emma, and Emily DeLosReyes and Grace Peranzo. He is survived by nieces and nephews Peter Peranzo, Eileen, Elizabeth and Peter Peranzo.

John is survived by his brothers Phillip and sister-in-law Louise and brother Peter. He is preceded in death by his parents Peter Sr. and Isabell Peranzo and sister-in-law Darlene.

Service Information

A Viewing will be held for John Peranzo Sr. on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 P.M. at Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home; 524 Elmira Road, Vacaville, California. A Rosary will be held at 4:00 P.M.

A Mass of Christian Burial to follow on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Catholic Church; 350 Stinson Ave, Vacaville, California.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 12:30 P.M. at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery; 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California.

Reception to follow the Graveside Service at Cattlemens; 250 Dorset Dr, Dixon, California.