John Richard Cerrone

Giovanni (John) Richard Cerrone, affectionately known as “Carmen” to friends and loved ones, and “Jackie” to his family in the east coast. John passed away peacefully at the age of 89 in his hometown of Oakland, California. Born on June 22, 1934, in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts, John was the beloved oldest child of the late Alice and Guido Cerrone. His mother was French-American, and his father was Italian-American.

At a young age, John enjoyed walking to the beaches in Dorchester & South Boston with his neighborhood friends. He loved playing stick ball, baseball, and Ice Hockey. He would ride the train to Fenway Park to see the Red Sox any chance he could get. His favorite baseball player of all time was Ted Williams. In the summers, he would visit  family in Watertown and always shared his fond memories of swimming in Walden Pond with his uncles. When John was a teenager, his first job was at a movie theater. This is when he discovered his passion for film which continued throughout his life. 

In 1963, John went to cosmetology school in Boston and became a very successful hairstylist, catching the attention of many and winning multiple awards for his craft. In 1966, he moved to San Francisco and continued to thrive in the hair industry. His style and approach was inventive and ahead of his time, capturing the love and loyalty of many clients. 

In 1975, John married the love of his life, Fe Olivar. They had their only child two years later. She was named after one of his favorite movies “Laura”, the 1944 black and white film. 

John loved anything Italian, he was an avid Boston & San Francisco sports fan, he loved film noir movies, convertible Jaguars, and enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra. Although, John’s biggest joys in life was his family. Being a devoted husband, father and grandfather was his biggest accomplishment. 

He was the beloved husband of Fe Olivar. Loving father of Laura Olivar-Cerrone. Doting grandfather of Jade Teele, Matteo Johnson, Ava Johnson, Lucia Johnson, and his hanai family, Jonas Teele & Chaian Teele. Dear brother of the late Ronald J. Cerrone. He also leaves behind first cousins on the East Coast, and a sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law in Texas.

A graveside service will be held at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown on Wednesday June 5, 2024, at 1 PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

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