John Mathew Banducci

John Mathew Banducci (Johnny) passed away suddenly on July 31, 2020 with his loving son at his side. He was born April 20, 1926 to Teresa (Mama) and Edward. He married his high school sweetheart, Foustine, in 1947 and together they raised their family in the San Francisco Bay Area suburb of El Sobrante where his mother and father built and operated several businesses. In 1950 he was elected to the local school board, as he was always a strong advocate for education. In 1964, Mama Banducci started Banducci's Bit of Italy on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. The strong work ethic instilled in John by his parents and his dedication to family led John to move his family to Palm Springs and work in the family restaurant. He loved the restaurant business and was a fantastic bartender who always remembered his patron's favorite drink. In the early days of the restaurant, many famous celebrities dined there. In 1968 Elvis came in with his wife, Pricilla. Although Elvis was shy, he allowed John to take a picture with Mama Banducci. Richard Nixon, during his run for President, also came in the restaurant and immediately became friends with the Banducci's. John, Foustine, and a group of 12 family and close friends attended President Nixon's Inauguration in Washington DC in 1969. John carried his pictures of Elvis and President Nixon in his wallet throughout his life. He was so proud of those pictures that he would show them to everyone he met. John was a friend to many in the desert. John could fix anything and was always willing to help his friends. In 1974, John, Foustine, brother Ed, wife LaVerne, and sister Teresa (Tiny) and her husband Joe Vierra opened Villa Banducci and Pier 111 in Cathedral City. In 1988, they closed the restaurants but continued to maintain their family businesses in El Sobrante. Foustine left us in 1989. They were married for over 42 years. He found love again with a special lady, Jeannee Saunders. They spent many years together traveling to their favorite places including, Maui and the Northern California coast. He also loved abalone diving with his son and family in NorCal. He got his last limit of abs at the age of 91.
2009 was a devastating year for John, losing his brother Ed, daughter Cindy, and Jeannee. He never recovered from the loss of his beautiful daughter. Beloved sister-in-law Loyda Mayers left us in 2017. John is survived by his son, John (Punky) Jr (Liz), Granddaughter Lonni, Sister Tiny, her sons Joe and John Vierra, his nieces Janet Banducci and Sharon Ardisonne, niece Karen (Denny) Mayers, and grand-nieces and nephews. John and sister Tiny have been extremely close calling each other many times per day to check on each other. John was particularly proud of his granddaughter, Lonni, who recently graduated from the University of Nevada Reno, with a Bachelor of Science as a Registered Nurse.
John was a life-time member of the Crockett striped Bass Club and the Richmond Galileo Club, as well as a member of the Elks Club for over 64 years. He loved Maui and spent many happy vacations there with his family.
John considered Palm Springs his home and he thought the desert contributed to his long life. He was 94 and considered himself lucky to have so many close friends. We miss you so much and will love you forever. In lieu of flowers raise a glass to Johnny.
Due to Covid, there will be no service. We will have a celebration of life when it is safe to do so.