John De Fato

John Francis De Fato, affectionately known as “Papa John” lived an enchanting life, brightening and uplifting the world with his kind heart. He bloomed into being with the spring equinox, March 21, 1944 in Huntington, New York as Frances and John’s youngest, joining his siblings Lillian, Jimmy, and Joan.

Due to his loving mom, Fran’s nurturing support, Papa John was raised playing the trumpet and throughout his youth and coming of age he was immersed in music, always a part of a big band|dance band. Thankfully, there are vinyl records of him playing in Memorial Junior High Dance Band, South Huntington Junior High Dance Band, and Walt Whitman High School Dance band under Clement De Rosa.

Despite training to become a jet fighter pilot when initially drafted during the Vietnam Era and having earned a National Defense Service Medal for being a Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14), music managed to seal in protection instead while he honored his active duty in the 282d Army Band Ft Jackson, South Carolina August 1967-August 1969.

John even went to Berkeley School of Music until he realized how much socialization a full professional career in music calls for and anybody who knew him, understands how shy and demure his pure nature truly was.

After transplanting to California guided by the beacon of his parents in the 70’s, John established a 25 year career as vice president with Century Parking Inc. During this time, he mentored many people from all walks of life including Celia Diaz and her whole entire family, welcoming them as they transplanted from Davao, Philippines in the 80’s, offering and providing actual support for integration.

John always shared all his resources with everyone around him for he was graciously fullhearted and generous without any hesitation. He was a true ally.

After marrying Celia Diaz, they adopted Alexandria. Papa John empowered Celia as she rallied to honor her ancestry by preserving the music and dances that granted her global access through Bayanihan, and inter-generationally instill a sense of heritage rooted in deep sacred community values through her work creating and leading Kultura Philippine Folk Arts.

He was an advocate for the arts and LOVED live performance. John was honest and good. Good flavors, good demeanor, good groovy vibes! He appreciated quality artistry and loved great storytelling. He was an avid gardener, not just of trees, plants, animals and flowers, but of people and nourished their spirits with his presence. He was ALLways present; emotionally, spiritually, in the most altruist and wholesome of ways.

Papa John was magnetically charismatic, he made you feel seen, safe, and welcome, and he valued how our differences in life make a difference. With compassion and dignity, he understood how to truly respect others in totality and he loved unconditionally.

John is survived by his loving daughter Alexandria Nicole Galang Diaz De Fato and her mom, Celia Diaz De Fato. The pure light in his eyes, enlightens the way they see the world.

A celebration of his being will be held May 1, 2025 12:30pm Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills in Burbank, CA followed by military honors with the U.S. Army and refreshments at the Columbarium where his ashes will be placed alongside his sister, Joan De Fato.