JOHN BAPTIST CAUZZA III

John Baptist Cauzza III was born on November 19, 1957 in Bakersfield to Johnny and Carla (Pasquini) Cauzza. He was raised in Buttonwillow where he was a proud third generation farmer. He attended Buttonwillow School, Shafter High School and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He was a committed husband to his wife Laura (Vontz) Cauzza for nearly 44 years and a loving father to his two daughters, Lindsay and Sidney.

John was a dedicated farmer. From a young age he showed a work ethic unparalleled and a commitment to successfully continuing and growing the family business. He was respected and admired, although always remaining humble. Over the years he served his beloved community as an active member of Buttonwillow Lions Club, Buttonwillow Chamber of Commerce, and was on the board of Buttonwillow County Water Board District. Additionally, he sat on the boards of Farmers Cooperative Gin, California Beet Growers Association, and Buena Vista Water Storage District. 

In addition to being a dedicated farmer, John was also a man who valued family above all else. He and Laura were high school sweethearts, married in 1980, and started their family in 1982. Their devotion to each other over the years has been an inspiration to many, especially these past eight and half years as John battled multiple cancers. Throughout their lives they have enjoyed spending time together with their children and grandchildren, and have shared many wonderful times with their extended family and friends. John loved Pismo Beach where they retired in 2015. 

Finally, John was a faith filled man, and he continually felt God’s presence throughout the years, especially while battling illness. He passed away peacefully on March 15th. His family finds comfort in the Bible verse John 3:15- “That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

John enjoyed being a part of a large family and will be greatly missed by his wife, Laura; daughters, Lindsay and her husband, Travis Morgan, and Sidney and her husband, Matt Bonner; grandchildren, Quinn, Shepard and Carys Morgan and Ruthie Bonner; his mother, Carla Cauzza; siblings, Mike and Lori Cauzza, Steve and Toni Cauzza, and Ronnie and Shelley Cauzza; his father in law, Tom Vontz and his wife Joyce; in laws, Jeff and Linda Vontz, Mike and Janet Vontz, Darrell and Susie Atkinson, Patsy Janzen, Doug Vontz, Keith and Frances Vontz, John and Christi Hearn, and Vicki Vontz;  12 nieces, 12 nephews, cousins and many friends.

 Preceding him in death were his father, Johnny Cauzza; grandparents, Bob and Jennie Cauzza and Ambrose and Ida Pasquini; and mother in law, Janice Vontz.

A special thank you to all of the hard working doctors, nurses and therapists who assisted John over the past eight and half years. The family are especially grateful to the team members at Mercy Southwest Hospital and San Joaquin Hospital in Bakersfield for their care in 2015. And tremendous gratitude is owed to Dr. Monzr Al Malki and the rest of the hematology team, the doctors and nurses in the ICU, and Father Okey Jude Uche at the City of Hope in Duarte, CA for taking such extraordinary care of John throughout his journey.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 2nd. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to City of Hope-Attention Giving, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010 (https://www.cityofhope.org/giving/give-honor-or-memory), the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society- Central California, P.O. Box 102496, Pasadena, CA 91189-2496 or a charity close to your heart.