Johnny Cauzza

John B. Cauzza, affectionately known as Johnny to family and friends, was born January 17, 1935 in Bakersfield to Bob and Jennie (Fanucchi) Cauzza. He lived all his life in Buttonwillow where his passion for farming led to the expansion of Cauzza Ranches, which had begun with Bob and Jennie. He attended Buttonwillow School, Bakersfield High School and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He and his wife of 64 years, Carla (Pasquini) Cauzza, raised four sons, John, Mike, Steve and Ron.

Johnny was a humble man who loved his family, faith, and friends. He deeply believed in the importance of involvement with his community. He was a member of Kern County Farm Bureau, 3-B’s, and for over 60 years, Buttonwillow Lions Club. He served on the Board of Directors of Farmer's Co Op Gin, Buttonwillow Union School, Federal Land Bank, Kern County Hay Growers Association, and Community Grain and Chemical Association. In 1963, he served as Honorary Mayor of Buttonwillow, was named Kern County Agriculturist of the Year in 2005, and Grand Marshall of Buttonwillow in 2013.

Johnny's enjoyment of travel took him to his ancestral countries of Italy and Switzerland, also Spain, China, Taiwan, and nearly every state in the United States. He enjoyed his fishing excursions with friends to the Amazon, Hawaii, Mexico, and Alaska, and especially loved his trips to Cayucos.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Bob and Jennie Cauzza; sister, Anna Marie Kirby; brother, Phillip Gene Cauzza, uncle, Gino Fanucchi; uncle and aunt, Bruno and Elizabeth Cauzza; uncle and aunt, Rinaldo and Freida Cauzza.

Johnny will be greatly missed by his wife, Carla; sons, John (Laura), Mike (Lori), Steve (Toni), and Ron (Shelley); grandchildren, Lindsay Cauzza Morgan (Travis), Sidney Cauzza Bonner (Matt), Matthew Cauzza (Hilary), Jacob Cauzza (Morgan), Lucas Cauzza (Hannah), Stevi Cauzza Flood (Mike), Nicci Cauzza George (Jeff), and Alli Cauzza; Zane, Claire and Cabrini Cauzza; great grandchildren, Quinn, Shepard and Carys Morgan; Palmer, Max and Joseph Cauzza; Jack, Nico and Gianna Cauzza; Tatum and Reagan Flood; and Leo George; aunt, Edna Fanucchi; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

The Cauzza family is grateful to their friends and family for their love and support and wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rosa de la Rosa and Dr. Michael Komin for the wonderful care given to Johnny.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Cauzza, Jacob Cauzza, Lucas Cauzza, Travis Morgan, Matt Bonner, Mike Flood, Jeff George and Zane Cauzza.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 9th. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Private graveside services will be held at another time at Cayucos Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Building Fund, 12300 Reina Road, Bakersfield, CA 93312, the American Cancer Society, 5420 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309, or a charity close to your heart.