Gianni "John" Cosmo Pavia was born on March 28, 1921 and passed away on September 16, 2016, at his home in Laguna Woods, Calif., from stomach cancer. He was 95 years old. He is survived by his wife, Haydee Pavia; his three daughters, Audrey Pavia, Cynthia Pavia and Heidi Pavia-Watkins; his two grandchildren Rhiannon Daniel and Izaiah Watkins; and his sons-in-law, Randy Mastronicola and Rodney Watkins.

John was born in Villa Santa Maria in Chieti, Italy, to Francesco Pavia and Domenica Sabitini. He immigrated to New York City at the age of 6 years old, and spent the remainder of his childhood in Manhattan and the Bronx.

At the age of 21, John joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II as a Technical Sergeant in the 61st Signal Battalion. After the war, John became a telecommunications engineer with AT&T, a position he held for 35 years.

In 1955, John married Haydee Ayanz in New York City. Two years later, his oldest daughter, Audrey, was born. In 1959, the family moved to Southern California. They bought their first home in Canoga Park, and later added Cynthia and then Heidi to the family. In 2002, John and Haydee relocated to Laguna Woods.

During his time in Canoga Park, John was an avid member of VFW Post 2805 and Elks Lodge 2190. He was a ham radio operator, and a pet parent to his dogs Minette and Monique. John was a huge fan of Swing-era music and was a great dancer. He had a terrific sense of humor, and loved to host backyard parties in his younger years.

John adored his family, and often remarked that family was the most important thing in his life. His wife, daughters and grandchildren will never stop missing him.

Memorial donations can be made in John's name to the Veterans of Foreign Wars at https://www.vfw.org/Contribute/.

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