Scottsdale, Arizona

ALife Rich inFamily, Education, and Relationships John Edward Pulli, 89, abeloved husband, father, grandfather passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona, leaving behind alegacy of love and cherished memories. Born and raised inOakland, California, John was aproud product of the parochial school system, where the foundations of faith, discipline, and service to others were instilled inhim from an early age.

Born to immigrant parents, John embraced his Italian and Irish heritage, with pride.

His upbringing instilled inhim adeep sense offamily values.

Attending St. Bernard’s Grammar School and St. Elizabeth High School, John grew up in classrooms where faith and education went hand inhand, shaping alife defined by integrity, kindness, and adeep sense ofduty. These attributes carried through as he committed 45years asaneducator.

From ayoung age, John fell in love with the game ofbaseball. He would listen tothe radio, captivated by the thrilling voices ofthe announcers asthey brought the game to life. Heespecially admired legendary players like Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax. His love forthe sporttranslatedintohis ownsuccess on the field—he wasa stand out baseball player at St. Elizabeth’s, earning All-County recognition asatalented left-handed pitcher, who threw several no-hitters. His baseball journey continued atSan Francisco City College and San Francisco State University, where he played while earning his degree in education. Agreat moment in his baseball career was when hehad the incredible opportunity to pitch batting practice for the Oakland Oaks in the Pacific Coast League. His passion for baseball continued beyond his college years. Many a Sunday hepacked uphis gear toplay with the “Old timers” throughout the Bay Area.

John dedicated his career to education and leadership. His journey ineducation took him through the Berryessa, Portola Valley, and Mountain View school districts, where he served in many roles — teacher, principal, counselor, and coach. He served as President ofthe Portola Valley Teachers Association and later asPresident of the Mtn. View Elementary Principals, A.C.S.A. Whether in the classroom, onthe field, or guiding students through life’s challenges, healways led with compassion and anunwavering belief in the potential of every young person he encountered. Helater earned his Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from San Jose State University.

In his younger years, John also had adeep passion for music and entertaining. During his bachelor days, heloved to sing and perform, even taking the stage at the ful-Awful Club in San Jose. Hefound great joy inmusic and was especially fond ofAw- the timeless sounds of the Four Freshman, Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Matt Monro.

But beyond his career in education, John’s heart belonged toSan Francisco sports. He was adevoted fan, holding season tickets at Kezar and Candlestick for 42 years, where he built lifelong traditions with his family. Many cherished memories in the Niner parkinglot.

One of hisgreatestjoys was travelingtoScottsdale every March forspringtrain- ing, where hecould watch his Giants upclose and soak inthe excitement of the new season.

John also had adeep affinity for gardening, particularly tomato plants. With atrue green thumb, he cultivatedalushhome gardeninCupertino, growinggreen beans, zucchini, tomatoes and corn—skills he proudly learned from his father, who had mastered the art ofgardening in the old country.

To supplement his career in education —and maybe just for the love of good company — John also worked atRosotti’s, formerly known as the Alpine Inn in Portola Valley.

Whether behind the bar orswapping stories, he brought warmth, humor, and a deep sense ofcamaraderie to the historic watering hole, becoming a fixture inthe community.

John hadarare andspecial gift — the ability to connect with anyone, anywhere. He had away ofmaking people feel at home. His warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others turned everyday encounters into lasting friendships. But above all else, John’s happiest days were spent when his family was together. Nothing brought him more joy than having his children and grandchildren inthe same room — laughing, eating, and sharing stories. Those moments, filled with love, good food, and lively conversation, were the ones hecherished most. His family was his greatest pride, and he made sure they knew it every single day.

At the heart ofhis existencewere his family, friendship, and education. John was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Karen, with whom he shared years oflove and companionship. Together, they built abeautiful family, blessed with three children and nine grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Karen of58years; his children Jon (Laura), Karianne, Kyle (Lisa); and his nine grandchildren; Nico, Marie, Sofia, Elizabeth, Gianna, Lauren, Alia, Vivien, and Antoinette. Hewas predeceased by his beloved parents, Marie and John Pulli, aswell ashis sister, Gloria Whitfield Pulli; and two brothers who passed away in infancy.

Family and friends are invited toattend John’s funeral service, which will be held on March 28, 2025, 1pmatSt. Elizabeth Parish, Oakland. Acelebration ofJohn’s life will follow atScoma’s in San Francisco.

Aprivate family inurnment will take place atSt. Joseph’s Cemetery inSan Pablo, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Elizabeth School in Oakland tosupport tuition assistance for low-income students. Contributions may besent toSt. Elizabeth School, Attn: Sylvia Rodriquez 1516 33rd Ave. Oakland, CA 94601, in honor of John Pulli.