Resident of Martinez

It is with great sadness that we share with you news of the passing of John P. LaCoste. John succumbed to cancer on June 19, 2025 after a long and courageous battle.

John was born in Berkeley, California in 1951 and moved with his family to Martinez in 1959. He attended schools in Martinez, graduating from Alhambra High School in 1969. He received his Bachelors Degree from Cal State Hayward in 1973. John worked for Shell Oil Martinez for 38 years as a Team Leader, Training Coordinator, and Mentor.

If you knew John at all, you know he was an avid sports fan. Among other sporting interests, John was a lifelong fan of the San Francisco Giants, the San Francisco Forty-Niners, and the Golden State Warriors. And not just a fair-weather fan, but a diehard fan, even through the lean years.

John also loved to participate in sports. He played softball for various sponsors in Martinez, and rumor has it that he could hit the long ball. Hebelonged to aFantasy Football League for 45 years, and he enjoyed a nice three-team parlay, or a round of golf. John celebrated his 50th birthday, in fact, playing a round at Pebble Beach.

John loved a good road trip and took many with his family, most recently to Cooperstown, New York, where he visited the Baseball Hall of Fame. As a younger man, he enjoyed camping, houseboating on Lake Shasta, and visiting Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay with his family.

Many adventures were had, and many are the stories to be told.

John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia Saunders LaCoste, of Martinez and their son Adam LaCoste, resident of Sparks, Nevada, and the light of John’s life.

We would be remiss if we did not mention Adam’s dog Marvin. John loved that big dog and particularly enjoyed their games of tug.

John was preceded in death by his parents Robert La- Coste and Maggie Lasiter. He will be missed by his sister Karen Gage (Roy), niece Kari Gage (Noelle), nephew Roy Gage (Kristie), as well by his brother-in-law Dennis Saunders (Teresa).

Aprivate memorial will be held at alater date.

Donations in Johns name can bemade to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.