John Michael Lamanuzzi passed away at his home in Aptos on April 29, 2019 at the age of 74.  John was born on December 22, 1944 in Madera, CA, to John and Rose (Sasso) Lamanuzzi. He grew up on his parents’ ranch and participated in 4-H as a boy.  As a teenager, John enjoyed working on motorcycles and cars, even before he had his driver’s license. He graduated from Madera High School.

When John was in his twenties, he moved to Santa Cruz to pursue a job as an auto body and fender man.  Soon, though, he discovered his true passion when he purchased an antique chair at the flea market, refinished it, and sold it for a handsome profit.  John loved the art of restoration, whether he was buying and renovating houses or restoring antiques to their former beauty. His shop was a fixture at Village Fair Antiques in Aptos for 37 years.  John was an incredibly honest businessman who took great joy and pride in his work. He sincerely cared about his customers and fellow dealers, many of whom became lifelong friends.

John married Beckie Blackwell in 1978 and, in 1980, his cherished son, Michael, was born.  He and Beckie divorced four years later, but they remained close friends and he continued to be a loving father to his step-daughters, Amy and Sarah.  In 1998, he met his love Shanna O’Brien when she opened a shop in (the) Village Fair. They remained together for over 20 happy years until his passing.

John was a kind man with a gentle spirit.  He was a patient and loving father who always made time for his children.  They enjoyed trips to Lake Tahoe, Dennis the Menace Park, and Madera, to visit John’s family. He had a special relationship with his step-daughter Amy, with whom he enjoyed going on lunch dates that often ended with a drive to the beach.  John was also an incredibly devoted son. He adored his mother, Rose, and looked forward to her calls every night at 7:00.

 John saw the beauty in simple things and taught his loved ones to do the same.  He was happy with Shanna by his side, whether they were preparing dinners at home (he was quite proud of his split pea soup), enjoying a bowl of clam chowder at Stagnaro’s, or hopping in the car for a spontaneous drive to Monterey.  John was happiest near the ocean; many afternoons he could be found parked at Rio Del Mar beach, gazing at the sunset and often enjoying a nap.

John is survived by his sweetheart Shanna O’Brien; his son Michael (Rosie) and granddaughter Miriam; his step-daughter Amy Blackwell, her son Jackson and his daughter Lilly; his step-daughter Sarah Blackwell and her children Makayla, Isaac, and Alyssa and his ex-wife Beckie Lamanuzzi.