Obituary of JOHN W. GUILFOYLE

On February 17, 2022, John W. Guilfoyle passed away peacefully at home with family. He was
born March 16, 1924 in Lodi, to John T. and Rose (Merkle) Guilfoyle.
John attended St. Anne’s School and Lodi High School graduating in the class of 1941. He
served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant in the 104th Infantry Division (Timberwolves) from
1943-1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He then attended College of
Pacific (UOP) where he participated in football, basketball and baseball, graduating with a
teaching credential.
On May 7,1947, he married Ellen C. Young. They were married for 60 years until her passing in
2007. They had two children, Brian and Kathy. He taught at Stockton Junior High and Stagg
High School between 1949-1984.
He was inducted into the Lodi Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and the University of Pacific Athletic
Hall of Fame in1992. He was a life long member of St. Anne’s Church in Lodi, a 75 year
member of Lodi American Legion, charter member of SIRS, Lodi I.O.O.F. and Lodi Elks. He
enjoyed golfing, traveling, playing cards and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by son, Brian (Cheri) Guilfoyle, and daughter Kathy (David) Melendrez; four
grandchildren, Matt (Lisa), Molly (Jeff), Megan, Merissa (Kevin); three great grandsons, and
numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister MaryAnn, wife
Ellen, and great grandson Tyler.
John will be missed by family and friends and remembered for his kindness, generosity,
patience, and loving nature. A private service will be held by the family. Friends and family are
invited to attend a celebration of John’s amazing life to be held at Oddfellows Hall, 6 South
Pleasant Avenue on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to their favorite charity or to Vitas Hospice.