John Andrew Ratti, 80, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2007, at Natividad Medical Center in Salinas. Born Giovanni Andrea Ratti on September 21, 1926, in Ziano Piacentino, Italy, he came to the United States as a student. A scholar and linguist, he received his bachelor’s degree in classical languages from Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and a master’s in theology from the University of San Francisco. He settled in California with his family and became a citizen of the United States, changing his name to reflect his new citizenship. John worked in different careers throughout his life, but most recently taught seminary students at the La Salle Theological Institute in Cuernavaca, Mexico. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Italian Catholic Federation.
He is survived by his wife, Julia Alicia, and by his five children and twelve grandchildren, his daughter Maria Mussallem, her husband Larry, and their children; Christopher, Lauren, Erin and Rachel, his daughter Bernadette Ratti and her children; Michael,Sophia, and Kattiana, his daughter Luisa Diebert, her husband, Donn, and their daughter, Danielle, his daughter Pia Raybuck, her husband Bob, and their sons; Brendan and Drew, and his son John C. Ratti, his wife, Teresa, and their children; Alyssa and Jacob.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Whitehurst Muller, 41 E. Alisal St. Salinas, CA., and the Rosary on Thursday Evening, May 17, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. at Whitehurst Muller Chapel
The Mass is Friday, May 18, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. at Madonna Del Sasso Catholic Church, 320 E. Laurel Drive, Salinas, California
Arrangements are under the Direction of Whitehurst Muller Funeral Service
