John Michael Lanzit

John Michael Lanzit

John passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, in Ukiah, California at the age of 74. John was a fourth generation Californian, born June 10, 1948, to parents Owen (Mike) and Audrey (Jean) Lanzit of Los Angeles, CA where he spent his all his childhood.

John graduated from Crespi Carmelite High school, an all‐boys catholic school located in Encino, California. He was a natural athlete and played football for the Crespi football team and still to this day, holds a record for leading punter in 1965. John also ran track for Crespi, frequently coming in first in the high and low hurdles. John remained close friends with many of his Crespi alumni through the years. He was an avid sailor and in his younger years enjoyed spending time cruising the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento Delta.

Shortly after moving to northern California, he married and had two children, Nick and Danielle. John loved his kids very much and enjoyed spending time with them. They attended many football, baseball, and basketball games. They also went on several trips up to Lake Tahoe, Cabo San Lucas and to southern California showing them his old stomping grounds. John also loved NASCAR and he passed that love on to his grandchildren, attending with them every NASCAR race at Sonoma Raceway and Auto Club Speedway.

When John wasn’t out and about enjoying life, he was probably either watching sports or cooking up something awesome in the kitchen. If you were lucky enough to enjoy one of his home cooked meals, you know what I mean when I say he was a top‐notch chef. His cheesecakes were also phenomenal, which were a huge hit at every party.

John worked as a sales manager at Redwood Ford in Ukiah for over 30 years. Through those years he made many lifelong friends and business associates. John really enjoyed working in the car industry which explains why he never retired. John is already terribly missed.

John is preceded in death by his parents Owen Michael and Audrey Jean Lanzit, Oceanside, CA, his sister Elizabeth Corley, San Clemente, CA, nephew Adam Taylor, Novato Ca, and granddaughter Taylor Lanzit, Shasta Lake, CA. He is survived by his wife Judi Lanzit, Ukiah, CA, sister Barbara Duncan, Novato, CA, son Nicholas (Nick) Lanzit, Ukiah, CA, daughter Danielle Grilli, Redwood Valley, CA. Grandchildren Audrey Lanzit, Ukiah CA, Ryder Lanzit, Ukiah, CA, & Ava Lanzit, Shasta Lake CA, niece Lauren Duncan, Napa, CA, and Nephew Dylan Corley, San Clemente, CA.

John’s celebration of life will be held on July 8 th at 2pm at John and Judi’s home in Ukiah, California. Please call or text Danielle for more information. (707) 391‐4573