John Joseph Vestri, Sr.

John Joseph Vestri (Giovanni Giuseppe Vestri), beloved husband, father, grandfather,

great-grandfather, educator, and man of deep Catholic faith, passed away on September 18, 2026.

John was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on March 20, 1936, to Giovanni Vestri and Letizia (Lanna) Vestri, immigrants who established their family in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence RI. John was one of their six children and grew up surrounded by his brothers, sisters, cousins, and the entire close-knit Vestri and Dipietro families. He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings: Ernie (Ermete), Rod (Radames), Amy (Armida), Adri (Adriana), and Lil (Letizia).

John's Rhode Island roots remained an important part of who he was throughout his life. He attended Rhode Island College and began his career in education around 1965. He first served as a teacher before moving into school administration and ultimately becoming principal of Glen Hills Elementary School in Cranston, Rhode Island. He served as principal during the 1970s, 1980’s and 1990s, dedicating his career to the education and well-being of generations of children and their families.

John was a devoted educator who believed in the importance of giving children opportunities to learn, grow, and discover their own abilities. He brought that same spirit of service and encouragement to the many people whose lives he touched throughout his career.

John was the beloved husband of the late Rose (Vallely) Vestri, with whom he shared a loving marriage beginning in 1978. Together, John and Rose built a life centered on family, faith, friendship, and service.

John and Rose traveled extensively including to the Holy Land, Medjugorje, Ireland and Italy. They also attended the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. They were always planning their next adventure. John was recently in Rhode Island to visit family, and we are so grateful to have had that time with him.

After moving to California, John continued to teach students at the College of the Desert. He played adult softball and enjoyed following his favorite sports teams. He was a lifelong Joe Paterno (Penn State) and Joe DiMaggio (Yankees) fan. He and John, Jr. often had long conversations about sports.

John and Rose also became deeply involved in their Catholic community. At Sacred Heart Church in Palm Desert, they devoted approximately ten years to coordinating the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), helping people explore and embrace the Catholic faith. John was also deeply involved in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in La Quinta, where he continued his lifelong commitment to his faith and to serving others.

John's Catholic faith was not simply something he practiced on Sundays; it was a central part of the way he lived his life. He gave generously of his time and energy to his parish communities and found great meaning in helping others.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose; his parents, Giovanni and Letizia Vestri; all his siblings and his grandson Brandon who also passed way this year.

He is survived by his son, John Vestri Jr., and his wife, Sue; his grandchildren, Siena Vestri and Jason Vestri; and his great-grandchildren, Gemma, Isabella, and Aurora.

Although John never had the opportunity to meet his great-granddaughter Aurora, Brandon's daughter, she held a special place in his heart. He loved her from afar and carried the hope and love of a grandfather for all his grandchildren and great children child who will forever be part of his legacy.

John will also be remembered by his extended family, the Goff family, cherished friends, former students, colleagues, and the many members of his church communities whose lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, faith, and service.

His life was one of education, family, faith, and service. He leaves behind a legacy that reaches across generations—from the children he taught and guided in Rhode Island, to the people he welcomed and served through his Catholic ministry in California, and most of all, to the family he loved.

John will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

His Funeral will leave at 9:00 on Saturday October 3, 2026, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday October 2, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm.

May he rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Galilee Center in Mecca, CA. https://galileecenter.org/donate/ or McAuley Ministries in Providence, RI. https://mcauleyri.org/donate/