John Kisst, 76, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 7, after suffering from a long illness. He was born in Kenilworth, Utah, on May 11, 1933 to immigrant parents, Gust and Athena Kisst from Greece, his family moved to California when he was a young boy. After graduating from Ceres High School in 1951, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the S.S. Shangri La until his honorable discharge in 1955. He married Elaine Demichelis in 1957 and has lived in Escalon the remainder of his life. He worked as a cannery mechanic supervisor, spending over 25 years at Tillie Lewis Foods in Stockton. He was a member of the Escalon Masonic Lodge where he served as Grand Master in 1967.
In addition to his wife Elaine, he is survived by his son, John G. Kisst of Ripon and daughter Rachelle Hackett of Tracy, his daughter-in-law Tamela and son-in-law Marvin. His seven grandchildren include John. Jr., Andrew, Alayna, Jenavieve and Jacqueline Kisst and Benjamin and Briana Hackett. He also leaves behind his siblings Cleo Kazas, Gus Kisst and Mary Christi. He was preceded in death by siblings Bessie Foster and Steven Kisst.
P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home is handling all funeral arrangements. A visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. Mass will follow on Friday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ripon. Burial will immediately follow at St. Johns Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association or any charity of your choice.