Mr John Wesley Rose Jr.

John Wesley Rose, Jr. passed away peacefully on February 3, 2021 at the age of 95. John was born in Baltimore, Maryland to John W. Rose, Sr. and Florence Alverta Rose on December 20, 1925. He was the oldest of five (three brothers and one sister). He was a resident of Madera, California for 36 years after retiring from his employment in the Bay Area.

John attended schools in Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland finishing in California.  He served in the US Army during WWII from April 1944 to June 6, 1946 and the Korean War from September 11, 1950 to December 16, 1951.

John worked at AC Transit in the Bay Area for 34 years starting as a bus driver and retired as a department manager in 1985, when he and Virginia moved to Madera, and spent the next 20 years as a volunteer team.

John was a devoted member of St. Joachim Catholic Church and was a lector for 22 years.   John was also a 3rd degree Knight and Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Marello Council #3643 as well as an active member of the American Legion Post 0011 for 14 years.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 years, Virginia Lee Rose, his son Alvin Wayne Rose, his daughter Margaret Ellen Graham, brothers James and Bernard and his sister Dorothy Cavens. He is survived by his daughter Jacklyn Anice Rose-Neal of Brentwood, CA, brother Herman of Trenton, New Jersey. Grandchildren: Shanel Renee Wesley of Washington, DC, LeeAnn Wesley of Madera, CA, Amanda Pouncey of Santa Cruz, CA and her husband Darren and John Pierce of Pinole, CA. Great-grandsons: Mason Ruiz of Visalia, CA and his wife Tiffany, Jaylen Ruiz of Madera, CA and his wife Gina and Julio Delgado of Madera, CA. Great-great-grandchildren: Jaylee Ruiz, Jaylen Rose Ruiz and an additional great-great-grandchild to be born in July as well as numerous nieces and nephews on the east coast, and his dog Miss Rufus.

John truly lived a life of service to his family, community, and his Lord. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends whom he connected with through his sincerity and selflessness. He will be forever remembered for his gratitude for life, strong faith, unconditional love, kindness, unwavering optimism and positivity, infectious smile and delightful sense of humor.

A Vigil and Rosary service will be held on Friday, May 28th at St. Joachim Catholic Church at 10:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 28th at St. Joachim Catholic Church at 11:00 AM. A private interment for John and Virginia Rose will be held at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery on Tuesday, June 1st.