John M. Gunaca

We were there, holding steady around his bedside, his wife, Susie, and children, Michael, Gina, Rocky, and Vince. Close by, daughters-in-law, Cheryl and Shannon, and grandchildren, Michael, Chris, Jonathan, Shannon, Christopher, Megan, Logan, Everett, Olivia, and Alex, and great-granddaughter, Bailee. We were there until he peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2012.

Johnny Gunaca was born on January 24, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan. He moved to California and met Susie, the love of his life. With four young children, they settled in Aledo, a small town in Texas. There he opened Johnny G's Lock & Key Locksmith Shop. Relocating back to Torrance, California in 1992, he opened Republic Lock & Key in San Pedro and retired in 2005.

On Sundays, we gathered together for a family dinner and especially enjoyed when his infamous meatloaf was on the menu. On Wednesdays, he traded a dollar for a lottery ticket and imagined the fun our family would have with the winnings.

Family was not just a word for him. Family meant being there, being counted on in the everyday ups and downs. Our ups were always his smiles and hugs that made us, and everyone he touched, feel safe and warm.

Johnny had a saying: "That's beautiful!" It was his way of reminding us that everything is okay. We will be celebrating his life on January 24, 2013: "That's Beautiful."


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275