John E. Pozza, 88, of Ames, formerly of California, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Northridge Village Assisted Living in Ames, Iowa.

John Eugune Pozza was born March 5, 1937, in Montebello, California to John and Susie (Milano) Pozza. He was raised and educated in Rosemead, graduating from Rosemead High School before attending and graduating from Cal State Los Angeles with a degree in Business. John was an only child with a very active and involved extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

John met Betsy Rooney at a church group for young adults in Pasadena, California. The couple married in 1965 and were blessed with three children: John, Eileen and Beth. Together they enjoyed camping, card games with friends, and road trips to Las Vegas. Betsy passed away in 2015.

John worked as a buyer for Sears and Roebuck for 30 years in Los Angeles, California. When Sears closed their Los Angeles headquarters, he chose to retire rather than relocate to Chicago.

From an early age, John was an avid sports fan cheering on his favorite teams, most notably the Los Angeles Dodgers. John also enjoyed spending time at the racetrack at Santa Anita Park. John and Betsy were even "extras" in the movie, Seabiscuit, which was filmed at Santa Anita. John was known to spend an afternoon golfing, reading or on the back patio listening to a Dodger game, playing chess with neighborhood friends, or spending time out in his garden.

In recent years, John moved to Ames to be closer to his daughters. He was able to share his values of loyalty, consistency and love of family with his children and grandchildren.

John will be lovingly remembered by his children, John (Renee) Pozza of La Verne, California, Eileen (Perry) Carter of Ames, and Beth (David) Dear of Ames; his grandchildren, Noah (Emily Day) Carter, Kiersten Carter, Courtney (Logan) Garrett, Kaitlyn Dear, Owen Dear, and Aubrey Dear.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Betsy Pozza.

Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care
414 Lincoln Way
Ames, Iowa, 50010
515-292-2273