John Joseph Compton

John Compton, 84, passed away on March 3rd, 2021, surrounded by his immediate family following a brief illness. John was born on April 9th, 1936 in San Francisco, California to Marion and Magdalen Compton. He grew up in the Eureka Valley neighborhood and attended Most Holy Redeemer Elementary School, Sacred Heart High School, and eventually graduated San Francisco State College with his teaching credential. He continued his education and received his Masters Degree in Mathematics at Dominican College in San Rafael, California. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1954, and was stationed in Panama during the Korean War. He married Shirley Ogolin in 1969 and they were happily married for 51 years. Two children were born of their marriage, Johnna and Joseph. John and Shirley spent most of their years residing in the Bay Area, but relocated to Bakersfield in 2003 to be closer to family during their retirement. 

John was a distinguished educator who began his teaching career at Larkspur Elementary School. After seven years, John moved to Taylor Middle School in Millbrae, in which he taught Algebra and Pre-Algebra to 7th and 8th grades for the next 33 years, and served as principal for one year. John always brought his unique humor, selfless nature, and joy for helping others learn into his classroom on a daily basis. He took great pride in his school and devoted his time advocating his support for his fellow teachers through school board negotiations.

John was proceeded in death by his father Marion Compton, mother Magdalen Compton, sister Maryann Criqui, brother Michael Compton, and daughter-in-law Hong Compton. John is survived by his wife Shirley; daughter Johnna Antongiovanni (Tom) and son Joe; his grandchildren Carly, Nick, Trent Antongiovanni and Cody Compton. Sister-in-law Diane Tang, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was actively involved in his children’s lives, constantly driving his children to rehearsals, practices, paper routes, and events. This carried through to his time in Bakersfield with his four Grandchildren, in which he could be found at their sporting events, school pickups, helping them with their homework, and spending as much time with them as possible. He enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, working Sudukos and other math puzzles, and actively followed his favorite sports teams. He was a 49er season ticket holder from their days at Kezar Stadium, until they played their last game at Candlestick Park in 2013. He attended two Superbowls in support of the 49ers, worked all of the Giants World Series games (he was inside Candlestick Park during the ‘89 earthquake), as well as attending the Game 5 victory of the Golden State Warriors 2015 championship game.

John will be greatly missed and will be remembered as an extremely loving man who was devoted to his family, lead his community through his love of teaching, and maximized his time with his all Grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, March 25th, 2021 at 10:00am at Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 12300 Reina Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93312. In lieu of flowers or plants we choose to honor John with a donation to Hoffman Hospice (4401 Buena Vista Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311); Garces Memorial High School Girls Water Polo or Soccer team (2800 Loma Linda Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93305)