April 1, 1942 ~ August 3, 2022
John was born in San Francisco, CA to William and Helen Kiley and passed away at the age of 80. He grew up in San Bruno where he attended North Brae Elementary, and St. Bruno (St. Roberts) Schools. He graduated from Serra High School in San Mateo, which was the same school that Tom Brady and Barry Bonds attended.
After high school, he became a computer operator and programmer, working for various companies. He then decided that he wanted more than working at a computer, so he went back to school at Sonoma University where he earned his teaching credential in Geography with a minor in Math.
John taught 5th grade at St. Anne’s in Sacramento and Sacred Heart School in Turlock and he also taught 3rd grade at El Capitan school in Delhi for 25 years. His students loved how he always looked for fun and interesting ways to teach. He earned the Who’s who among teachers award for the best teacher in America twice. He also served as a mentor teacher for Delhi School District from 1988-1990.
He enjoyed gardening, loved visiting Morro Bay, visiting family for the holidays in Reno and attending to SF Giants games. John volunteered his time with Catholic Charities after retirement, and enjoyed driving others around as needed. John enjoyed unusual seeds and plants. He was a faithful 49ers fan and enjoyed rooting for the Warriors. John loved folk music and over the years got to see Joan Baez, the Lime Lighters, Glen Yarbrough, Kingston Trio and Judy Collins, Don McLean.
John is survived by his sister Lynnda Kiley; sister in law Evelyn Kiley; cousins Jess and Les Bertroch. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother William Thomas Kiley Jr.
Private interment was held.
Condolences(6)-
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Vincent Boyden says
August 11, 2022 at 7:12 amHe was my 3rd grade teacher back in 1992, hard to believe it’s been 30 years. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. He made the classroom fun.
Kirk and Mary McCandless says
August 9, 2022 at 5:46 pmWe had the privilege of knowing John over the course of many years, beginning our relationship with him while he was teaching at Sacred Heart School, and later while he was a teacher in Delhi Unified. John was always a well-loved teacher and colleague. He was a deeply caring person who inspired those of us who had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him to be better, more caring individuals. After we retired, we would periodically bump into John as he was walking downtown, and it was always fun to stop and chat with him, especially because he was a smiling sort of individual who could always make a humorous comment about an ordinary occurrence and make us laugh–we always left our encounter feeling a bit more cheerful than before we had seen him, This world is certainly a better place because John journeyed here, and we are grateful to have known him.
Vicki Church says
August 9, 2022 at 4:04 pmI loved teaching with John for those 25 years. He was such a fun and interesting person and an awesome teacher. I loved our Friday dessert club after school and that you taught me that graham flour is a real thing. You always made the most yummy desserts ❤️
Fernando Villafan says
August 9, 2022 at 9:38 amHello to anyone who grew up with me and had Mr. Kiley as a 3rd grade teacher. He was an awesome and amazing man. Fun teaching methods were wierd but also funny. He was a kind and loving person. I will always remember how awesome you were and you will always be remembered. Walk free Mr. Kiley. Also may you R.I.P
Tara Dehart says
August 9, 2022 at 5:39 amRest in peace Mr. Kiley you was my 3rd grade teacher and I will never forget you…
Jay Serratore says
August 9, 2022 at 3:00 amJohn was a great asset to Delhi Schools, a great teacher who was loved and respected by his peers. John was a great man and will be missed.