Juan Jose Sastre, Jr., passed away June 28, 2010. He was born in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, May 25, 1946, to Juan Jose Sastre, Sr., and Marisa Mejias Navalon. He attended schools in Mallorca and Almansa, Spain, arriving in the United States through the Port of New York on Jan. 26, 1966. He obtained an associate degree from Orange Coast College in Huntington Beach, Calif., where he resided from 1966 until March of 1969, when he enlisted in the United States Army. He served with the 1st Cavalry Division and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, until 1972 when he was discharged. In 1972, he became a United States citizen in Austin, Texas. After his active military service, he returned to southern California and met his wife, Cynthia. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1976 and lived in Anaheim, Calif., until 2006, when they followed their retirement dreams and moved to Whidbey Island.

After his discharge from the army, Juan worked for Northrup-Grumman for 32 years. He also re-enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in 1984. Before retiring from the reserves, he was called to active duty in 2002. He retired as a Sergeant First Class in 2003.

Juan was preceded in death by his father and his beloved wife, Cynthia, who died Nov. 23, 2008. He is survived by their daughter Jamie and her husband, Joseph Scott, who live on Whidbey Island in Coupeville; a son, Sean DuJardin, and his wife Gina of Anaheim; and his mother, Marisa Mejias Navalon Priddy, and a sister, Christina Priddy, both of Huntington Beach.

Juan was an enthusiastic volunteer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and an active member of the Oak Harbor Yacht Club. He especially enjoyed working with the “B – Team” at the Oystercatcher Restaurant, owned by Jamie and Joe. He was an avid soccer fan — even played professional soccer for a time in Europe — and he just knew and predicted that Spain would win the World Cup this year. He is fondly remembered as a fabulous Paella chef, hosting an annual Paella Party as well as donating these fabulous dinners to several charities.

There will be no formal service. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to WAIF Freeland Cat Adoption Center, 1801 B Scott Street Freeland, WA 98249.