Jon Edward Cates

Jon Edward Cates was born on November 8, 1953, in Compton, California to Wayne and Elinor (Hyde) Cates. He spent his early years in California but later moved to Sublimity, Oregon where he became a beloved community member for 40 years. Jon passed away surrounded by family on September 21, 2022.

Jon met his wife of 39 years in Big Bear, California where they were married on August 27, 1983. They welcomed 5 children.

Raised in Glendora, Jon spent a great deal of time in the kitchen learning recipes and mixing ingredients together with his mother and aunt Nellie. In between working the farm and spending time in the kitchen, he managed to acquire the title of "Tennis Champion of Glendora".

In search of a better place to raise his beloved family, Jon and Moira made the decision to move to Oregon. Working at various restaurants and businesses he perfected his skills to finally open his own pizza shop in Mill City, Giovanni’s. Giovanni’s was the beginning of many adventures for the family to come. Raising a young family and being a business owner came with much excitement and comical days, feeding the kids game tokens to keep them at bay while pizza orders continue to pile on.

The legacy continued after Jon sold Giovanni’s, and later opened PanezaNellie’s which quickly became a hometown favorite. Jon will be forever remembered as the guy who did it all. From being Mr. Reliable for any home repairs, an unpaid advisor, a staple in the community of philanthropy and full bellies, and the one his family and friends could always count on for anything in between.

Aside from his family, irresistible Craigslist deals, ‘Scruffies', junk shop finds, drinking coffee and beer, and passion for old muscle cars, his most prized possession was his relationship with Christ our Lord.

Jon (Jonny Boy, Grandpa, Pops, Poppy, Popsie Whoopsie, Dad, Pizza Jon) was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Diane Vader. He is survived by his wife, Moira (Price) Cates, children; Jessica (Joshua), Brandon (Gena), Ryan (Anna), Chelsea (Felipe), Kristen Cates, grandchildren; Devin, Kylie, Alexandria, Ellie, Brody, Maliah, Brior, Orin, Amara, Lemmon, Millie, Adelynn, Dominic, and brother; Archie.

The Recitation of the Rosary will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church Monday September 26th at 6:00 PM with A Mass of Christian Burial being held on Tuesday, September 27th, 2022, at 10:30AM. A Celebration of Life to follow at PanezaNellie’s for family and close friends on Tuesday evening.