Johnny Albert Deniz

Johnny Albert Deniz, born on November 6, 1944, in Madera, California, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at the age of 81 following a courageous three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

The cherished first-born son of the late Manuel and Anna Deniz, Johnny was a proud graduate of Madera High School and Fresno State. He served three years in the U.S. Army as a payroll clerk, stationed in Oakland and Korea. After his military service, he met Natalie Rodriguez, a kindergarten teacher at Dixieland Elementary School. They married and shared nearly 40 loving years together, raising their daughter Angela in Madera until Natalie’s passing in 2010. Johnny later remarried in 2012 to Audrey Diaz, a close family friend, and was blessed with step-children Jon and Tricia and their families. He and Audrey shared a beautiful marriage until her passing in 2016.

Johnny began his career at the Madera County Auditor’s office before joining Deniz Packing, Inc. as an accountant at the invitation of his godfather and uncle, Johnny P. Deniz. A fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, he served actively on St. Joachim’s school board and parents club and participated in the Holy Family Table, Eucharistic Ministry, adoration, and numerous other parish volunteer activities. He found joy in traveling, fishing with friends, playing cards with family, and caring for his yard.

He is survived by his devoted daughter, Angela Menashe (Phillip Menashe); sisters Gloria Deniz (Betty DeVito) and Gladys Deniz; brother Julius Deniz; step-son Jon Diaz (Kim Diaz); step-daughter Tricia Diaz Crongeyer; and step-grandchildren Hayden, Mason, Camden, Ana, and Emma. Johnny will be remembered as a beacon of kindness, strength, and unwavering faith who touched the lives of all who knew him.