John Henry Riffero II

John Henry Riffero II lost his battle with cancer Sunday night, June 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. John was born December 28, 1941, to John Riffero and Emma Riffero at Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara. In 1959 at age 17 John graduated from Santa Barbara High School and immediately enlisted in the Navy because he wanted to experience the world. Throughout his life, John was a natural entrepreneur and found success in many business endeavors including the banking industry, jewelry industry and beverage distribution. He was also a realtor and a notary public. Despite all these ventures, he is best remembered for the local businesses he operated, the most famous being his store on the corner of San Pascual and Mission, known as Franco & Riffero’s, “Home of the Killer Chicken”. John also owned a Mexican restaurant called La Parilla Suiza.

John was actively involved in his community belonging to many local organizations including: The Santa Barbara Elks Lodge #613, Lions Club of Santa Barbara, Jaycees, E Clampus Vitas, Dago Bastards, Italian Boot Club, Los Rancheros Pobres, and Caravaneers. He was a loving, generous, and gregarious man who cherished spending time with his family and friends. He was highly active and enjoyed travel, bowling and golf.

John is survived by his wife of 36 years, Pamela, sister Norma Jean Leifer (Vince), daughters Rochelle Baiocchi (Joel), Autumn Lotus and Erica Phillips, and son John H. Riffero III (YuHue) grandchildren Jasmine, Justin, Dakota, Lilly, Arianna, and Ricky. Four nieces also survived him: Erin (Brian), Ashley (Pauline), Leslie, and Emma Nadine (Paul).
In lieu of flowers please donate in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Celebration of Life to be held on June 30, 2023, 12:00 Elks Club, 150 N. Kellogg Ave, Goleta.