John Aprea, known for his role as young Tessio in “The Godfather Part II” and as John Stamos’ father in “Full House,” passed away on August 5 at the age of 83. His manager, Will Levine, confirmed that Aprea died of natural causes in Los Angeles while surrounded by family.
Born in 1941 to Italian immigrants in Englewood, New Jersey, Aprea moved to New York City in the early 1960s to pursue an acting career before eventually relocating to Los Angeles.
He made his film debut in the 1967 Steve McQueen film “Bullitt” before securing the part of young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in “The Godfather Part II.” Initially, he had auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather,” a role that ultimately went to Al Pacino. Aprea reportedly reached out to Abe Vigoda, who portrayed the older Tessio in the original film, for advice, and Vigoda encouraged him to enjoy the experience.
Aprea considered his role in “The Godfather Part II” one of the highlights of his career. Over the years, he appeared in various television series and films, including “The Montefuscos,” “The Idolmaker,” “Matt Houston,” “Mannix,” “The Rookies,” “NYPD Blue,” “The Stepford Wives,” “American Anthem,” and “The Game.”
From 1988 to 1991, he appeared as the exterminator father of Jesse Katsopolis, played by Stamos, on the ABC sitcom “Full House,” and he reprised this role in the 2017 Netflix reboot “Fuller House.”
He is survived by his third wife, Betsy Garci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage to actress Cherie Latimer, and his stepchildren, Marika Parker and Valentino Garci.