Monsignor John F. Sammon (often referred to as Father Sammon) was one of the most influential religious leaders in Tustin's history.

He served as the second pastor of St. Cecilia Catholic Church from 1960 to 1976, following the founding pastor, Father Michael Moran. During his 16-year pastorate, he transformed the young parish |into one of Orange County's leading Catholic communities

Some of his lasting contributions include::
1 ) Founded St. Cecilia Catholic School in 1961, which continues to serve Tustin families today
2 ) Led the construction of the permanent St. Cecilia Church on Sycamore Avenue, dedicated in 1964
3 ) Established an extensive mission program, creating a tradition of supporting Catholic missions
around the world that continues today

4 ) Encouraged active participation by military families and expanded parish ministries during a period of rapid growth

5 ) In 1976, he was appointed Vicar for Pastoral and Community Affairs and Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith for the newly established Diocese of Orange

His legacy remains highly visible at St. Cecilia. In 2024, the parish dedicated the new Msgr. Sammon Center in his honor, recognizing his decades of leadership and lasting impact on the parish and the Tustin community

For anyone documenting the history of Tustin in the 1950s-1970s, Monsignor Sammon belongs alongside community leaders such as Glenn Pyeatt, Ralph Lindsay, and Ray Aunger. He played a major role in shaping both the spiritual life and the civic fabric of the growing city during those years.