John R. DeLesley Jr.

1948-2019

John’s passing was so sudden and unexpected, after a six week illness he thought was influenza, that the shock of is passing has left our hearts broken yet still soaring with him, in spirt. No sweeter, kinder and more gentle soul could have accomplished what John did, by enriching our lives with his unique sense of the world, our galaxy, and how we all experience our glorious existence. Johnny leaves us treasuring all he taught us about Human Dignity, Love, Friendship, Spirituality and our lives.

He left us so many “Johnnyisms” of delightful stories about his many avocations, including astronomy, spirituality, our humanity and respect; as well as meditation; and his love of photography and “antiquing” for unique books and videos, mostly about the nature of our galaxy and our earth’s animals, geology and geography.

Johnny, as he was often called by friends, worked for over forty years as a desk Manager for The Safari Inn and the Coast Annabelle Hotel, in Burbank, California, where he had resided since 1948. After he received his Associates of Arts at L.A Valley College, he entered the service as a National Guardsman, PFC in the U.S. Military and left with an honorable discharge. He worked for Pacific Telephone, yet received a better offer at the Safari Inn, and remained a loyal and committed employee at both the Safari Inn and the Annabelle Hotel for over forty years. He often spoke of friends, respected colleagues and bosses and of the very loyal guests, who returned over the years, with whom he enjoyed special longstanding relationships, as well.

John is survived by his Beloved sister Susan (Delesley) Reed and his brother in law William Reed; He was a beloved uncle and great uncle of: Kyle (Audra Angelo) Reed; Grand Niece: Lauren, Emily Dale (Whitmayer) Picolla, Olivia Picolla, Michele (Whitmayer) Aggasid, Grand Nephew Trevor Grant (Christine Trang) Reed, Bryce Aggasid.

John is preceded in death by his parents; Josephine (Wysocki) DeLesley, John R. DeLesley Sr.; and his sister Mary Lou (DeLesley) Whitmayer.

A special Mention to those who grieve with us: his friends at work have been stunned by his sudden illness and passing, and will be having a gathering Celebration of Life to Memorialize John DeLesley,

Services will take place at The Coast Annabelle Hotel/Safari Inn 2011 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank Ca 91506 on Sunday, March 17, 2019 between 4:00pm – 6:00pm.

If you wish to attend or send flowers, you may have them delivered to the Coast Anabelle Hotel, in care of Nora.