In his youth, Johnny delivered the newspapers on his bike, singing as he rode and became known as the "Singing Paperboy." After graduating high school in Pensacola, Florida, Johnny moved to Shreveport, Louisiana where he began a 42-year career with Western Electric. In those 42 years he saw the company change names several times, but also saw the re-invention and technology leaps of the communications industry. These are the years in which he made many friends and fond memories, amassing stories that he later told his grandchildren.
Johnny enjoyed many hobbies, some of which were bird watching, singing and photography - he never left his camera at home. Through this, he has left behind abundant beautiful pictures of buildings and nature, as well as family and friends. In his personal life, Johnny was asked to join a group of military retirees to breakfast every Tuesday morning. These men became very special to him.
In 1986, Johnny returned to Shreveport to meet and eventually marry Susan Pelezo, nee Broome. Johnny and Susan enjoyed many loving years together where they gardened, visited family and friends, and hosted numerous Thanksgiving and 4th of July holidays.
Johnny Pelezo was a member of Southern Hills Church of Christ for countless years, where he supported the church with acts of devotion and love by teaching bible classes, organizing the supply room, welcoming members of the congregation, and most importantly making coffee. Church also allowed him to express his love for singing, every Sunday.
Left to cherish Johnny's memory are his wife, Susan Pelezo; his daughter Peggy Fries (David); his son David Pelezo (Michelle); his daughter Christina (Russ); his son Mike Pelezo (Leslie); his step daughter Allyson Smith; his 17 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Margaret Ann Lowry. He goes on to reunite with his parents John and Erlene Pelezo, brother Chris Pelezo, his daughter Debbie Smith and great grandson Nolan Torres.
A visitation for Johnny will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Centuries Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71108. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Officiating will be Jim Johnston.
Johnny will be laid to rest in Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71108.
Honoring Johnny as pallbearers are his grandsons: Austin Smith, Hank Marsh, Robert Marsh, Christian Carter, Cameron Carter, Nicholas Pelezo, Ethan Calabaza, James Stevenson, Michael Pelezo, Bryce Calabaza, Matthew Abbott, and Ryan Abbott.
The Pelezo family would like to thank CHRISTUS Hospice during Johnny's ten months with hospice. Their wonderful group of administrative, chaplins, doctors, nurses and specialists.
