John was born to parents Anna and Anthony in February 1939 and lived in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn. He attended Alexander Hamilton High School, and then worked in a furniture store and camera shop, and later served in the Army National Guard. In 1958 he met the love of his life, Paula Detta. They were married in 1964, welcomed a son, John, in 1966, and after moving to Staten Island had a daughter, Christine, in 1970.
John worked for the NYC Department of Sanitation for 20 years, until 1984. He subsequently worked as a bartender in a family business, and then as a limousine driver until retiring. In his later years he pursued hobbies such as gardening, painting, woodworking, and watching the Mets. Most of all he relished being a beloved Papa to his granddaughter Lauren, and serving as family patriarch.
His family and friends will treasure the fond memories of a great man with a keen wit, kind demeanor, and willingness to do anything for his family. He will be sorely missed.
