Giovanni “Johnny” Rondinone, 66, of Old Lyme and formerly of the Hartford area, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14, 2024 surrounded by his entire caring family after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born in Ethiopia, Africa on August 29, 1957, a son of Maria (Giorgi) Rondinone and the late Alfredo Rondinone, he came to the United States at fifteen months old where he then resided in Hartford and surrounding towns for many years before residing full time in Old Lyme.
His impact he has made on those who knew him, is immense. He was truly one of a kind. A generous, devoted, loving man who would give anyone the shirt off his back. A hard worker, he opened up his business at just 16 years old. Now known as Rondinone’s Auto & Truck, LLC, Johnny built the establishment that still stands strong and is operated today by his two devoted children at 455 Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford.
Johnny loved his cars, boats and the beach. He enjoyed taking car rides and spontaneous day trips with his best friend Marlene, often ending up in Newport, RI and anywhere else in New England. He always looked forward to his days at the beach where he adored his beach family and friends, especially his “broski’s”.
Johnny leaves behind his two loving children who were his absolute entire world: daughter, Caroline Rondinone of Old Lyme, and his son, John Stephen “JR” Rondinone of Berlin. His children were his #1 fans, and he is theirs. He was the best father, friend, and even stranger to cross paths with. He was truly “The Best!” He also is survived by his beloved mother, Maria Rondinone of Cromwell; two caring brothers, Primo Rondinone and his wife Donna of East Hartford, Antonio Rondinone of Rocky Hill; a sister, Laura Milardo and her husband Sebastian of Portland; his significant other, Marlene Gatzak of Wethersfield and her twin daughters, Jenna Carcia and her husband Steven of Cromwell, Lauren Ambrosie and her husband Sean of Auburn, NH; several nieces, nephews, cousins, customers, and dear friends. Besides his father, Johnny was predeceased by a brother, Alfredo Rondinone of Cromwell. Johnny will be deeply missed by all of those whose lives he has touched over his 66 years here on earth.
Funeral service will be Saturday, April 20, 2024 with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 am at the Church of Incarnation of Christ the King Parish, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Saturday morning. Johnny’s family will receive relatives and friends to share memories on Saturday afternoon from 1 – 4 pm at the Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry Street, Plantsville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Johnny’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com
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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105
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