John Joseph Gentempo, longtime resident of Houston, Texas, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2019, at the age of 88. He was born July 22, 1930, in Newark, New Jersey, to Joseph and Pasqualina Gentempo. During the Korean War, John served in the Air Force. After returning home from Germany where he was stationed, he moved to Texas. He then attended the University of Houston where he played football, ran track and field, and gained distinction by setting the Missouri Valley Conference record for the triple jump in 1962. He graduated with a degree in pharmacy.
An avid sports enthusiast, he was not only a skilled bowler in his younger days, but he also continued to play a mean hand of poker. In fact, one could bet that in his living room every Friday, the formidable John Gentempo could be found engaged in a serious game with lifelong friends.
Although most knew John as a pharmacist, his true passion was the stage. Veteran audiences to Theater Suburbia will remember his presence as a polished actor. Other Houstonians may recall his appearances in local T.V. commercials. In addition, he managed for a time the popular Dean Goss Dinner Theater that sat in the shadow of the Astrodome on Murworth Drive.
Proud of his Italian heritage, John is survived by his five children. They are John Anthony Gentempo and wife Mary; Patricia Howell and husband Justin; Ann Marie Paradowski; Marilyn Walden and husband Doug; and Margaret Bader and husband Randy. He is also survived by his loving brother Joe Gentempo who showed him love and compassion throughout his life. He is preceded in death by another brother, Eddie Gentempo. He leaves behind ten grandchildren, one heavenly granddaughter, thirteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank his two caregivers, Bridget Caston and Mabel Townsend. Bridget was by his side for 25 years while Mabel tended to him for nine years. They both dedicated themselves not only to providing John with comfort and ease, but they also showed him dignity and grace as his body began to fail. We are so grateful to them.
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