John’s 89 years of life were marked by integrity, honesty, humility, service, love for others, and a heart of gold. John deeply loved his wife, Ruth, his children, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; along with his many friends and relatives. Above all, John, affectionately called “Papa” or “Pop”, trusted the Lord Jesus and will continue to inspire his loved ones to live a life of service and humility.
John’s journey began on February 21, 1930, when he was born to Vincenzo and Antonina Sola in Kansas City, Missouri. John was blessed with hardworking, loving parents and many brothers and sisters.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Loraine, brothers Matt, George, Joseph, Nick, Louis, Sam, step-son Don Demeter and two sisters Gene Ingolia and Jennie Barbieri.
He is survived by his loving family; wife Ruth, children Kathy Oesch (Kevin), Sandra Oesch (Stephen), Louis Sola (Lynn), Michael Sola, along with his sister Antoinette Labruzzo. He also has numerous surviving grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren.
After graduating from Manuel High School in Kansas City, John enlisted in the United States Army in June 1951, where he served as a cook during the Korean War. The soldiers in John’s regiment had to be thrilled to have John as a cook. His baked macaroni, passed onto him by his father, an immigrant from Sicily, would become a staple at family gatherings. After his honorable discharge from the Army in May 1953, John rejoined the family business as a cook/bartender, eventually becoming its owner. Sola’s Tavern was a fixture in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Kansas City until 1999. Sola’s Tavern was such a mainstay in the community that news of its closing prompted a columnist for the Kansas City Star to pen a column. With his legendary work ethic, John transitioned to become a beloved greeter at a Walmart in the Northland for a number of years.
John’s family meant the world to him. He married Loraine Daleo in 1955. They were married until the Lord called Loraine home in 1973. John married the final love of his life, Ruth, in 1978. John and Ruth were inseparable and shared an unbreakable bond. They enjoyed fishing trips to Crystal Lakes and Grand Lake and were avid Chiefs, Royals, and Mizzou fans. A longtime resident of his home in the old Northeast section of Kansas City, John was greatly respected by all of his neighbors.
Services will take place on Saturday, August 3 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri: Visitation from 11:00am to 1:00pm, Rosary at 1:00pm, Eulogy at 1:30pm. Burial will follow in Mount Moriah Cemetery with Full Military Honors.
John’s legacy will continue to live on through his family. We will miss him but take comfort in the fact that he will be in eternal communion with his Lord and Savior.
