John Gagliardi, 76, of Warren, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday,
February 8, 2016, at Warren Manor in Warren, PA. Born on October 17,
1939 in Punxsutawney, PA, John was the son of the late Fred and Rose
Belott Gagliardi. He worked as a crane operator with National Forge,
retiring in 2001. He was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church, Warren
Moose Lodge 109, and American Legion Post 135. John had served with the
U. S. Army. He enjoyed bowling, Indy car racing, and was an avid Boston
Red Sox fan and New England Patriots fan. In his younger days, he
enjoyed playing baseball and softball.
John is survived by his two sisters, Marlene A. Brasington and her
husband, Fred, and Carole A. Stewart and her husband, Allen, all of
Warren, PA, nieces and nephews – Christopher (Connie) Zaffino, Cathleen
Zaffino, Todd (Michele) Chiaravalloti, and Renee (Joshua) Anthony, all of
Warren, PA, Christina Cullen of Bristow, VA, Martin (Laura) Brasington of
Blacklick, OH, Jennifer (Richard) Anderson of Union City, PA, and Bethany
Chiaravalloti of Erie, PA, great nieces and nephews – Christopher Zaffino,
Jr., Brianna Zaffino, Spencer Zaffino, Dextri Zaffino, Jakobe Anthony,
Aydin Anthony, and Wyatt Chiaravalloti, all of Warren, PA, Riley Cullen,
Reanne Cullen and Raegan Cullen, all of Bristow, VA, two great-great-
nieces, Skyler Zaffino of Warren, PA and Lillianna Zaffino of Sheffield, PA,
and many cousins. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death
by a sister, Mary Rose Zaffino.
Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be conducted at
10:00 A.M. Thursday, February 11, 2016 at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600
Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA, with Fr. Richard J. Toohey,
Pastor, officiating, assisted by Fr. James Gutting, Pastor of Holy Redeemer
R.C. Church. Entombment will be in the Mausoleum of the Ascension in St.
Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Full military honors will be conducted by members
of the Clarendon/Sheffield V.F.W. Honor Guard and U. S. Army
personnel. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to place a memorial may do so
through the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association,
Greater Pittsburgh Chapter, 100 West Station Square Drive, Suite 1900,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or to the Warren Cancer Center, 2 Crescent Park,
Warren, PA 16365. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E.
Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. E-mail condolences
may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Never met a nicer man. Night after night, both of us working second shift, whiskey/water and Old Grand-Dad or anisette. We weren’t soused. Just a couplea drinks at Chimenti’s, Draft House, Rathskeller, Oakview, Brandywine, Snuffy’s, Bullpen — wherever. Then, Marino’s or maybe Daley’s Diner or Perkins. Sausage, eggs, toast, home fries, coffee. Change it up sometimes to cheeseburgers and fries. Conversation stayed the same, however: HIs Red Sox vs. my Yankees. He knew my Yankees players, stats, minor leaguers better than I did. Never argued, never got tense. Laughed a WHOLE lot. Knew his Mom and Dad, he knew mine. Knew his sisters, he knew my cousins. Nothing flashy or fancy about John, but he was just as solid as the Kinzua Dam. Godspeed, my friend.
One of the best of the best. Lots of shared great memories. His Mom and Dad were my godparents and wonderful people too. John loved his sports and knew every statistic on the Boston Red Sox team. Enjoyed playing football and baseball with him on the south side playground. The west side versus the south side. My Dad and his Dad use to pal around together and hang out at the Marconi Club. John could always be seen at the Oakview tavern at the end of the bar. You sure will be missed my friend by many.
The best uncle (and Godfather) anyone could ever wish for. You were there for me my entire life Uncle John. You shared in my ups and downs and put up with my hard-headed nature, always there to listen and offer advice. I will always remember hanging out watching movies, grilling out burgers and running to the store to get ice cream to make a “sundae on Tuesday” – or whatever night of the week it was.
Whether it was bowling, baseball, building a go-cart for Sean and I, liming a football field out back and installing the pylons so my friends and I could play football or just a ride in “old blue”, the truck you taught me to drive stick shift — you were always an active part of my life.
Wyatt “John” will carry your name proud UJ. I will miss you so much.
As I think, it saddens me that we were not closer. That being because of the great age difference between us. We really connected when you became ill about 12 years ago. You could be stubborn, demanding, and a down right pain in the butt. But then you were also funny, caring, and had a big heart.
After the “many” trips to the ER, you would always say….”thanks for coming”, like you had invited us to a party. Ha Ha. Or, “I really don’t want any visitors, except (you people)”
I am still trying to come to the realization that I will not see you anymore. I know you did not “mushy talk”, but I love you, Johnny. Until we meet again.