John E. Pannunzio 1935-2025

John was born Nov. 7, 1935, in Youngstown, a son of the late John Pannunzio and Philomena Porfilio Pannunzio. He was the youngest of six brothers and sisters.

John lived in the Youngstown area his entire life. He was a proud graduate of East High School.

After graduation, he became a cement mason, following in the footsteps of his family, and was well respected by his peers in the trade. He was also an avid lover of woodworking and landscaping. He spent many hours in his backyard creating beautiful flower gardens and made it feel like a little piece of Italy.

John was a lifetime member of St Joseph Parish in Austintown. In his later years, he was a social member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Senior Citizens group as well as the Altar and Rosary group. He enjoyed the K of C pancake breakfasts at Immaculate Heart.

His love of food took him to the Mount Carmel spaghetti dinners and to most church festivals every summer, enjoying different ethnic foods. He was also a social member of the Socidad Mutualista Mexicano, where he lent his time to the Canfield Fair Mexican Society booth and festivals. Much of his help was behind the scenes so as not to bring attention to him.

John enjoyed going to East High class reunions and the spin-off small groups of class member lunches.

John is survived by his daughter, Deanna (Fred) Stelt; his only grandchild, Kirsten Stelt; a brother, William Pannunzio; and fiancee, Rachel Flasco. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Rich Pannunzio, who passed away Sept. 24, 1995; and a son, John J. Pannunzio. In addition, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Elaine Ruehle and Mia Pedro; and two brothers, Anthony and Calvin Pannunzio.

The family will receive relatives and friends 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025, at St Joseph Parish in Austintown. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m.

A private burial will take place in Resurrection Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text or email, or you may visit the Book of Memories at ww.rossifunerals.com to share your memories of John with his family.

(special notice)