Obituary of John Barone

John Barone, 91, of Port Jefferson, formerly of North Bellmore, on November 29, 2021. Beloved husband of the late Mary Elizabeth for over 50 years. Survived by his children, Christine Brudner (Gary), Patricia Sokoly (Michael), John Jr. Michael (Veronica). Also survived by 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Visitation December 3rd from 2-4pm & 7-9pm at C.S. Bartholomew and Son, 302 S. Bedford Ave., Bellmore. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9am on December 4th at St. Barnabas R.C. Church, Bellmore, N.Y. Interment to follow at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, N.Y. **************************************************************************************************** John (Giovanni) Barone of North Bellmore, N.Y. passed away on November 29, 2021 at the age of 91. He was born on June 21, 1930 in New York City and was the youngest of three children born to his Sicilian immigrant parents, Gaetano and Concetta Barone. John grew up in the Lower East Side of Manhattan where he attended The Boys Club of New York on E. 10th Street and St. Mary Help of Christians Church on East 12th Street (which was built by Italian immigrants). At the age of nine, John moved with his parents, brother, Sal and sister Grace to Corona, Queens where he spent his teenage years pursuing interests that included singing, weightlifting and ultimately his passion with the arts. After graduating Newtown High School in June of 1949, John worked in the garment district making mannequins alongside his older sister Grace. John eventually secured a union job as a machine operator at the Concrete Conduit Corporation, in Whitestone New York before enlisting in the United States Air Force in March of 1951. He served four years during the Korean War stationed in Oklahoma, Utah, Germany and North Africa. When he returned to the United States, he met his future wife on a blind date and married Mary Elizabeth McDonough from Bala- Cynwyd, PA. in 1956. After honeymooning in Florida, John and Elizabeth settled in Flushing, Queens where John attended night school at Caton Rose Institute of Fine Arts and started his family. He had hopes of becoming a Commercial Artist and was even offered a job designing greeting cards for American Greeting Cards in Cleveland, Ohio. John ultimately turned down the offer to stay on the east coast where most of his family lived but continued his love of art throughout his life. In 1962, John moved his family from Queens to North Bellmore, Long Island where he continued work at the Concrete Conduit Corporation for 26 years. John and Elizabeth had 4 children; Christine, Patricia, John and Michael. He was very proud of his Sicilian heritage, his wife, children and his house. When the Concrete Conduit Corporation closed John transitioned into sales, which was a perfect fit for his larger than life personality. He worked at a car dealership in Miami, Florida for a short time before, again turning down an offer to relocate, to become a salesman for The Knapp Shoe Company, based in Brockton, MA. John was an extremely social man and developed long term friendships with many of his customers on Long Island throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. His storytelling was second only to Coppola and Spielberg and John would often be found in any crowd by looking for the circle around him as he used his hands, facial gestures and strong lungs to animate a story from his past. He will be fondly remembered for his big cigars, variety of hats and singing Italian songs no matter where he was. John’s philosophy was that if you were Italian that was good, but if you were Sicilian that was even better. There were so many stories from growing up on the lower East Side of New York to meeting Lucky Luciano in 1952 in Naples, Italy. John also always dressed sharp. Shined shoes were a must in the Barone household, tie tacks adorned the Windsor knots he taught his boys to tie and everything had its place. John was a devoted husband and loving father, who worked very hard to provide for his family his entire life. He would work multiple jobs, and double shifts but no matter what the circumstances, he’d be at the dinner table with the family. Even after working long days, he would always take the time to feed and walk the family German Shepherd, if the kids had not done so. His work ethic and pride in self, set a standard that helped his children carry on into their successful careers. A very special event for John occurred on Father’s Day of 2002 when he received a restored 1956 Buick from his son, Michael. John had always loved his original Buick back in 1956, but had to sell it due to his expanding family. Newsday wrote an article on Father’s Day, June 16, 2002 about the Special Day. He was overwhelmed when he was given the keys to the beautiful two-toned green 1956 Buick that was almost identical to his original car. John’s five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren brought him happiness when he saw them or saw pictures of them. John touched many lives during his travels and always taught his children to be loyal to their families, their heritage and help one another whenever possible. John will be remembered by his family, friends and those that had the pleasure of meeting him. Although John is no longer with us, his larger than life personality and memorable stories will live on within us forever. **************************************************************************************************** In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would share a fondest memory with them of their father in the Tribute Wall section. Donations may also be made in John's name to the Long Island State Veterans Home. Links for the Tribute Wall and the donation to the Long Island State Veterans Home are listed at the top of this page. ****************************************************************************************************