"With love and heartfelt condolences to the children and grandchildren of John Ortolani, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know he was dearly loved by all of you and vice versa. Let his memories live on forever with your hearts. Rest in Peace John ?"
In loving memory of
John C. Ortolani
December 1, 1949 - March 21, 2023
John Charles Ortolani, Jr., was born December 1, 1949, in Rochester to John C. & Teresa (Nucci) Ortolani. His father worked as a bartender at Crescent Beach for as long as anyone can remember, while his mom worked and retired from the telephone company. He loved and respected his parents tremendously but would always give them a run for their money growing up. He and his older sister, Diane grew up in Greece, and he attended Paddy Hill for grade school. In 6th grade at intramurals, John met Jack Risio. Little did they know that this encounter would create a special brotherly bond that would last to this day. John went to Greece Arcadia for high school, he was involved in the student council and was the head of the service core on the student government committee. He graduated from Arcadia in 1967 and went on to St. Lawrence University where he played football for the Saints.
After college John joined the Rochester Police Department for several years before realizing his fate in Car Sales/Management.
Through the years you could find John working at any number of the large or small dealerships in Rochester. He was a human calculator, a genius with numbers, and an excellent talker, which made him successful in his career. He was often recognized as the leader in sales. He was a people person, easy to talk to, easy to trust and relate to, upfront, and straightforward. This trait had people following him throughout his career no matter which dealership he was working for, whether it was to purchase a car or just for solid trustworthy advice.
John has 3 children, Melissa Jean, John Charles, and Melinda Ann with their mom, Jean Levis Ortolani. Jean and John were married for more than 30 years total, They spent time boating, and at their cottage in the 1000 Islands. John and his kids were very close and shared a special bond that grew stronger and stronger as the kids grew older. They spoke on the phone daily and texted multiple times each day....... It was a running joke between them because the kids knew if they texted Dad - he would call them back repeatedly until they answered.
He loved boating. It was a passion of his. His boat was named "Tuza Charm" and if you were lucky enough to go for a ride, you'd most definitely be heard coming from far away, because he would be jammin out to his music. He loved all kinds of music, from the oldies, The Beatles, and country to pop & Hip/Hop, but whenever "Baby Got Back" came on he would for sure be belting that out.
John had many things he enjoyed doing. He took great pride in mowing patterns into his meticulous lawn when he was living in Rochester. He enjoyed snow blowing his driveway sometimes in his shorts since he rarely wore pants after moving to Florida. He would often end up doing the neighbor's driveways as well. He loved playing word games, mostly Wordle, and enjoyed pointing out mistakes in movies. He loved to be challenged. He appreciated and enjoyed a good martini. He did not like to wait in line and hated being late. He'd always say "If you're on time, you're already late." He would be outside waiting in the car with it running before anyone in the family was even done getting ready.
John's grandchildren meant the world to him. There is nothing he wouldn't do for them. Whether it was giving the best hug ever, offering up his advice, or telling a good ole laugh till it hurts kind of joke... Brianna, Sammy, Drew, Maddy & Colby lit up his life. He was always sure to frequently let them all know how wonderful they are and how much he loved them.
On March 31, 2012, John married Linda (Meier) in Florida. Florida is where they decided to spend their retirement years. They traveled as often as they could in their motorhome or using their timeshare to travel to Aruba. They also belonged to a boat club which allowed them to rent boats from many different marinas and locations whenever they wanted. John and Linda were big Netflix series binge-watchers. They also enjoyed crafting together and selling their things at local flea markets or on Etsy. Yes - John was crafty!!!
John had a love for small dogs. When he and Linda got together, her 3 dogs made him very happy. When they got Jasmine, a teacup yorkie, - they were an inseparable duo. She was spoiled and could always be found perched on his chest or shoulder while he napped or sat in his recliner!
He played the guitar when he was younger and in retirement. He would also play the Ukulele which he loved. He played and entertained and sang with his friends at the community center talent shows. It brought him great joy to spend time with Missy in Florida - him playing the Ukulele and Missy playing the guitar. He never missed an opportunity to sing to his kids and grandkids... often embarrassing them through the years.
John loved with everything he had to give. He is a true legend, with a larger-than-life personality. He was charming, inquisitive, happy, protective, and loud. He was never quiet, even when trying to whisper he just couldn't. He was always smiling, the center of every room. A jokester, and a ballbuster, and made friends wherever he went. He gave the best hugs and the greatest advice whether you asked for it or not, he was always there to guide you.
He lived his last moments with great happiness and anticipation in his heart. He was set to head to Rochester to spend time with his family and friends in August and then was planning on heading to Aruba to finally meet his 1st great-grandson Lyden in person. He was overjoyed at the thought of this trip. He was so proud of his children and his grandchildren, and all that they'd accomplished in their lives.
He spent every day grateful to be living his life and always planning his next adventure. He left a lasting impact on everyone he met along the way. His absence will be felt for a very long time.
John C. Ortolani, Jr. of Ruskin, FL/Rochester- Passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at the age of 73 in Ruskin, FL. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Meier) Ortolani; his children, Missy Shannon, John Ortolani, & Mindy (Jeremy Smith) Leckinger; their mother, Jean Levis Ortolani; grandchildren, Brianna Shannon, Sammy (Austin) Farlow, Andrew Leckinger, Maddison Leckinger & Colby Leckinger; great-grandson, Lyden; sister, Diane Durbin; aunt, Grace (Lawrence) Amico; sisters-in-law, Pam Meier, Patty (Lenny) Hernandez; brother-in-law, Gordy Meier; many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews & dear friends.
John's memorial service will be celebrated, Saturday, April 29th, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, 14626, (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.).
Tributes
"I did not know John but feel as though I did just from reading his obituary. He seemed like a very nice person. I am truly sorry for the loss of John. I know his family will keep his memory alive. John, you are in a better place and can now watch over the family you have here on earth! Thank you for your work at Rochester Police Department! It?s a tough job but I have to say, being a car salesman is just as tough! RIP John"
"Linda, I am so sorry to learn of John's passing. We all had a great time meeting up to see Uncle Louie Variety Shows. He was certainly a unique gentleman and will be missed. My sincerest condolences to you and family. Marylee "
"My mind knows you are in a better place, where there is no pain. You are at peace, I understand that, I just wish I could explain that to my heart. Rest in peace my Brother JHR 21 March 2023"
"John gave smiles and laughter to me and si much more He will be remebered always for the joy he spread to all Rest in peace my friend "
"We are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of John. He was always the first to welcome us "home" when we arrived in Riverside for the winter. Such a conversationalist, we would chew the fat and solve a few of the world's problems, all the while drilling holes in bottles before Linda did her magic. After we returned to Canada, he continued our friendship via email, always something up-lifting, funny, food for thought, always positive. God bless you, John, rest in peace. Our most sincere condolences to Linda and family."
"He always gave THE BEST Hugs ever!!"
"Scott Stark My forever RV friend and confidant from down the street in Riverside. My only regret was that we never had the chance to share the road in style. Save me a full hookup site in Heaven"
"Jean, john, missy and mindy, I am so sorry for your loss. I have great memories of all of us living on Thorpe Crescent. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Linda Kasper"
"Oh what can we say about you, Johnny Ort, our cousin whom we loved with all our hearts and cherished all of our cousin get togethers that you filled with endless jokes, countless laughs and a shared passion for our families. We know you are sharing that same passion in Heaven with your Mom and Dad and our parents. And now you join your cousins Joe, Tony, Linda and Gary for more laughs and jokes. Your love was felt by us all and we will miss you always. Risposa in Paradiso cugino, Ti amo until we meet again."
"John was one of a kind. He loved life and everyone he met in life. Such fun we had traveling with him around Lake Ontario. He was my husband-in-law and would joke about the story that made us related. May he Rest In Peace. It is with great sorrow that we must say goodbye. Love you, John! Rick and Kathy Booth"
" My wonderful husband and companion of more than 14 years left this world a happier place for his having been in it. Everyone I've heard from remembers John just as this picture shows him...always smiling, good for a laugh or two, and lighting up every room he entered. He was the life of the party and it was his daily aim to make people smile, laugh, and make their day. He thoroughly enjoyed life and his persona was infectious. You could say he never met a stranger. He was loved by everyone he met and made a positive impact everywhere he went. Such a good ambassador! The love of my life, we were truly much more than a couple--we were ONE in mind, spirit, and on the same wave-length. We constantly said the same things at the same time---it was uncanny, but comforting and served to make us aware that we were truly pull-aparts. We were a team and fully complimented one another. And I'm so grateful for every moment we had together! Although I feel like half of me has been ripped out, I'm comforted by knowing that he lived a very full life, HIS way! (and brought me along for the ride!) In the end, he made his decision for Christ. So I have that blessed assurance that his spirit (breath, essence) will rest with Christ until we're reunited with our incorruptible new bodies. That great Second Coming when Our Saviour comes again to Resurrect us into eternal life and take us home to be with Him forever. Hallelujah! And so...It is Well With My Soul!"