Obituary of John Lotito

John (Giovanni) Lotito,83, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2013. He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Theresa Lotito; a baby son, Louis Frank Lotito; his parents, Luigi and Filomena Lotito; brothers, Frank, Dominick and Nick Lotito; sisters, Rose Ferrera and Anna Vangi; and his son-in-law, Mario Codispoti. John is survived by his daughters, Philomena (Phyllis) Panzarella and her husband, Paul, Dr. Lucy Lotito-Codispoti; son, Louis John Lotito and wife, Maria; sisters, Mary DePalma, Nancy Roselli and husband, Louis; grandchildren, John Panzarella and wife, Sarah, Paul-Michael Panzarella, Teresa Lotito; great grandchild, Ava Marie Panzarella; and a host of other family and friends. John was born in Corato, Italy in 1930. As a young boy he began assisting his father, a sacristan, in the local Catholic Church. Among his duties, John operated the bellows for the pipe organ. Always a quick study, John soon taught himself to play the sacred hymns. One day, at the age of nine, John saved the day when he played the organ for a wedding after the regular organist did not show up. Everyone was surprised when they realized that the music had been provided by a mere boy! In 1948, John wed his beautiful bride, Theresa in that very same church. The following year he immigrated to the United States and took up residence in Highland Mills, New York. John went to work for his Uncle delivering ice. He would carry large blocks of ice on his shoulder, often up several flights of stairs, to residences and local restaurants. Always looking to advance, John took a second job working as an apprentice in a machine shop. After hearing tales about sunny California from one of the machinist, John decided to relocate. Speaking only broken English, John managed to drive cross country to start a new career working in the machine shop for Rhor aircraft Carrier. Married, with two young daughters, and working full time, John returned to school and graduated with his High School Equivalency Diploma. He joined the Benevolent Fraternity of Elks and remained a lifetime member. After the tragic death of a stillborn son, the family returned to New York to be near relatives. The following year, John was blessed with the birth of a healthy son, Louis, on the day before his birthday! The family remained in Suffern, New York where John worked at various machine shops honing his trade. Eventually he became a Tool and Die Maker and worked for Chromalloy before retiring. John also took correspondence classes and learned how to be a Television Repairman, as well as, a Locksmith. In 1992, John and his wife relocated to Pearland, Texas to be near his son Louis, Maria and their baby daughter, Teresa. The following year his daughter, Phyllis and Paul relocated with their twin sons, John and Paul-Michael. Finally in 2007 his daughter, Lucy and husband, Mario relocated so that the family would be united once again. During his life, John and his wife traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. They were able to make pilgrimages to Our Lady of Lourdes, in France, as well as, Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal. John enjoyed gardening and prided himself on growing unusual vegetables and his fruit trees. He enjoyed listening to opera, as well as, the standards from the 40”s and 50”s, and always had music playing in his workshop. John was a strong willed and strict father who loved his wife and family dearly, especially his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. A Visitation and Rosary for John will be held on Friday, August 9, 2013 from 5:00 until 8:00 pm with the Rosary recited at 6:00 pm by Father Benny Thadathikunnel at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 10:00 am at St. Philip the apostle Catholic Church, 2308 Third Street, Huffman, Texas 77336 with Father Richard Barker officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Texas.