LZ Peace Memorial

John Candiotta, 1945-2013

 

There was a funeral today in Scandanavian Cemetery in Rockford, Illinois. John Candiotta, 67, and a Vietnam Navy veteran was laid to rest surrounded by his family, his Vietnam veteran brothers, and many friends.

 

Near the end of John's funeral there was a balloon launching. Balloons were given out and I thought I heard a canon booming in the distance. Suddenly the balloons were halfway to heaven. Up, up and away.

 

John D. Candiotta, 67, of Rockford, celebrated his Heavenly Homecoming at 4:43 a.m. Sunday, July 28, 2013, in Rockford Memorial Hospital.

 

John was born Dec. 13, 1945, in Rockford; the son of John and Lorraine (Giardini) Candiotta. He served in the U.S. Navy. He married Carol D. Archer July 1, 1972, in Rockford.

 

John worked as a truck driver for Rockford Products, several other companies, and as a security guard for Stewart Security. He was affiliated with many youth organizations, VietNow, and the McDonald’s North Main Coffee Club.

 

A little known fact: John's brother-in-law, Tony Bove, was one of the founders of VietNow of which John was a long-time member.

 

John  is survived by his wife of 41 years, Carol; his mother, Lorraine Candiotta; his siblings, Susan (Anthony) Bove of Rockford, Samuel (Angie) Candiotta of Machesney Park, Michael (Roxanne) Candiotta of Rockford, and Lori (Rick) Whitman of Vero Beach, Fla.; numerous nieces, nephews, and adopted youth family. He was predeceased by his father, John.

 

Our greatest desire is that those who do not know Jesus will come to love and serve Him as John did.

 

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., with Pastor David Anderson officiating. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery.

 

Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2013, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date.

 

Please click here for more information from Olson Funeral Home.

 

We'd like to here from you. If you'd like to share a story, pictures or make a video about John Berg or any veteran, please call Nick Parnello. Thank you.