John Paul Lenore

1928 - 2015

Lenore, John Paul EL CAJON -- John Paul Lenore, 86, of El Cajon, California, joined our Heavenly Father on Sunday, April 19, 2015. John was born in Cleveland, Ohio to parents James Pettinato and Betty De Chiazza on August 8, 1928. Sadly, James passed away when John was only five. His mother, Betty, later married John Valentino Lenore and the family of eight made their home in Wheeling, West Virginia. As a young man, John saw an ad in the local newspaper about Manlius Military Academy outside of Syracuse, New York and decided to write a letter requesting a scholarship for football. Luckily, the school granted the scholarship because once John joined the team they went on to become undefeated for two years, all the while playing against college freshmen and college JV! Later, John worked his summers on the railroad and in the coal mines. He was known, even then, as a hard worker. While working the railroad as a spiker, John set a record of setting 135 ties in a single day! Dad met his "Dot," Dorothy Madelyn Marshall, and it was love at first sight. Five months later they married on November 6, 1948. Seeking a better life, John and Dorothy moved to California. Little did they know, with only $300 dollars in their pockets, they were about to become parents. After selling their car to pay for the hospital bill, John, Dorothy and their new baby, Pam, set up home in Fontana, California. In the following years, Jay and Jamie were born. Although John was not in the military service, (he had even tried by altering his birth certificate), he had a great respect for those that served. As his part of his duty to the country he loved, he vowed to work hard. This proud Sicilian American believed that America provides us with every opportunity; it is our responsibility to make something of it. As he stated in his autobiography, America, "In America you can be whatever you want to be, if you are willing to get off your a** and work hard!" While working for Hamms Brewery, John was offered a chance to become a distributor in San Diego. Fifty years later, John, his two sons Jay and Jamie and their hard working employees have made the John Lenore and Co. one of the most recognized and admired distributorships in the country. He took great pride in bringing his retail partners the latest trends and products in the marketplace. Not only did he own a local business, but he owned and operated the Logret Import & Export Co. which distributed the G. Heilman products, Pabst, Schlitz and many more private and privileged label products to chain stores throughout California and Arizona. He later entered into the bottling, brewing and distributorship of beverages in Cold Springs, Minnesota when he purchased the former Gluek Beverage Production Brewery. Since the mid-1960s, he recognized and helped create categories and trends that are major business categories today: Imported Beers, Craft Beers, New Age and Nutritional Beverages, Privileged Label and Private Label Malt Beverages, and RTD Flavored Alcoholic Beverages. He successfully began and managed: direct store delivery and sales company, direct chain warehouse delivery and sales company, regional import and sales company, national and international sales company and a major beverage and malt beverage production plant. John was a driven and very successful man. Over the years, John and his wife Dorothy also enjoyed horses. After watching their son Jamie excel within the American Saddlebred & Morgan Show Arena, they ventured into the horse breeding business. Lenore Farms of Versailles, Kentucky was a great love of theirs and they produced great horses. John also spent time as the museum president to The American Saddlebred Museum in Lexington, Kentucky. This was a position he enjoyed and it was also a great honor. Toward the end of his life, John and Dorothy generously donated their horse breeding legacy and their horses to Oak Hill Academy, Virginia. John Lenore was not only a hard worker, but also a very generous man with money and guidance. He taught that if something was worth your time, then he believed in giving it your best. He inspired many people throughout this country, including many from abroad. Those within his family, company, and the beverage industry would agree. His drive and tenacity were above all else. His love for his family and employees was well known and respected. He had a huge heart and was known for giving and helping those in need. A favorite memory for many is how John would stop and help the needy. It was not uncommon for him to share a meal, or give a "wad of twenties, even 100's" to a homeless individual. He would say, "That's someone's child; they need it more than I do." As said, his heart was HUGE. Surviving family members include his wife of 66 wonderful years, Dorothy Madelyn Lenore of El Cajon, California, their three children, Pam Tobias, Jay Lenore and Jamie Lenore, all of San Diego. John also leaves behind three brothers, Dr. Tom Lenore, Anthony Lenore, and Tony Lenore; two sisters, Patricia Lenore Wagner and Mary Lenore Quigley, all of California. He will also be greatly missed by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. All of whom enjoyed the weekly Friday night dinners with Poppy and Grammy at Anthony's in La Mesa, California. His family, his employees, and the retail beverage community, were his pride and joy, he loved them dearly. In addition to his love for his family, he loved and adored His Heavenly Father. His faith in God was his source of strength. He was a devout Catholic and a Man of God. A Viewing and Rosary are planned for Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at the Church of St. Luke in El Cajon, California, beginning at 10:00 AM. Immediately following the Viewing and Rosary, a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at the Church of St. Luke at 11:00 AM, officiated by Father Steven Larion. At the conclusion of the Mass, a Graveside Service is scheduled at Singing Hills Memorial Park in El Cajon, beginning at 12:00 PM. Following the Graveside Service, the Lenore Family invites everyone to join them as they continue to Celebrate the Life of John Lenore, with a reception to be held at the Church of St. Luke. If you would like to leave a condolence for the family, or for more information, please visit the family at www.eastcountymortuary.com/book of memories/johnlenore.