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BORN
1935
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
John Saragossa Obituary
Born: March 5, 1935
Died: September 5, 2020
John J. Saragossa passed away peacefully into eternal life surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, September 5, 2020 in Jefferson City TN.
John was born in Joliet at his family home to Pablo and Julia (Rodriguez) Zaragoza. He resided in Joliet most of his life. John joined the United States Army in 1953 serving two years before returning to Joliet where he met the love of his life Joan. Together they raised 7 children as well as a few neighborhood children at the family home on Cayuga St. The doors were always open and their home was a gathering place for many neighborhood friends. Many fond memories were made by all who walked through the doors and grew up playing neighborhood games in the yard.
John worked until the age of 80 as a very accomplished Upholsterer. Many of his works of art remain in the Joliet area and around the country to this day. John and Joan along with their children, grandchildren and friends enjoyed many Canadian fishing trips. This was their reward for the countless hours John spent working to provide for his family. His granddaughter Danyele knows that grandma and grandpa are fishing the shorelines of heaven today.
After the death of his one true love Joan, John discovered his second love in life, Karaoke. He spent several nights a week singing his heart out making many new friends along the way. Special thanks to Jan the Man, Kim, John, Sam, Laura and Merrily whom often gave John a ride on Karaoke nights.
John is survived by his little sister, Julie (Tommy) Saenz; his children, June (Bob) Saragossa, John Saragossa, Janet (Saragossa) Gonzales, James (Hope) Saragossa, and Judy (Rick) Chaffin. John is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and special friend, Timothy Widner whom he raised as a son.
Preceded in Death by his parents; brothers, Primo, Patrick, Jesse, and Simon; sisters, Manuella, Cecelia, Mary and Angie; and his children, Julie and Jerry.
John will be missed by all whom had the pleasure of knowing him.
Private graveside services for John will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Joliet. Per John's wishes cremation rites have been accorded. Obituary and Tribute Wall for John J. Saragossa are available at tezakfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to:
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Saragossa
Sponsored by Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life - Joliet.
Jackie Keltner
September 5, 2024
Hey Cowboy John,it's been too long since I saw your smile and heard you sing Honey in honor of your wife Joan.You were a great guy and a great coustmer, I remember the many times waiting on your table.So many good memories. I always share your talent of coustom car upholstery to many.You had a beautiful loving family,so many great memories John,you are missed my friend.
Tim & Lisa Puleo
September 14, 2020
We were Blessed that we known John and his Family for almost 20 years. He was such a Gentleman to all. He did a fantastic job on restoring the interior of a car of ours. We seen John sing 100’s of times at local karaoke places. He would get cheered after every song. My wife Lisa and John were famous for singing the duet “ Unforgettable “ John also like singing Dean Martin songs. The song that hits home for me is by George Jones, “ He Stopped Loving Her Today “ this was for Beautiful Wife June, that we personally did not meet, but we knew her from Johns stories over the years. God Bless John and his Family.
Diana Fitzgerald English
September 13, 2020
Mr. Saragossa was so enjoyable to talk to when I would come over to hang out with the family as a teenager. I always looked forward to seeing him. GREAT GUY !!!!
May he Rest In Peace
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I’m sure mom (Joan) Julie and Jerry are celebrating his arrival.
But I’m sure he will be missed by all.
Joann Jeffers
September 13, 2020
I am sending my sympathy to all of John’s family. John was a long-time friend of my late husband Don. Don always admired John’s upholstery skills and John worked on many of Don’s classic cars over the years. May your memories give you comfort. Many people share in your loss.
In friendship,
Joann Jeffers
JOAN BERNICKY
September 13, 2020
To Johnnies family and friends, on behalf of my late husband Louie Bernicky I would like to express our deepest sympathies.
From our family to yours.
God Bless
Lupe Garcia
September 12, 2020
Uncle John it was truly amazing to have you as my uncle I ❤ when you use to get the train into Chicago to go to the vet hospital we would meet at the same restaurant and have lunch before you went home. I will miss hearing you sing but I will always remember your voice my most deepest condolences to all my cousins their children and grandchildren
Jackie keltner
September 11, 2020
I am truly saddened at the passing of this great man.My heart and love goes out to his all family and those who knew and loved Cowboy John.Im am blessed to call this man my friend.One of Gods Earth Angels♥♥Goodnight my sweet friend♥♥
Sue Purkart
September 11, 2020
June, John, Janet, James, Judy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was a wonderful person, we loved to hear him sing and walk the neighborhood. Lou still has a vehicle that your dad did the upholstery on, it's just as nice as the day he did it. He will be missed by all.
Sue, Lou & Amber Purkart (Luna)
Jolyn Martinez
September 11, 2020
You will be greatly missed by all your Ridgewood kids. Rest in heaven
Geno balavender
September 11, 2020
Put in a good word for me johnny. Ill need it our ranks are thinning out . my condolences to your family and know we shared some good times dude
Leslie Vallandingham Mays
September 11, 2020
May god bring you peace and comfort as a family in your time of grief.
Ruth Reavis Smith
September 11, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Michael Pemble
September 11, 2020
John will be missed.A very thoughtful and generous spirit.
Fran Jasper(Shields)
September 11, 2020
So sorry for all the families,of John Saragossa. Prayers for you all. RIP,Mr. Saragossa.
Yeni Yvette
September 11, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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