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JOHN RASTELLI Obituary
JOHN D. JR., age 55, of Mullica Hill, NJ passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 28, 2011 after a long and courageously fought battle with cancer. His devoted wife of 27 years, Mary (nee Harte) and son Patrick were by his side. John was a volunteer ice hockey coach for Clearview Middle School as well as a women's team, sharing his talents and insights on the ice with players of all ages. Cycling became John's passion over the last 12 years, and he would ride for miles over the roads of South Jersey. John became a strong supporter of Lance Armstrong and LIVESTRONG, inspiring many family members to ride with him. His driving force was to raise awareness and funds for the 28 million living with cancer worldwide. John worked hard and took pride in completing many projects including building a log home for his family and was always first to offer assistance when family members needed help with their own projects. His courage and will to fight his disease inspired all those he met. His ready sense of humor, wit and laughter will be remembered. He most enjoyed spending time with his wife Mary, son Patrick and members of his extended family.
John is survived by his parents, John and Martha Rastelli, Sr. (nee Misero), sisters Janice Rastelli-Minor and Julia Rastelli.
A Celebration of John's Life will be held Sunday, May 1st from 1:00-3:00 P.M. at The Marian House, 507 Kings Hwy South, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John's memory to LIVESTRONG, 2201 E. 6th Street, Austin, TX 78702 or online at
http://philly2011.livestrong.org/johnrastelli.
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN RASTELLI
Billie McClintock
May 2, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear about John's passing. Please know he is in a better place and I will keep you and your son, Patrick in my thoughts and prayers.
Billie McClintock & Clan (Fr. Paul Harte's former secretary - RENEW)
Cheryl Cathcart
May 2, 2011
Dearest Mary,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. My thoughts are with you and Patrick at this sad time.
Ed Martin
May 1, 2011
To John's Family:
I had the pleasure of knowing John when he was a craft trainee many years ago at the Mobil refinery. When many others were following the ways of this world he stood above the rest and never compromised his Christian values. He was a fine gentleman then and from these comments it's obvious he continued to be always. To John's family and to his father and mother who I knew well, my sincerest condolences. I know God has welcomed him home and told him "Well done my good and faithful servant".
Pat & Lynne Sullivan
April 30, 2011
We are so sorry to hear that John has passed. Mary, Patrick and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
John was a true friend and a great coach; who helped guide Patrick, Michael, Shaun, and Tim from a very young age through high school. John was loved and respected by all his players because of his commitment and dedication to them.
John was a very kind, caring and loyal friend who was always there for our family during the tough times. He fought his desease just as he faced life every day with grace and character. John will be missed; he truly was a great person!
Pat, Lynne & family.
April 30, 2011
To the family,
The fond memories of John will never be forgotten by all who knew and loved him. May the comfort from family and friends continue to strengthen you during this difficult time, and may you find comfort in the words found in the last book of the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
May the wonderful memories of your loved one continue to provide a measure of comfort to you--until God's promises for the future are fulfilled. 2 Peter 3:13
Keith and Sylvia Marinus
April 30, 2011
Mary and Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you comfort at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fred Gumminger
April 30, 2011
I remember John very well and I was sad when he finally decided to give up hockey.
He loved the game of hockey and even after he quit playing he gave of himself as a scholastic coach for quite a few years after he retired from playing.
He was a great player and it was always fun to be on his line or to try to stop him as an opponent.
He was a gifted skater and I remember watching him coach one of his school teams when one of his wicked slap shots shattered the glass in the endboards on the NHL side at Hollydell!
He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and he was one of those rare individuals who always seemed to radiate positive energy
to all around him, even when he was not in the best of health.
I've met a lot of great guys in the rinks in South Jersey and John was always in the top of the list of those I was lucky enough to get to know.
His passing is a great loss.
-Fred Gumminger
Westmont, NJ
Kate Arnold
April 30, 2011
Coach Rastelli, the "View" was so lucky and blessed to have you, not only as a coach, but as a mentor and friend. You pushed for teamwork, helped Ryan in so many ways...which carried him thru hockey in college. May you be at peace with Mr. Hart...sit back, relax and look down upon the Orange and the Black to walk with the Lord, down Broad! Mr. Gene Hart, make sure you have a seat with Coach Rastelli, you both were made out of the same mold, you both LOVED the greatest sport on earth...Good Hockey and Good Night...Blessings to the whole Rastelli family, you our in so many hearts and thoughts, what a fine legacy indeed he left...we should all be so blessed to be remembered as he is this day.
Carrie Shumen
April 30, 2011
John was such a kind, courageous person, and he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Nancy Shumen
April 30, 2011
John was a wonderful person who we shall miss. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary, Patrick, and John's family.
DENISE WOLK
April 30, 2011
JOHN RASTELLI WAS ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING MEN MY FAMILY HAS EVER BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE AS A FRIEND. HE WAS MY SON'S HOCKEY COACH,FRIEND,MENTOR FOR OVER A DECADE. THE LOVE HE SHARED WITH ALL WHO WERE BLESSED TO KNOW HIM IS TRULY NOTHING MORE THAN A GIFT FROM GOD. HE TAUGHT OUR BOY'S HOW TO BECOME FINE YOUNG MEN. SHARING HIS BATTLE WITH CANCER FROM THE VERY START WITH THEM ,HELP EACH OF THEM REALIZE HOW MUCH LIFE WAS TRULY WORTH LIVING. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO HIS WIFE MARY,SON PATRIC,MOM AND DAD ,AND HIS WONDERFUL SISTER JANICE, FOR SHARING HIM WITH ALL OF US OVER THE PAST 15YEARS. JOHN YOU WILL BE MISSED ,PLEASE CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER OUR BOYS. MUCH LOVE ,DENISE WOLK ,,SEWELL NJ
April 29, 2011
I am going to miss John so much, as will everyone on 1 south and all of FCCC that knew him. It was an honor to take care of him. We all got really attached to him and the family. Thanks for letting us get to know him and be a part of your lives. Take Care, Lynn Ingle, 1 south at FCCC.
John Holston
April 29, 2011
John had a very infectious laugh and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. I was lucky to of known him.
Ryan
April 29, 2011
Mr. Rastelli was an amazing, coach and mentor, but he was an even better person. The world lost one of the greats today. Thoughts and prayers to all today.
Donato
April 29, 2011
Mr. Rastelli was a great coach and a great mentor. In the brief time he was my coach, he always stressed the importance of hard work and teamwork. Thoughts and prayers with the Rastelli family.
Cindy Lucas-Briglin
April 29, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Johnny's passing. He truely was one of the good guys in the world. I am thinking of all of you at this time.
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