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JOHN ADAMS Obituary
Age 81, of Pittsburgh, on Wednesday, June 22, 2011. Beloved husband of Renee; loving and devoted father of Rocco (Daria), John, III, Angela, William, Victor, Edward (Heidi), Maria (Richard) Mikulla, Regina Nath, Lisa (Jeff) Kerr, and Joseph (Theresa) Zingrone; brother of Roland Adams; former husband of Virginia Miller; also survived by 13 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends. John lived a full and rewarding life, he was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. John spent his life self-employed as an entrepreneur, benevolent and humble. He is remembered for his love of food, good cigars and contagious laugh. John was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Bernard Church. Fondly remembered as John , Foo, Magoo, Uncle "Gone" and Pap, he is deeply missed. Friends welcome on Saturday 6-8 p.m. and Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 11:30 a.m. in St. Bernard Church. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Ave., Pgh., 15212.
www.slaterfuneral.com
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Maria Adams
October 30, 2024
Hewas a great Dad and a great business ess man and very kind to all that knew him
jerry chiappinelli
June 19, 2020
I loved him--he took me under his wing and taught me the entertainment business ---I miss my friend and think of him often---he guided me the establish and develop the steel city angels ---took me everywhere and introduced me to hundreds of people--I was truly blessed
Warren Cooley
December 5, 2011
Maria and all,
Shock can only describe this when I heard about Johnny and found this. He will be missed by many, myself included, though I have moved far away, I still cherish the evenings at Valentino's.
Meghan Andrews
October 1, 2011
Maria, John, and Family, I just learned of your fathers passing. I am so sorry! I adored that man. I have wonderful memories of him that I will cherish forever! Love, Meghan A. Andrews (Cawley)
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Ron and Diana Betz
August 8, 2011
Lisa (Kerr), we were so saddened to learn of your father's passing. I only knew him through your stories and now through the wonderful remembrances in his obituary. How blessed he must have been to have such a large and loving family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jeff, Jamie and your entire family.
Neil Silversmith
July 15, 2011
I was very saddened to hear of John's passing and missing the opportunity to pay my condolences in person. He was a sweet and well respected man. The obituary was an accurate portrayal of a guy a who said "I love Christmas time 'cause i'm surrounded by so many wonderful people." He'll be sadly missed and fondly remembered. My sincerest condolences to all of his family.
Susan Boreman
July 15, 2011
Dear John, Maria, Billy and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of your Dad`s passing, we just recently found out or we would have been there to pay our respects. What alot of good laughs and old times we shared. He was the best and always had a twinkle in his eye.
Don & Susan Boreman
Valerie Valentik
July 6, 2011
DEAR RENEE,MARIA,JOHN,BILLY AND ANJELA,AND FAMILY. I am so sorry to hear of John's passing and am deeply saddened. John was a good guy and was loved by many.You are all in my prayers and in my heart.God bless.
Marcy Costa
July 5, 2011
Maria & Family: My deepest sympathy for you and your family. I will forever hold dear the many times I had at the clubs with you and your father! He was a blessing to all who knew him. I'll never forget when I was in Mercy hospital and came back to my room after therapy and there was Johnny! What a lovely surprise! There he was to cheer me up with his contagious smile and a prayer we shared for my own recovery. He was one in a zillion and will sadly be missed! God Bless this family. Love to all.
Renee' Konias
July 5, 2011
Maria:
Our Deepest Sympathy for the sudden loss of your father. In our thoughts and in our prayers. God Bless you and your family during this heartfelt time.
Penny Wabich
July 1, 2011
I am so saddened by the passing of a wonderful man I used to know well. I still talk about the good old days down in the Strip. Renee, I know I haven't seen you for many years but you and Dr. Rocco have my utmost sympathy. May God bless you all at this time.
Kim Flowers
July 1, 2011
Lisa, Jeff and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I recently found out the news after the viewing, and wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family, and let you know all of your are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.... Kim Flowers
Joanna Aluise
June 28, 2011
My Uncle John was a fatherly figure to me and my sisters growing up. We couldn't wait to see him when visiting my grandmother's house -- he was always happy to see us, buying ice cream or Italian ice. They simply don't make men like him anymore; he was a true gentlemen always dressed in suits, kind, and a distinguished member of the community. We will miss him but never forget him.
Joanna Adams Aluise
Anthony Amato
June 28, 2011
Very sorry to hear of John's passing, our sympathy's go out to his family. We were out of town during his viewing and funeral or Deb and I would have been there! He was a good guy, had several good meeting with him about real estate development.
June 28, 2011
MARIA AND FAMILY,
OUR SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY. WE WERE SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR FATHERS PASSING. JOHN WAS A GREAT MAN. IN TIME THE SADDNESS THAT YOU FEEL WILL BE REPLACED BY WONDERFUL MEMORIES
OF YOUR FATHER. YOUR MEMORIES WILL REMAIN IN YOUR HEART FOREVER.
KAREN AND PEGGY WAIGHT
June 27, 2011
Renee,
I'm so very, very sorry to hear of John's passing. Words cannot express how much my heart is breaking for you. PLEASE extend my condolences to the children and grandchildren. I am ALWAYS here for you and if there is anything I can do, please call me. I only found out today and feel horrible that I couldn't make it to pay my respects. I pray the Lord will comfort you and your family as only He can. Love ya, girl!
Becki Moore
June 27, 2011
My deepest condolences to the family. John was my boss at the Tua Casa Restaurant. I loved him dearly! He was so very kind and a joy to work for. He is missed!
Sincerely, Terri L.
LORRAINE CONTRISTANO
June 27, 2011
DEAR ADAMS FAMILY, WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE JOHN, HE WAS A GREAT MAN.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
JERRY (THE ICE MAN) & LORRAINE CONTRISTANO
June 27, 2011
My sincere sympathy to the entire Adams family, John was an old friend and he will be missed. It was a honor knowing him.
Sharon Martino
Jackie
June 27, 2011
Our deepest sympathy is with the entire Adams Family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, The Dallas Family
Terry & Bob Miller
June 27, 2011
Deepest sympathy from cage GoGo dancer Ski Bo Inn 1965, clubs in Strip and Warrington Ave. Loved you as a friend since I was 20. Peace and condolences to family.
Terry & Bob Miller
June 27, 2011
Deepest sympathy from cage GoGo dancer from Ski Bo Inn 1965, clubs in Strip and Warrington Ave. Loved you as a friend since I was 20. Peace and condolences to the family.
Phillip Roessler
June 27, 2011
My heart goes out to all of the Adams family at this time of loss. Uncle John was a great man and everyone's lives that he has touched will remember him forever.
Love, Cousin Phillip
June 27, 2011
god love you in the after life we all did when you were here love one of your old boys
Glorianne and Richard Busa
June 27, 2011
Uncle John will be missed and loved always by many people who lives he touched with his warmth and sincere words of wisdom and help. We all loved Uncle John and we will miss him
forever.
Love, Glorianne.
Ken Karsh
June 26, 2011
My deepest condolences to the family of John Adams. He will be missed.May he rest in peace.
Donna Sapienza-Wilkinson
June 26, 2011
To all my dear Adams family friends of long ago, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though many years have gone by, I still remember your dad's smile and smoking his cigars.
Frank/Rachel Sapienza
June 26, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to an old Chelton Ave neighbor.
June 26, 2011
Vic and Cindy,
May the memories of your Father bring you comfort in the days and weeks and years ahead.
God Bless you all..
Patti Ceraso (Lancia) and George
Ray &Bernie Michenzi
June 26, 2011
Dr. Adams, Condolences to you and your family. We stopped by the funeral home today. Ray signed the book.
June 26, 2011
Sincere sympathy to the family of John Adams and especially to John Adams from Tambellini's and the Livingroom.
Tom Chiavetta
Nancy Romah
Linda Shkuratoff
June 26, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Tamam & Naim Mansour
June 26, 2011
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. Rocco & Daria, you are all in our prayers. Memory Eternal!
June 26, 2011
Rocco,So sorry to hear of your loss you have my deepest sympathy,and sorry i was unable to attend.Rich Pope
June 26, 2011
I'm sure we speak for all the musicians and entertainers out there who have had the honor of working with Johnny over the years that we have all lost a VERY VERY dear friend. Not only was he a great agent, but also a good friend who not only got us entertainers a lot of work in and out of Pgh but was always helping us "make things work" when problems came up. Always soft spoken, and offering a helping hand in time of need. His passing is very saddening to us and our deepest sympathy goes out to his beautiful family. His presence and friendship will be truly missed.Thank you for being a very important part of our lives and helping us become the strong entertainers we are today. Go with God our dear friend and get the reward you deserve..Your memory will remain fondly in our hearts.... P.S. We're sure God will have some "top shelf" cigars waiting for you XO.....Love, Liz Calfo and Duke LaManna
jerry chiappinelli
June 26, 2011
the world has lost one of the greatest men of our lifetime--john was my friend and mentor-jerry chiappinelli
Bev Simcic (Blondie)
June 26, 2011
God bless you Renee and family...so sorry to hear this honey.
Strange, but Rick Sheppard just asked me the other day about Johnny! He said, "remember John always called me Rickert"...I did remember and had to laugh at the thought of John standing there with his cigar and smiling.
We were out of work for two months in 1979, had performed at Johnny's Harmar House, and we were waiting for word from the NY agent....
Johnny made us his extended family, gave us room and board for those two months of no work. This was a special man, his hospitality and kindness was his legacy!!
Very special memories indeed, and often spoken of by friends.
Rick is 72 and still singing, and I am sure he will be sad to hear about Johnny...
Take care and GOD BLESS THE FAMILY
'SOUTHSIDE' JERRY
JERRY MELLIX
June 26, 2011
My condolences to the Adams family. Johnny was a great guy and very helpful and a strong supporter of us local musicians. Through him I got to meet and perform with his son, Rocco. I'm so sorry for your loss my friend.
June 26, 2011
Sincere sympathy to the entire family of John Adams and especially to John from Tambellini"s and the Livingroom.
Tom Chiavetta
Nancy Romah
June 26, 2011
My Heart is Heavy with Sadness, but I Will Always Remember Your Kindness and Generosity. You Will Forever Be Missed.
With Love
Cindy Collins
Sherry Tisdale
June 26, 2011
To Lisa: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I only met him a few times but you spoke so highly of him. Having just lost my dad in May, I understand the great void left by the passing of our dads. Keep thoughts and memories alive and he will live within you forever. My sincerest sympathy is with you, Jeff, and Jaime.
June 26, 2011
Sadly will be missed; booking agent,boss of the late night club and friend. So many memories of this colorful paisano, too numerous to mention. Rest in peace. Our sympathies go out to the family.Dad was the best!
Jimmy and Paula Sapienza and family
Ed Weigle
June 26, 2011
Condolences to the family from Ed, Colleen and Zack Weigle. Johnny was a wonderful person and it was an honor knowing and working with him, back home in Pittsburgh. I still miss the club!
June 25, 2011
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.-Matthew5:3 Thinking of you. Marilyn Jones.
Gary Colosimo
June 25, 2011
Dear Family of Johnny Adams. We are all saddened by his sudden passing. We'll miss his friendly smile and conversation. He was truly one of the best. God Bless Him and all of you.
Sincerely,
The employees and his friends from Exxon & Sunoco in Dormont.
brian jackson
June 25, 2011
To aunt renee and
nd family, I wanna share with you my deepest sympathies uncle john was like no other uncle it takes a lifetime to meet someone like uncle john he truly was ahead of his time I surely will miss his advice and smile and laugh may he now go on his journey to heaven. Sincerely yours nephew brian
June 25, 2011
I am very sorry to hear about the death of John. May he rest in peace. May you, his family, find strength and hope in friends and family.
Chris Walter
Lori Santelli (Eichelsbacher)
June 25, 2011
Johnny,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You and your family have my deepest sympathy.
wendy stafford
June 25, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Johnny Vann
June 25, 2011
Sorry to hear about the passing of Johnny Adams . One great guy and friend. He helped a lot of musicians get work, and me personally. He always hired a band in his clubs, and treated everyone with respect. He was one of a kind and will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to John's family. Johnny Vann and Dianne
Randy Zacour
June 25, 2011
To Rocco, Daria and the entire Adams family;
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you.
Sincerely, Randy and Cheryl Zacour
Alice Anthony
June 25, 2011
Renee and family,I extend my sympathy to you. My heart and prayers are with you. May God bless and keep you.
Chuck Corby
June 25, 2011
Renee, Boy what a shock to hear of this tragic accident,to a most wonderful man. This man is tops on my list and we go so far back I cant remember. What I do remember is his passion for whatever he was involved in. He was like a father and he was one tough cookie, and I learned a lot about professionalism in the music business from him. We all looked up to him and depended upon him and he never let us down. One time in Deleware none of the musicians showed at a gig and Johnny came to the rescue, hopped on a plane and made everything OK… I saw him recently at a party and I really enjoyed it and reminiscing about old times. I hoped and we planned on getting together again…Im sorry to say we will not meet here again…but our next meeting will be in another better place and look forward to it. Please know that many many of us musicians think the world of Johnny and there will be no other like him…My thoughts are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
June 25, 2011
Sorry to hear about the passing of Johnny Adams Sr. One great guy and friend. He helped a lot of musicians get work, and me personally. He always hired a band in his clubs, and treated everyone with respect. He was one of a kind and will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to his family...Johnny Vann and Dianne
annette fiore
June 25, 2011
so sorry for the loss of such a great man...my prayers and thoughts are with you, in this time of saddness
love, and light
Annette Fiore
June 25, 2011
Angela, Johnny - We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Your family is in our prayers.
Frank, Marco & Paula
June 25, 2011
John
We were sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You talked about him often during our conversations at Tambellini's. Our thoughts are with you and we think of you often.
Mel and Bob E, Judy and Bob V and the rest of the old gang
John Papi
June 25, 2011
Renee, Oh my heavens...what sad and so unexpected news to hear....We know that your grief is no doubt overwhelming, and that nothing will quite be the same. However, soon you will have the memory of Johnny that will live on in your heart and mind as well as in the hearts and minds of all of us who met him or knew him. I for one treasure knowing him. He was instrumental in making me the man I am today as he took me under his wing and taught me about the bar and restaurant business at the same time keeping me in line along the way, while booking my band all over the country. Life came along and we parted for years only to be reunited last year at my 70th birthday where he roasted me until I was well done. He gave me two cigars to be used on special occasion. I have not had chance to use them but will light one tonight to celebrate his life as I can hear God saying well done my true and faithful servant, you may enter the many mansions I have prepared for you We will pray for God's choicest blessings on you and your family at this difficult time.Hold tight to the memories for comfort and strength. We pray that you find comfort in knowing that Johnny "my man" is now with our Lord.I LOVE YOU BUDDY!!! JOHN PAPI
Annie @ Tom Duff
June 25, 2011
Dear Johnny and Family, I was so sad to hear about your Father, he was a very special Man , loved and admired by many, he always had a kind word and gentle smile, he will truly be missed, with our Deepest sympathy.may he rest in peace, Godbless you all .
June 25, 2011
Renee and family, Oh my heavens...what sad and so unexpected news to hear....We know that your grief is no doubt overwhelming, and that nothing will quite be the same. However, soon you will have the memory of Johnny that will live on in your heart and mind as well as in the hearts and minds of all of us who met him or knew him. I for one treasure knowing him. He was instrumental in making me the man I am today as he took me under his wing and taught me about the bar and restaurant business at the same time keeping me in line along the way, while booking my band all over the country. Life came along and we parted for years only to be reunited last year at my 70th birthday where he roasted me until I was well done. He gave me two cigars to be used on special occasion. I have not had chance to use them but will light one tonight to celebrate his life as I can hear God saying well done my true and faithful servant, you may enter the many mansions I have prepared for you We will pray for God's choicest blessings on you and your family at this difficult time.Hold tight to the memories for comfort and strength. We pray that you find comfort in knowing that Johnny "my man" is now with our Lord. I love you buddy!!
Matt & Tracy Scott
June 25, 2011
This most unfortunate untimely death has taken are breaths away. But not our fond memories.John: our neighbor of too many years to count, will forever be apart of our own legacy. He opened his home and his heart to us in so many ways.He will never be forgotten. Love and prayers to the entire family,and our deepest condolences to Na.
Fran Trew
June 25, 2011
Renee and family,
We wish to extend our Deepest Condolences to you and your family. You are in our hearts and prayers. God Bless You.
Love,
Fran T. Deb D. Chris K.& Shinetta P.
June 25, 2011
Renee and family,
My deepest sympathy on the lost of your husband, father, uncle and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Maureen Lackey
Speech Therapist
Manorcare
Paul Nagy
June 25, 2011
Johnny and Family: My profound sorrow for your loss. John was a dear friend and an avid member of the jazz community. We spent many enjoyable evenings at Foster's in Oakland and the Rhythm House. He had so many friends and always had a story. He and Tony were closer than brothers and truly will be missed by all. May he rest in eternal peace.
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