John Robert Antilla

John Robert Antilla,51, of Allenton entered the eternal peace of the Lord on June 27, 2025. John was born in Warren Michigan and moved to Allenton when he was 4 years old. It was during his childhood in Almont that he forged countless friendships and brotherhoods that would remain through his life. He graduated from Almont High School in 1992, where he majored in road parties, good times with friends and slowly cruising backroads.

John loved anything that had wheels, a motor and could go fast. His adventures started with building a ramp to jump bicycles into the family pond, jumping the hill on the four wheelers and eventually owning an impressive line-up of cars that have included a Firebird, Mustang, Buick Regal, Ford F-250, a Z-28 Camara...and had a love for G-body styles and big block Chevy's. He eventually bought and restored a 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo, putting in it the Holy Grail of all engines.

John also loved classic rock including Bob Seger, AC-DC, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy and many more but his all time favorite was Van Halen. Nothing could stop him from making it to his favorite concerts, having to once frantically dig out a Dodge Ram he buried in mud while playing with the guys to make sure he got to the Van Halen concert or helping push a limo that broke down on the way to another concert.

fter graduation, John found his niche of painting commercial buildings and homes, eventually going into business for himself, as Antilla Painting. He nurtured his business with a strong work ethic and attention to detail, turning many customers into friends. He affectionately became known as "Johnny Paint." There was a special place in John's heart for dogs, originating from childhood pets and through his lifetime to his beloved Roxy that he very willingly adopted after her owner passed away. He was such a good dog daddy that he never spent a single night away from Roxy!

Johnny was born with a natural sense of humor and spending time with him was never dull. He often coined nicknames or sayings for people, such as you were "red in the face" if you had a few too many cocktails; if something wasn't up to par, he called it "birdhouse"; frequently called friends "Swizz" or "Big Swizz" and no matter what the clock said, he could always convince someone it was "Beer 30".

He was easy-going and real and had a knack for making people feel at ease. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. In recent years, John began to perfect his canning skill, making countless jars of pickles and salsas each year. He loved to grill and it was not uncommon for John to enjoy a dish at a get-together and then afterward reach out to his mom, sisters and friends to get the recipe.

John is predeceased by grandparents Edward and Helen Zanke, John F. & Dorothy Antilla, and his love, Sharon Thacker. Left to carry on his memory are his mother, Louise (Robert) Johnson, father John (Jenny) Antilla, sisters Andrea (Carter) Cortelyou), Sharon (Rick) Rockey, favorite niece and nephew Gracelyn Rockey and Rich Rockey; dear loved ones Haelie, Easton, Alyvie and Wrynn; girlfriend Jamie Sexton and best friends Roger Hermann and Josh Hermann, along with so many other friends that meant so much to John.

To honor John's memory, please take time with the people who mean the most....watch a Tigers game or Nascar race together, jam some Van Halen, share your memories and stories while you make new ones.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 10 AM with Pastor Mike Phillips officiating. Visitation will take place on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 2-8. Burial will take place at West Berlin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Blue Water Area Humane Society.