John Anthony Barilla

John A. Barilla, 84, of Avon Lake, OH, died Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at home, surrounded by his beloved wife, children and grandchildren. Born on December 1, 1941, in Torella dei Lombardi, Avellino, Campania, Italy he was the son of the late Carl and Antoinette (nee Izzo) Barilla. John spent his early childhood in Italy but relocated to the United States in 1952 and became an American Citizen in 1957. In 1960 John graduated from St. Mel's High School in Chicago, Illinois. Following high school, John attended Loyola of Chicago University and then enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed in France.

John worked as a buyer for Carson Pirie Scott department store, Higbee's department store, Dillard's department store, and spent 27 years as a salesman at Fish Furniture in North Olmsted until his retirement in early 2025. John is a member of the American Legion and enjoyed, reading, classical music, working in his yard, and spending time with the family he adored. John was a charismatic, funny, kind, generous man, loved by many.

Survivors include his loving wife of over 63 years, Mary (nee Balzano) Barilla, of Avon Lake, OH; children, James V. Barilla and Monica A. (nee Barilla) Beck, both of Avon Lake, OH; grandchildren, Robert P. Beck, Jr, C. Dominic Barilla, Brittany A. Beck, and Marisa A. Barilla, all of Avon Lake, OH; his mother-in-law, Teresa (nee DiCosola) Balzano of Avon Lake, OH; his sisters, Joan (nee Barilla) Landando of Mason, OH, and Elena Gollin, of Grunholzweg, Switzerland; and his brothers, Joseph Tornatore of Vista de Las Sanias Placitas, New Mexico and Alfonzo (wife, Elizabeth) Gollin, of Gruholzweg, Switzerland; and many nieces and nephews.

A private internment service will be held for immediate family in April 2026.

In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation may be made to the MDS Foundation.

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