Upcoming Events
Oct
2
Visitation
10:15 a.m.
St. Irenaeus Catholic Church
771 Old Perch Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Send FlowersOct
2
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
St. Irenaeus Catholic Church
771 Old Perch Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Send FlowersServices provided by
Potere-Modetz Funeral Home - RochesterJohn Lelli Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Born: 6/14/1927
Died: 9/27/2025
John S. Lelli of Rochester, Michigan died at the age of 98 on September 27, 2025.
Survived by his wife of 68 years, Yvonne, son Mark (Michelle), daughters Gina (Tom Drabek) and Karen (Gerald Lorenz) and 9 grandchildren: Anthony, Joseph, Michael, Madalyn, Stephen, Michael, Andrew, Alex, Mitchell and one great-grandchild, Rosemary. He was the son of Rudolfo and Carolina Lelli, brother of Inez Iacobelli, Louise Hill and Dora Boitkus.
He was a WWII veteran, serving in Okinawa. He was a loyal employee of the Chrysler Corporation for 42 years, as well as a volunteer afterwards at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.
An avid traveler, he and Yvonne traveled to 30 countries including Cuba and Ukraine. John loved meeting new people, making new friends, and listening to people's stories. Of course, his favorite country to visit was Italy as he was a first-generation Italian.
John's proudest accomplishment was his family, immediate and extended.
Donation in lieu of flowers to Catholic Relief Services (crs.org)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Anne Gideon
September 29, 2025
Uncle John always had his camera to capture family gatherings
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
339 Walnut Boulevard, Rochester, MI 48307
Make a Donation
in John Lelli's name
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Lelli's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Upcoming Events
Oct
2
Visitation
10:15 a.m.
St. Irenaeus Catholic Church
771 Old Perch Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Send FlowersOct
2
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
St. Irenaeus Catholic Church
771 Old Perch Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Send FlowersServices provided by
Potere-Modetz Funeral Home - Rochester