John Lestingi

John Lestingi, passed away on November 8, 2025, at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune surrounded by his loving family. Born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Dominic and Carmela (Furino) Lestingi, John grew up on Hooper Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
He spent most of his adult life in Brooklyn and Queens and settled in New Jersey in 1994.
John was drafted into the service in 1966. He served four years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1968. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, and the Purple Heart.
Throughout John's life, he was everything from a taxi driver to a courier on Wall Street, then went on to begin his business career at Continental Grain then ADM Rice, and ended with his own business, Jonel Agritrade.
John had a passion for music and had an extensive record collection. He loved card games, going to the gym, and enjoyed old movies. John liked to play racquetball, and, in his youth, he was involved in church as an Altar Boy. John enjoyed Anne Rice and Lord of the Rings Novels. He played sports and loved watching sports even though his favorite teams often disappointed him.
He was not shy at all and could often be found talking to strangers and passers-by. He enjoyed completing the crossword puzzle in the NY Post and would never miss a good coffee or an Italian meal, especially ravioli and parmesan cheese.
Together for almost forty-five years, John and Catherine married and enjoyed thirty-nine years of marriage. John had four children; Jeffrey, Desiree, Paul and Garrett but John's pride and joy were his five grandchildren; Jenna, Jax, Sunnie, Gabriel and Nell.
Visitation will take place at Waitt Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 501 Highway 79, Morganville, NJ 07751 on Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm.
On Friday, November 14, 2025, family and friends are invited to join for a 10:00am funeral mass at St. Clement Church in Morganville. John will be laid to rest in the mausoleum of Marlboro Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Disabled American Veterans (www.DAV.org.)