John J. Violante

You could not find a more genuine guy than John. What you saw is what you got - honest, passionate, would give you the shirt off his back. He would tell you the truth and usually not sugar coat it. But that was ok because whatever he said came from his heart. I was lucky to have known him.

John was just the best!! No frills. What you saw is what you got. Old school! He would tell you what he thought and would give you the shirt off his back to help you. I spent many hours just hanging around while he worked on my car or the cars of others. Handing him tools. Listening to his stories. He was always busy but never too busy to teach me something, show me a better way of doing something. He was patient and always kind. I miss him!!

Everyone knows John was a man with a gruff exterior but had a huge heart. He ALWAYS had time to help a friend no matter what you needed. He taught me everything I know about the workings of my cars. He was always patient helping me fix them when they broke down. I always said to myself that someday when I got older I hope I would have the patience that John had. I miss you John.

John was not all that much different than many men of his generation - there was a lot of bluster in the way he communicated but down deep he was kind and patient, a good guy. I came from a family who did not work with their hands. I was lucky enough to have John pass on some of his love of cars and his expertise to me. He worked with me to do simple things; change the plugs, the points, the oil in my cars. I got a lot of satisfaction from accomplishing something some might think pretty simple but it meant the world to me. More than this I got to know John as we worked. I loved being around him. He was funny and he called a spade a spade. I look back on those days so fondly and know that even today my interest and love of old cars was cultivated through all that John gave to me. He was one of a kind and I am so sad to hear of his passing. I am so sorry Bea and Rose for your loss. I know that the last years have not been easy taking care of him. I experienced a similar thing with my dad. But at least you had some time with him even though it was tough. Now, he and you can rest.