John Antonelli

John Antonelli of Florida passed away on June 14, 2025. He was born in Chelsea, MA on November 14, 1957 to the late Frank and Angelina Antonelli     Beloved husband of Karen (Ventimiglia)Antonelli. Devoted father of Angela Singleton of Massachusetts, Nicole O’Keefe and her husband Rob of Massachusetts, Marisa Antonelli and her partner Lee of Canada, Nicole Pagan and her husband Joel of Florida, Jamie Rich of New Hampshire, and James Rich of Florida. Cherished brother of Jane Matusek and her husband Kim of Washington, David Antonelli and his wife Grace of Massachusetts, Francis Antonelli and his wife Debra of Massachusetts. Uncle of Laura Matusek of Washington, Nephew Anthony Antonelli and his wife Wendy and their daughter Armani of Massachusetts. Grandfather of Leanna Lambert of NH, Jodie Morris and her husband Gabe of Georgia, Alexandria Rodriguez of Boston, Antonio Rodriquez of Malden, Emily Pagan of Florida, Bryant Folsom of NH, and Giovanni Pagan of Florida. Great grandfather of Alexander, Taylor, Jazmine, Gabe Jr., Khaleesi, and Stevie. Nephew of Margaret Antonelli Hooper of Massachusetts. Son in law Shirley Ventimiglia of Massachusetts. Also survived by Many cousins, family and friends and a Boston terrier named Lucca.

John grew up in East Boston and was no stranger to hard work. He started as a paperboy and later worked in food service, holding jobs at Brigham’s and the Chilton Club as a busboy. He enjoyed family summers on the Cape, going to Kung Fu movies with his brother David, hanging out with friends on the stoop, and listening to Lou Monte, Sinatra, Dean, Led Zeppelin, and more.

He joined the Navy and was assigned to the USS Sierra (AD-18), a destroyer tender nicknamed “The Helping Hands.” He started as a bosun’s mate but soon found his calling in the kitchen, becoming a Navy cook and discovering a lifelong love of cooking from his Nana, Louisa Scoffi. He took pride in feeding the enlisted crew—many said they “never got a better cup of coffee.” He formed a small circle of brothers in the kitchen during his service and often spent his free time trying new foods with his friend Billy—especially in Sicily, where he said he found the best calamari. He served six years and was awarded a commendation for his work as a Navy cook.

John’s strong work ethic showed in everything he did, from delivering papers to working in kitchens throughout the food service industry. Even after retiring, he returned to work at a golf course, helping with banquets and finding new friendships and camaraderie—just like he had in the Navy. Later in life, he also discovered a passion for computers. He built gaming rigs for his family, fixed PCs for friends and neighbors, and loved playing MMOs with his loved ones—always with an eye for the best graphics. He became the go-to “computer wizard,” happy to help anyone who needed a hand.

John cherished his blended family, and his love for them was clear to all who knew him. He was private and preferred a life of peace and simplicity. He loved music, gaming, computers, golf, coffee (and a vape), good food and drink, and quiet evenings spent watching movies with the people he cared about. His heart stayed young, and he never lost that playful spark—often grinning as he’d say, “You’re missing out.”

Though John is no longer with us, he lives on in our hearts. His love shaped who we are, and we carry that forward every day. To us, he'll always be. . .  
One of the Great Ones.

Visiting Hours in the Lehman Reen & McNamara Funeral Home 63 Chestnut Hill Ave (Nr. Brighton Courthouse) BRIGHTON on Saturday July 19th  from 8:30-10am. Followed by a Funeral Mass in Our Lady Help of Christians Church 573 Washington Street Newton at 10:30am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment Newton Cemetery

In lieu of flowers donation to the Wounded Warriors Project and\or a Run to Homebase (goes to veteran and family care).

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