John Pistone

John Louis Pistone passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving children and devoted caregivers, on February 8, 2018. Born April 16, 1922, the only son of Luigi and Josephine (Colavita) Pistone, immigrants from Sicily. Beloved husband of the late Julie (Verna), who passed away on January 29, 2016. Deeply loved father of Laura (Dale Kiikka), Karyn, Joan (Gene Hauck), Julianne (Paul Pertz), and John II (Cynthia). Beloved grandfather of Michel (Erin), Spencer, Chelsea (Matt), Benjamin (fiancé Anne Eshelman), Justin, Natalie, Nora, Ian, Jack and Miles, and treasured great grandfather to Giuliana and Mila. Leaves to cherish his memory his sister-in-law Josephine, Buddy and Ruth Griebel, Chris Dieck and much-loved nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by his dear parents, beloved wife, three cherished sisters: Lillian Johnson, Frances Scipione and Josephine Tomcufcik, and nephews George Tomcufcik and Louis Lopez.


John was a 1940 Graduate of John Adams High School, attended Ohio University and was drafted in his senior year. He was an illustrious and brave cannoneer in the 20th Armored Division of Patton's infantry in Central Europe. Their mission was to find Hitler; they liberated three concentration camps, including Dachau. He returned home to take over the family business, the Pin Wheel Lounge; marry Julie on Nov. 21, 1949; open the Inner Lobby Coffee Shoppe in the Rockefeller Bldg.; purchase and operate the Lincoln Inn with children Joan and John; and helped at their latest venture, J. Pistone Market. John was a proud member of Saint Dominic Parish for 56 years, which all five of his children attended and graduated from. "Johnny Blue Eyes" will always be remembered for the amazing garden that he started from seeds, fishing, hard work, generosity, integrity, and the spirit of hospitality that invited so many to his Rexway Road home, his restaurants, and their Put in Bay trailer. The family wishes to thank John's incredible caregivers: Alma, Marge, Yvonne and Doris, and the Hospice of the Western Reserve, for making his last years comfortable and safe.

At John's request, no calling hours will be observed. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Saint Dominic Church, 19000 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights, Ohio, on Monday, February 12, at 11:00 a.m. The family will greet friends and family at the Church one hour before the Mass. Private Burial will be at a later date, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved Julie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of the Western Reserve, the Monuments Men Foundation, monumentsmenfoundation.org, or Saint Dominic Church.