John Pantano's Obituary
John S. Pantano, 80, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He resided in Connecticut for the bulk of his life, but spent a number of years living in Trinity, Florida as well. John passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026. John is survived by his children Roselee Yap and her spouse, Craig Yap, Diane Pantano and Paul Pantano, his grandchildren Angel Pantano and Emily Yap, a compassionate sister-in-law, Mimi Pantano, a wonderful cousin, Lena Giuliano, many nieces and nephews, and close friends. He is predeceased by his father, Raffale Pantano, his mother, Rosa Lantieri, his brother, Paolo Pantano, and many aunts and uncles.
John was born in Licodia Eubea in the city of Catania on the island of Sicily in Italy on June 24, 1945. After graduating in the spring of 1964 from Bulkeley High School located in Hartford, CT, he then attended Willimantic State Teachers College in the fall and graduated in the spring of 1968. Beginning his career as a teacher, he then attended Central Connecticut State College, graduating with a Master of Science in 1973. Some years later, John also completed the requirements for his Sixth-Year Certificate. After 35 years of teaching, John retired, but worked in sales for a number of years. John was a lifelong learner and an avid reader and researcher. While actively being a “teacher” to those around him, he took great pride in imparting advice and wisdom to not only those around him, but especially to his children and granddaughters, who he collectively called the “future.”
On April 12, 1969, John married the love of his life, Rita Pizzoferrato. Married for 53 years, they spent many years in Connecticut until they retired to Trinity, FL. They were each other’s walking and dance partners. After Rita’s passing in 2022, John was a very active gym-goer and also became a very active billiards player. John was also active in his village, serving on the board for the ARC for some time and then served as the ARC liaison for a couple of years until his recent passing. He was loved by his entire family near and far and will always be greatly missed.
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