John J. Pintello

John was born in Springfield, Vermont in 1928 and joined the Air Force in 1947. John developed outstanding executive and leadership skills as a Commissary Officer that were in high demand in the U.S. and internationally. For over 30 years the Air Force deployed John as their ‘secret weapon’ to set up new commissaries, eliminate corruption, boost sales and meet the needs of Air Force families. His signature leadership style included carefully listening to customers, empowering staff, and giving back to the local communities. Upon retirement, John was recruited by the Department of Defense to improve underperforming commissaries and felt great satisfaction when he successfully accomplished his goals.

John fell in love and married, Barbara Gillis, in 1948 and together, they travelled the world and enjoyed ‘agate-hunting,’ bowling, gin rummy, playing bingo and laughing together. Barbara was able to inspire John’s sense of curiosity and John made many of Barbara’s dreams come true. They had three children; Frances (deceased), Frank (deceased) and Denise (Denny) Pintello. Sadly, Barbara passed away in 2010. John later traveled to Florida to reside near his amazing sister; Katherine (Kay) Schaschl in Deerfield Beach. John adored spending time with Kay and they became ‘thick as thieves’ by going to garage sales, bingo halls and the casino. John later met Gloria Zarrella and together, they both found love again and became inseparable. John and Gloria traveled the east coast and enjoyed visiting Gloria’s relatives, who kindly welcomed John into their family parties, dancing, boat-rides, and wonderful dinners. As John’s health recently declined, Gloria took such loving care of him and made him smile and his eyes light-up whenever he saw her.

John is survived by Gloria, his daughter; Denny, his sister; Kay, his beloved nephew; Jon Pintello, his niece; Pamela Fanelli, nephew; Blair Waller, and grandchildren; Shani Smith, Joe and Eddie Welch. John also loved his extended family which includes Denny’s spouse; Coke Farmer, Jon’s spouse; Peg Pintello, Gloria’s children; Larry Zarrella, Marie Zarrella, and her grandchildren; Melissa Harris and Danielle Pritchard.

John loved giving back to others and making them smile, such as surprising Gloria with flowers, dancing a little jig for his sister Kay, giving a framed set of dollar bills to Gloria’s son, Larry and bringing a 4-foot, French beret-wearing ceramic cougar over the Canadian border to give to his nephew, Jon. A special note of appreciation is given to the staff of Manor Oaks Nursing Facility and VITAS Hospice.

John Pintello will be remembered in our hearts as a hard-working, honest, kind and generous man with a twinkle in his eye, who left the world a much better place than he found it. Services will be private.