John R. Aquilla's Obituary
John R. Aquilla, a beloved member of the Lorain community, passed away on June 22, 2023, at Arden Courts in Westlake. Born on June 25, 1933, in Lorain to John R. and Helen J. (Mason) Aquilla, he lived a remarkable life filled with passion, dedication, and love.
John's journey began at Lorain High School, where he graduated from the Class of 1951. During his high school years, he immersed himself in the arts, participating in drama, choir, and band. His talents and love for music led him to form his own band, "Dick Aquilla and his Starlighters," and later the Starlite Trio, where he showcased his vocal and saxophone skills. With his Cushman scooter, John enjoyed making deliveries for his father's store, The Aquilla Meat Market.
In 1955, John graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree in the Science of Commerce. He was an active member of the university's bowling team and played a significant role in securing one of their first championships. Following his graduation, he was drafted into the US Army, serving in communications and intelligence from June 25, 1956, to June 24, 1958.
John's professional career took him on various paths, all of which he pursued with great enthusiasm. He embarked on a journey as a traveling salesman for All American, traversing the country in his cherished convertible. He then transitioned into the world of finance, working as a stockbroker at Pierre R. Smith & Co, McDonald & Co, McDonald Investments, and finally retiring at the age of 76 from UBS Financial Services.
Throughout his life, John remained deeply involved in his community and his faith. He was a longtime member of St. Peter's Parish in Lorain, where he served on the Parish and Finance Council, acted as an usher, and held the role of a Eucharistic Minister. He dedicated his time and efforts to the Endowment Board of Lorain Catholic High School and actively participated in the Sales & Marketing Executives and the Elyria Rotary Club, proudly attending their meetings for over 50 years without ever missing one. Additionally, he was a member of the Lorain County Notre Dame Club and the Sorin Society.
Sports played a significant role in John's life, particularly baseball and bowling. He was an avid supporter of the Cleveland Indians and was known to affectionately refer to them as "his team." At 60 years old, he attended Fantasy Camp, sparking a passion for playing and pitching that led him to Cooperstown, New York and was a member of the Legends of Baseball Hall of Fame, an honor he was proud of. He would always tell other baseball enthusiast to look for his name. John's exceptional bowling skills set records in Lorain during the 1960s, and even in December 2022, at the age of 89, he bowled his last 200 game, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
On April 29, 1967, John married the love of his life, Joanne L. Aquilla (Kiser). They shared a beautiful life together for 51 years until Joanne's passing. John's genuine and sociable nature endeared him to many, and he cherished the time spent with his family and friends.
John is survived by his daughters, Rosemarie (Amy) Aquilla, Jean (Kevin) Raab, and Barbara (Bradley) Butler; grandchildren, Raven (Brianna) and Skyler (Madison) Lauer, Emily Denney, Jacob Raab, Evelyn and Hannah Butler, step-grandson Harrison Vaughn, and great-granddaughter Adilyn Lauer; sister, Donna K. Thomas, and his brother, Eugene J. (Mari) Mason.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Joanne L. Aquilla; and his parents, John R. and Helen J. (nee mason) Aquilla.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Closing prayers will be held in the funeral center on Thursday, June 29th at 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.
The Aquilla family would like to thank ALL his caregivers along the way, especially Erick who said he was John’s “Taxi Driver” and “Bodyguard”, and Arden Courts in Westlake.
Contributions may be made in his memory to the John R. Aquilla Family Education Endowment Fund at St. Peter Parish or the Alzheimer’s Association in Avon, 37309 Harvest Drive, Avon, OH 44011.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
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