Rochester, NY: Passed away February 18, 2021.
Predeceased by parents John and Mary Onorati; sister Rose Cordaro.
John is survived by his loving wife, Edith; children Kathleen (Abdel) Fakir and Lisa (Daryl) Larkins; grandchildren Mina, Aadam, Noah and Taoufik; brother Francis Onorati; sisters Angie Sherman, Patricia Onorati, and Barbara Colline; other loving family and friends.
John was a proud graduate of York Central High School. Upon graduation, he served in the US Army as a Staff Sergeant and ambulance driver in the Korean War. When returning home from Korea, he pursued his love of photography by attending a school in New York City. John had an array of occupations throughout the years which included owning a bowling alley, banking, and car sales. After retiring he remained active by working as a TSA agent at the Rochester International Airport.
John was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He always took care of everyone, willing to lend a helping hand. He was selfless, always putting others before himself. He protected those he loved.
John enjoyed many hobbies and activities. He had a love of sports and enjoyed bowling, golfing, baseball and kickball. He had a passion for gardening, mowing the lawn, grilling and the beach. He enjoyed his daily activities of reading the newspaper and watching his soap operas.
John flew on Mission 42 to Washington DC as an honored veteran with Honor Flight Rochester in June 2015 and then became a dedicated volunteer with the organization. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels. He was a member of the American Legion Greece Post 468.
One of the highlights of his life was being honored as the “Veteran of the Game” at Yankee Stadium in May 2019. He spoke of how amazing it was to stand on the big, NYY logo with the crowd cheering and saluting, his picture showing on the big screen.
A visitation will be held Friday, February 26, 2021 from 11:00am to 1:00pm followed immediately by a memorial service at Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home at 777 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14612. Please abide by all state guidelines by wearing a face mask and remaining 6 feet apart.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honor Flight Rochester.
My deepest sympathy to Edie, my dear friend of 40 plus years, and to Kathy and Lisa and family. You all have so much to be proud of and memories to comfort you. Thank you Johnny O for your service and friendship. May he rest in peace. Love, Mary Lou
We were sad to hear of Johnny’s passing. Edie, we send our thoughts and condolences to you and your family.
Love, Mark and Leaf
Sorry to hear about his passing. Thinking of you all.
Our condolences to you and your family. We were very sorry to hear of John’s passing.
Sorry to hear of John passing. I will miss him at the Honor Flights at the airport, always made contact with him. I am sure many of the other vets will also miss him also. Rest in peace John.
Edith, Lisa and family, there are no words that ease the sorrow. I do want to leave this pome in hopes it may help; my uncle was a priest and when he passed we found this on his desk:
SAFELY HOME
I am home in heaven dear ones,
Oh, so happy and bright,
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
every restless tossing paused,
I am now at peace forever,
Safely Home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of shade?
Oh, but Jesus’ love illuminated
Every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread.
And with Jesus’ arm to lean on
Could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely
For I love you dearly still
Try to look beyond earth’s shadows
Pray to trust Our Father’s Will.
There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand,
Do it now, while life remained,
You shall rest in Jesus’ Land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home,
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh the joy to see you come.
God bless you all, time will heal, all my love!
Our deepest sympathy, it was a pleasure to have known him, rest from all your labor JohnnieO.
I am sending my sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Onorati was a great man. May you treasure all of the beautiful memories of him.
I am very sorry for your loss and the family will be in my prayers.
Our deepest condolences to all of you for the passing of your Dad and Grandfather. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Tracy and Jeff Scharf.
Sending our deepest condolences to the whole family. We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband/father/grandfather/brother. I have fond memories of Mr. Onorati through my friendship with Kathy and I know he will be greatly missed. May you find peace and comfort in your memories of a beautiful soul.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Edie, Kathy, Lisa, and families on the passing of Johnny.
Edie, Lisa, and Daryl I am so sorry for the loss of Johnny. He was such a wonderful man. He always had me laughing at the Honor Flights. I pray that he will be in heaven laughing at us Dolls, and Lisa during Honor Flight fundraisers. With all my love and sorrow,
Katie Hyde-Pisapia
So sorry for your loss Lisa and the family. Your dad was a good and funny guy! A light in a dark World.
John 6:40 all that believe on me(Jesus) will have eternal life and I will raise them up on the last day!
Dear Lisa,
I was so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. We all share in your family’s loss. John now rests in the arms of a loving and merciful Lord. He has prepared a special place for your father, a place of eternal peace and rest. I will miss his warm smile and constant presence at so many Honor Flight Rochester events. What a kind and gentle soul, truly a special child of God. It was a wonderful blessing to have known him and to have shared through you a portion of his journey.
You and your family are in my prayers. I hope that in time the sorrow you now feel will be replaced with the warmth of many beautiful memories of the special moments you shared. In those moments, you will be reminded of John’s love for you and for the family. God bless you.