John Lonati, Jr.

John Lonati, Jr., 80, of Narragansett, passed away peacefully at home on June 28th, surrounded by his beloved family. He was the adored husband of his childhood sweetheart, Joyce ("Jay") Deslys Lonati, for fifty eight years. Born in Teaneck, NJ, John was the son of the late John Lonati Sr. and Charlotte (Regan) Lonati. He attended Westwood High School where he excelled not only in the classroom but also on the football field and the baseball diamond. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1955 with a B.A. in Economics/History and was active in the Kappa Sigma fraternity. After college, John joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country for three years, taking him and his new bride to Texas and then Cape Cod. He retired as a Captain and entered the corporate world, focusing in the area of Human Relations. His career encompassed positions with Celanese Corp., Philco Ford, ITT Grinnell, Fram Corp. and SKF Industries where he retired as their Vice President of Human Resources twenty years ago. John and Jay spent every February for the past 30 years in their home away from home, Aruba. Many friendships were formed there and cherished memories made with family members and beach buddies. Travel was a passion for the couple and they enjoyed trips all over the globe. However, they were always happy to return to their own home, ready to share pictures and stories with their cherished family. While John was an accomplished professional in his business life, he was most proud of his personal successes: his loving marriage and the five fabulous children it produced. They will forever be influenced by the honesty and integrity he displayed in every aspect of his life. In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children, Karen Lonati of Walpole, MA, Jill Curtis and her husband Sandy, of Sugar Land, TX, Jeanne Lonati of Houston, TX, John Lonati and his wife Marianne, of Franklin, MA, and Stephen Lonati and his wife Laura, of Malvern, PA. He will be missed greatly by his adoring grandchildren Alycia, Brian, Alex, Michaela, Stephen, Dani, Taylor and Nick. Per his request, in lieu of a memorial service, a gathering of his family and friends will be held to celebrate his life. Remembrances in John's memory may be made to Home & Hospice Care of RI, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center or Dana Farber Cancer Institute.