JOHN B. MAESTRI

John B. Maestri, 100, of Howlett Hill, passed away peacefully at home July 17, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Prezzo, Italy on February 13, 1924 to parents Celeste and Maria (Tafelli) Maestri. After immigrating to America as a young child, he was raised in Solvay and Lakeland. After attending Solvay High School, he apprenticed at Smith and Caffrey Co., where he learned and developed his iron working skills. In 1943 he joined the US Coast Guard where he proudly served as a Fireman First Class during WWII. He served on the USS “Billy” Mitchell in the European and Pacific theaters. After returning from the war, he and his brother Bert started Solvay Iron Works in their parent’s Lakeland garage. Over the next 65 years the company employed hundreds of local workers. He was proud of the numerous construction projects that Solvay Iron was part of across New York State and beyond. In 1956 John married Frances Kogut and together they raised three daughters. They were parishioners of St Joseph’s Church of Camillus. John was a founding member of the Solvay-Geddes Lions Club, member of the Knights of Columbus, Tyrol Club of Solvay, and the Napoleonic Historical Society. He was an avid gardener taking pleasure in growing vegetables and roses. He enjoyed playing golf at Tuscarora Golf Club, hunting, fishing, bowling, and traveling with friends and family, including a few trips back to his beloved homeland in the Tyrolean Dolomites. He was a fan of the TV show “Columbo” and was a voracious reader of non-fiction. John lived life to its fullest, enjoying many adventures, interests, and stories too numerous to list and invoking precious memories. John was predeceased by his parents and his cherished sister, Tina. John is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Fran, his beloved daughters, Rebecca (Jean Hacken), of Arlington, VA, Sheila, of Syracuse, and Jacqueline (David, Jr) Marrs, of Marietta; his treasured grandchildren, Andrea (Anthony Markusz) Marrs and John (Hannah Comstock) Marrs; his devoted brother, Bert Maestri, and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. John greatly appreciated the many years of exceptional care he received from his saintly caregivers including Shelly (aka Wilson), Tina, Kathy, Marilyn and Angie. In the words of John: “Ciao for now…” Family and friends may call from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM Monday, July 22, 2024 at BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Milton Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at St. Marianne Cope Parish - Our Lady of Peace Church, 203 Holcomb St. in Lakeland. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in John’s memory to Howlett Hill Fire Department, 3384 Howlett Hill Rd, Syracuse, NY 13215, Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St, Liverpool, NY 13088 (www.hospicecny.org) or ECHO Meals on Wheels, 4600 W. Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13219 (www.echomealsonwheelswest.com). Please share online memories and tributes at www.bagozzitwins.com.

JOHN B. MAESTRI

February 13, 1924 - July 17, 2024