John Del Vecchio, Jr

John Floyd Del Vecchio, Jr., 78, of Havana, Florida, passed away on March 15, 2013 surrounded by his family.

The funeral service and celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Faith Funeral Home in Havana, Florida. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, March 20, at Faith Funeral Home. Faith Funeral Home, Havana, Florida, is handling funeral arrangements. (850.539.4300 or www.faithfuneralhome.com )

Del Vecchio was born August 10, 1934 in East Liverpool, Ohio. John graduated from High School in Pennsylvania and attended Florida State University. He was married to Jean Del Vecchio (Barber) on April 3, 1958.

Del Vecchio spent his youth in Somerset, Pennsylvania, where his parents, Clara and Joseph Vargo raised him lovingly. It was during this time, John was introduced to golf, and his passion for the game grew quickly. John spent many summers playing golf and caddying at local golf courses, sometimes carrying two bags at a time. His interest in the sport grew throughout the years, and he served as Marshall and an ardent supporter of the Tallahassee Open Golf Tournament during the 1970's.

Del Vecchio was a Veteran of the Korean War, where he served as a Navy Corpsman, attached to Naval and Marine operations. Following an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, John was the Manager of the Duval Hotel, in Tallahassee, Florida. Later he joined 3M/Lanier as a Sales Associate for north Florida and south Georgia. He excelled in sales and was later named Regional Manager for 3M/Lanier in Lakeland, Florida. He was then hired by the State of Florida as Bureau Chief of Economic Development, overseeing all facets of business recruitment for Governor's Rueben O'D. Askew, Bob Graham, and Wayne Mixon. He was also an active member of the Jaycees.

Following his retirement, Del Vecchio remained passionate about the game of golf, and enjoyed music, arts and western movies. But, most of all he took great pride and enjoyment of spending time with his loving wife Jean, their children, and grandchildren.

Del Vecchio is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jean, and two children Gina Redding; and Tony Del Vecchio his wife, Angie; grandchildren Ali Denny and husband Mat, Kyle Del Vecchio and wife Elizabeth; Matthew Redding, Jr., Michael Reed Del Vecchio, Ryan Del Vecchio, Morgan Jean Redding, and great grandchild, Isaac John Del Vecchio (son of Kyle and Elizabeth). Siblings Sandra Berkley of West Falmouth, Massachusetts and James Vargo, Atlanta, Georgia also survives him. John loved his brother and sister dearly.

Sara Elinor Laughlin (mother) and John Floyd Del Vecchio, Sr. and his parents Joseph and Clara Vargo preceded him in death.