Santo Giovanni "Johnny" Melchiorre Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Santo Giovanni “Johnny” Melchiorre of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2020. He was 96 years old. Johnny was born in Butler, Pennsylvania on November 1, 1923, to parents Michelina (DeCarlo) and Domizio Melchiorre Sr. His siblings were the late Michael (Antoinette), Leonard (Marie), Rocco (Dolores), and Philomena (Guy) and surviving brother Domizio Jr. (Donna). Johnny moved to New York as a toddler and lived there until he retired in 1987. One afternoon in 1957 on a Manhattan elevator Johnny found the love of his life, Shelly, who he married six months later. They were married almost 62 years when Shelly passed in February of 2020. Johnny was adored by his children Mark (Vikki) and Dawn (Chuck), grandchildren Giovanni (Chelsea), Jesse, Anthony, and Samantha (Austin), and great-grandchildren Giovanni Jr. and Sonny Angelo. Johnny’s personality was like no other—to know him was to immediately love him. Johnny was funny, charming, and loved to laugh. John and Shelly were the dynamic duo when it came to throwing parties. Guests always came hungry, left full, and talked about John’s Italian cooking for decades especially his famous baked ziti, meatballs, and gorgeous antipasto platters. Johnny was the supreme host. His captivating charm and sense of humor always brought smiles and laughs to everyone in the room. Johnny’s interests included boating, fishing, and playing, coaching, and watching baseball—especially his Giants who he followed from New York to San Francisco. He enjoyed playing bridge with Shelly and going to the movies. Johnny and Shelly traveled the world by cruise ship with their amazing friends. They explored too many countries to count on all seven of the world’s continents. Being on a cruise ship was his happy place. Johnny’s heart was full of love when it came to family. He coached Mark’s baseball teams and taught him how to build docks. He drove Dawn to gymnastics and video-taped her meets. He was truly their hero and the wind beneath both their wings. He was also the ultimate storyteller. He would sit for hours telling his grandchildren made-up stories, bringing them to life as they listened intently. Johnny and Shelly were truly one, so it is no surprise Johnny went to join his wife in heaven only six months after she passed. Everyone is confident that when he saw her he said “I love you baby” and kissed her like he had for 62 years. There is a reunion going on like no other and make no mistake, Johnny has a scotch on the rocks with a splash of water in one hand, holding Shelly’s hand with the other, and entertaining everyone as the life of the party. John and Shelly have made arrangements for their final resting place to be at sea when it is safe to cruise again. Immediate arrangements for John's final care have been entrusted to Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33907, (239) 936-0555. To share a story or photo, leave a tribute, or to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time please visit Johnny’s memorial webpage located at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign his guestbook.

Santo Giovanni "Johnny" Melchiorre

November 1, 1923 - August 27, 2020

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Santo Giovanni "Johnny" Melchiorre

November 1, 1923 - August 27, 2020

Obituary & Service

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