John Notardonato

It is with great sadness that the family of John Anthony Notardonato of Fifty Lakes, MN, formerly of Temecula, CA and Dolton, IL announces his passing on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the age of 93.  John will be lovingly remembered by his children: Linda (Thomas) Steffens, John Alan Notardonato, and Janice (Jet) Bieronski; grandchildren: Matthew (Heather) Steffens, Lisa (Aurelio) Garcia, John Bieronski, and Michael (Selena Zawacki) Bieronski; great grandchildren: Tyler Steffens, Samantha Steffens, AJ Garcia, and Olivia Garcia; siblings: Marianne Notardonato and James (Sandra) Notardonato; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years and love of his life, Dolores; his parents, Vincenzo and Linda Notardonato; and sisters, Lillian (late Harry) Ekstrom and Nancy (late Jack) O’Keefe.

John served stateside in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. Following, he was an Instrumentation Engineer for Wisconsin Steel Works in Chicago, IL (32 years) and Wyman-Gordon Company in Harvey, IL (6 years). After those facilities closed, John moved to Temecula, CA, and was an Instrumentation Specialist for International Rectifier Hexfet (12 years). John lived his life according to the motto he learned at the Bright School in Chicago, IL when he was a young child which was “Always Do The Right Thing” and taught it with conviction to the youngsters. He loved to spend time with family, play cards and cheer on his favorite sports teams. In his earlier years, he was an expert ping pong and horseshoe player.  In his later years he was an expert (or lucky) bingo and pool player. He thoroughly enjoyed playing pool every morning at the Temecula Senior Center and then weekly with his friends in Crosslake, MN.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary of Gostyn Church, 445 Prairie Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515. A burial service and celebration of life will be held in the spring at Pinewood Cemetery in Crosslake, MN.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the nursing staff at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby, MN for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages gifts to the charity of your choice.