John attended Steinmetz High School in Chicago. He then entered the Army with the rank of Private First Class, serving in Korea.
After serving he continued his career as a warehouse manager for Beutlich Pharmaceuticals.
In Florida, he was a proud Community Service Volunteer for Lee County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years and Cape Coral Police Department for 5 years.
John is preceded in death by his wife, Connie LaRocco; father, John LaRocco; mother, Laura LaRocco; and granddaughter, Megan Witek.
John is survived by daughters, Jennifer Watkins and Lynda Witek; son, Scott Gutierrez, and Edward Ortega, who was always like a son to John; grandchildren, Henry Watkins and Rachel Watkins; sister, Mary Lou Perry; and faithful companion, Magoo.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will take place on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 11am at Coral Ridge Cemetery; 950 Chiquita Blvd S., Cape Coral, FL 33991.