John R Onopa

John Raymond Onopa, 67, of Naples, FL and  Land O’Lakes, WI lost his three year battle with cancer Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. He was surrounded by loved ones at the home of his daughter and son in-law, Michele and Rodney Douglas.

He was born May 20, 1944 in Wausau, Wisconsin, the son of Lillian and Frank Onopa. 

Survivors include his wife Bonnie Dancey Onopa, his father Frank Onopa, daughter, Michelle (Rod) Douglas, of Tampa, FL, son, Christopher (Lisa) Onopa, of Orlando, FL, and daughter, Cheryl (Shawn Dawson) Onopa of Aspen, CO; Margaret Farrell Onopa, the mother of his children; his sister Joanne Bermudez, of Puerto Rico, and brother Ronald Onopa, of The Villages, FL.

His mother preceded him in death July 9, 2011. 

He attended St. Therese Grade School and Newman High, where he was known as “Big John”.  He was a formidable athlete and excelled in basketball, football, and baseball. 

He was an iron worker in the Peoria area, and later started his own business, Johnco Construction.  He loved golf, snowmobiling, and especially fishing.  He was a generous and loving host to all.  He took special care to remember his friends and families favorites and to have them on hand when they visited. It gave him much joy to make others happy. 

Masses have been said for the repose of his soul. As he would wish, there are several celebrations of his life planned in some of his favorite places. So once more he can entertain all those that he loved.

Donations may be made in his honor to Hope Lodge where he stayed during his treatments at Mayo Clinic.  Their web site is:  www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/w/h108rochmn/index

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com