With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John Lanese, a devoted father, grandfather, husband, and friend, whose presence filled every room with strength, humor, and unmistakable character.
Born on April 29, 1942, John grew up in Portland, Maine, near India Street, where he learned early the value of hard work, resilience, and taking pride in what you build with your own hands. He carried those values with him throughout his entire life.
John proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was stationed aboard the USS Pillsbury (DER-133), a radar picket ship tasked with monitoring the North Atlantic for potential Soviet threats. From the waters stretching between Newfoundland, Greenland, and down the East Coast to Florida, John stood watch protecting the homeland during a time of global uncertainty.
After his military service, John built a long and respected career, dedicating 28 years to the Leen Company. Known as a skilled mechanic, he had an unmatched ability to fix just about anything. He was the one you called when something broke, and he always showed up.
He had a deep love for the simple, meaningful things in life. He loved spending time with his wife, doing all of their daily errands together and enjoying being side by side. He also loved being in his garage, tinkering away on the latest projects. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and boating. He loved cars, especially his El Camino, and was a loyal fan of NASCAR. He appreciated good Italian food, had a fascination with outer space and history, and was known for putting ketchup on just about everything. Red socks were a trade mark.
He lived life comfortably and authentically, often shirtless and in shorts no matter the season, even while snow blowing, a perfect reflection of his no-nonsense personality.
He was known for his rough-around-the-edges demeanor, but beneath it was a soft heart, paired with an unfiltered humor that kept everyone on their toes.
Above all, John loved his family.
John was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Anna Clemente Lanese, his ‘second’ parents, Tony and Elaine Ingerowski, his first wife Dianne Shaw, his older brother Peter Lanese, and several brother and sister-in-laws, including Howie and Nancy Shaw, who were also dear friends. Snoopy and Tippy were canine best friends from the past.
He is survived by his much loved wife, Mary Ann Lanese; his daughter Terry (Peter) Therrien and grandson Colby; his son Steven Lanese of Alaska (Air Force veteran-22 years); his step daughters Jennifer (Jim) Vogel and granddaughter Genevieve, Tara (Chad) Reed and granddaughters Gabrielle and Ana Welton, and Christina Linskey. He also had nieces and nephews that were very special to him, including Craig Shaw, Dawn Daniel, Carol Nappi and Julie Anderson.
He is lovingly remembered by his surviving siblings- Barbara Remington, Mary Lou Jordan, Debbie (Roger) Ohman, Gary (Jane) Lanese, Patty (Gordon) Whittemore and Paula (Pete) Lanese, along with many extended family members and friends whose lives he touched deeply, including Lee Palmer, Jerry Fecteau, Gene Shaw and Dave Small.
Gabrielle and Ana lived nearby for several years and brought him immense pride and joy.
He will also be missed by his loyal canine companion, Saint, who enjoyed visiting John and other residents and staff of the Maine Veterans’ Home in recent months.
John leaves behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, humor, and quiet strength. He was the kind of man who didn’t need many words-his actions spoke for him. He showed love through what he built, what he fixed, and how he showed up for the people in his life.
In honor of John’s life and his love for the Maine coast, his family will be placing a memorial bench at Willard Beach, a place where his memory can live on in the sound of the ocean and the quiet moments he always appreciated.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
