John Anthony Pinto

John Anthony Pinto, 61, of Jacksonville, FL passed away on January 24, 2012 at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville. John was born on January 23, 1951 in Binghamton, NY to Giacomo “Jack” Pinto and Elizabeth Pinto. He worked in Sales with Prudential, then he fulfilled his dream to open a restaurant, Giovanni's. John then continued his career in the food service industry. He is a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Sons of Italy. John had a passion for cooking just about anything and his specialty was making sauce and meatballs, which he proudly perfected over many years. He also loved golfing, football, laughing at Looney Tunes, and celebrating life with great friends, which along with his children and granddaughter, was his greatest joy. John was predeceased by his father, Jack Pinto and is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Pinto; his beloved MaryJo Murphy; his son, Eric Pinto; his 2 daughters, Melissa Heller (Mike) and Nicole Johnston (Eric); his 2 sisters, Elizabeth Pinto and Maria Shefferman (Neal); his granddaughter, Alexandra Heller, who will miss bageling and getting monkey mail from her Papa; his niece, Jessica Shefferman; his 2 nephews, John and James Shefferman; and his family of friends in Jacksonville and Endicott. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 26th in the St. Joseph Historic Catholic Church, 4214 Loretto Rd., Jacksonville, FL with Fr. Daniel Cody as Celebrant. John's family would like to thank the critical care staff at Memorial Hospital, especially Shannon, Christi, Ronnie, Lisa, and Dr. Krieger for their incredibly compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of John to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. John’s family would like his friends to share their stories and funny memories of John via the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025