John Anthony Signore, 75, of Debary, FL, formerly of Riverside, RI, passed away peacefully this week following a lengthy and hard-fought battle with lymphoma. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years Julia (Michaud) Signore. Born in Providence, son of the late Joseph and Fannie (DiPietro) Signore, John is survived by three children including Sherri of Manchester, NH, Christopher and his wife Kadie (Owen), of Charlottesville, VA, and Scott and his wife Jenna (Wayland) of Newbury, MA. He was a loving grandfather to Dylana Signore, Emily and Matthew Thompson, and Madeleine and Morgan Signore. John is also survived by his brother, Anthony Signore, of North Carolina. He will be sadly missed by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
John graduated from Rhode Island College in 1965 with a Bachelor and Master's degree in Education and made a home in Riverside, RI, until his retirement in 2007 when he moved to Florida. He was a medic in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years. He retired from the Diocese of Providence where he taught math, science, literature and religion, and coached the cross-country team at St. Luke's School in Barrington, RI. Prior to St. Luke's, John taught for 35 years in the Barrington school system, with time spent at both the Barrington Middle School and Barrington High School. In addition, he coached track & field and cross-country at the high school for more than 20 years, and football at the middle school for several years early in his career.
John was gregarious in nature and loved long conversation. He was an avid reader, thinker and scientist who loved sharing his knowledge and felt most at home in a classroom. He enjoyed sailing, kayaking, walking, biking, traveling, and most of all, spending time with his beloved wife. He did all he could to keep his active lifestyle until the very end. He enjoyed being with people and was an active member of the St. Brendan's Parish in Riverside, RI, earlier in his life, and St. Ann's Parish in Debary more recently. At St. Ann's he volunteered in the nursing ministry and led a weekly senior exercise program. Above all other traits, John will be remembered for his unwavering positive attitude. He was kind, supportive, encouraging and optimistic, and he found good in every situation.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 9am at the Deltona Memorial Funeral Home located at 1295 Saxon Blvd. in Orange City, FL, with a Catholic Funeral Mass at St. Ann's Church following at 11am. Condolences may be offered at www.DeltonaMemorialFuneralHome.com.
