John Warner Conti

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Dorothy Conti; his beloved wife of 53 years, Sandra Elizabeth Conti; his sisters, Gail Ferris and Dolores “Do” Surette.

John is survived by his sister, Barbara Ann Green; his three children: Danielle Conti Spaar (Rick Spaar), Jonathan Chad Conti (Alix Conti), and Nicole Schwalbe (Bret Schwalbe); and their spouses. He also leaves behind five grandchildren who brought him great pride and joy: Alexandra Schwalbe, Jack Schwalbe, Luke Schwalbe, Taylor Whitney, and Logan Spaar; along with many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Born on June 8, 1946, in Reading, Massachusetts, John was the youngest of four children. He was active in school and a standout running back for the Reading Rockets. His time serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War (1966–1969) deeply shaped his life. A protector by nature, John was known for his strong sense of justice and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing—qualities that made him a devoted and loving father.

In 1982, John moved his family from Reading, Massachusetts, to Manchester, New Hampshire. A decade later, in 1992, the family relocated to Owatonna, Minnesota, where John remained for most of his life, with a brief time spent in Winchester, Virginia. During those years, he worked for OTC and later found joy in serving the community through the Owatonna School Bus Company.

Many in Owatonna came to know John as the cheerful and dependable driver of Bus #1, and as a familiar face at the gym, where his love of staying active never waned.

John touched countless lives with his generosity, strength, and quiet kindness. Though his 79 years feel far too short, his legacy of love, service, and integrity will live on through all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed.

Friends and family are welcome to gather on Saturday July 19th, at 1:30pm at the New Britain Memorial Donald D Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Ave., New Britain. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1:45pm at the Funeral Home with traditional Military funeral honors.