John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary (Castellani), his grandson Anthony John (wife Shawna and daughter Alana) Carlini, and granddaughter Joanna. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, who all knew him as their Uncle John.
John was born on March 5, 1919 to Felice and Rose Carlini. After the death of his mother, he was raised by his father and step-mother, Louisa Bruni Carlini. John was the eldest of 7 children. He is preceded in death by his first wife (Joanne/Nina), his son Anthony Carlini of Newport Beach, CA, and his siblings Anthony Mattoni of Warren, MI, Francis Joseph Carlini of Tarpon Springs, FL, Henry Carlini of Farmington Hills, MI, and Francis Barone of Sayerville, NJ.
John lived a wonderful and long life. After graduating from the Henry Ford Trade School, he was hired by Henry Ford I to work for Ford in the Advance Engine department. At that time, the company was in search of engineers that could provide the intelligence needed to assist Ford Motor Company in the production of planes and engines for World War II.
John held many positions and had many accomplishments at Ford Motor Company over the course of his career. In the 1960s, John worked on the turbine program, and invented the sequential blinker that was put on the first production vehicle in 1967 (Mercury Cougar).
John enjoyed his time as part of the Ford Racing Department. In 1965, Ford won its first Indy 500 Race and in 1967 won the first Grand Prix which was won by Driver Jimmy Clark in his Lotus-Ford vehicle, with John Carlini as his carburetor technician. John was also a member of the
Ford GT40 racing team (Ford vs Ferrari). John retired from Ford Motor Company after an impressive career of 40 years.
In retirement, he and Mary moved to California for a short period of time before returning to the Detroit area, where he lived out his days with his wife by his side. John enjoyed an active life, playing golf and keeping up with the racing world.
When asked about his secret to living such a long and active life, he responded by saying, “Make sure you move your body everyday. Never go to bed angry, as anger will take from your life.” He celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and loved ones, and was even recognized by the Mayor of Rochester Hills, MI with an official Resolution.
Due to Covid19, there will be a Zoom Catholic Service held for John Carlini at 11:00 AM EST. on Monday, October 26th, 2020, from the Pixley Funeral Home in Rochester, MI.
In lieu of flowers, John’s wish was to have donations sent to: Sacred Heart of the Hills Catholic Church, 3400 S. Adams Rd., Auburn Hills, MI, 48326
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