John Philip Bello

March 18, 1958-April 21, 2017 in Sarasota, FL, but longing for his hometown of Buffalo, NY. Beloved son of Nila Wiltberger and the late Gerard P. Bello; step-son of the late Hubert Wiltberger; much loved brother of Rosanna Bello, Elissa Bello, the late Linda Brackett, Cheryl Zurbrick and Kim Wiltberger; beloved uncle and special friend to his nephew Joseph Gonzales, who he opened his heart and home to so he could escape the cold Buffalo winters. Closest of friends and confidante to his pal Tim Flow, Tim's wife Nancy and the entire Flow family who have been so very generous and helpful through John's illness. John was a generous soul, a true gentleman in every sense of the word and someone who could make you laugh at the darkest of times. A true musical aficionado who loved food, cooking, music, movies and mimicking any voice with an uncanny knack that would have you thinking you were hearing the real deal. His caricatures of the people in his immediate circle would make you laugh with their authenticity. There wasn't anyone who didn't love and admire him. He is survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends near and far and from all walks of life. We pray he is at peace, enjoying good food, wine, music and laughter with the people he loved and lost. That he will be sorely missed by his family and friends is an understatement. He was a member of the armed forces and served in the US Air Force from 1980-1984. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, April, 28th at 10:00 am at Wiegand Brothers Funeral Chapel, 7454 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. Donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund.