John Merano Sr.

John Merano, Sr. 92, of Springfield, enjoyed life until his death on December 18, 2011 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. John was born July 25, 1919 in Kincaid, IL, the son of Louis and Maria Gazelli Merano. John graduated from the University of Illinois in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce-Management. He proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps during WWII. On November 9, 1946, he married Jean Lowery Phares at Grace Lutheran Church in Springfield after meeting her at his first job at Franklin Life.

He leased the Bonafide Oil Company station of Wabash Avenue for over 25 years before joining the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association as a registered lobbyist. Prior to retirement at age 72, he supervised the Driver’s Services section for the Illinois Secretary of State.

John had many hobbies and was active in several clubs and organizations. He was a member of the Springfield Motor Boat Club, local dance clubs, and served as Republican Precinct Committeeman for Woodside #9. For his fifty-five years of membership in the American Legion, he received a Citation for Meritorious Service.

John had a strong passion for life, his family, and his Italian heritage. He enjoyed travel, wine-making, golf, the St. Louis Cardinals and Illini sports. John is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Jean, his children; Ted (Patricia) Merano of Springfield, Barbara (Thomas) Pronk of Coralville, IA, and John (Mary Ann) Merano, Jr. of Springfield, 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Theresa Merano of Muskegon, MI, 2 nieces and 1 nephew. He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, brothers Emil and Reno, and a grandson Jay Pronk. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 23, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E Allen St, Springfield, IL, 62703. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Rev. Thomas Christell of Grace Lutheran Church will officiate the services. Burial will follow the service at Rochester cemetery. Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.