John A. Cherrone Jr.

September 17, 1941 ~ February 23, 2023 (age 81)

John A. Cherrone Jr. went home to the Lord on Thursday, February 23rd at the age of 81. John was born September 17, 1941, in South Bend, IN to the late John A. Cherrone Sr. and Elizabeth G. Cherrone (Kantz).

John was a 1959 Graduate of Washington Clay High School where he was a member of the marching band. He then attended Indiana State Teachers College where he majored in music.

John was blessed to celebrate 59 years of marriage with his loving, surviving wife, Rose M Cherrone (Puchala). They were married On September 7, 1963, and together they hadthree daughters who also survive; Laura (Bill) Talcott of Niles, MI; Lynn M. Cherrone of South Bend, IN; and Terri (Brad) Miller of Granger, IN.  John was also lovingly known as “Poppy” to his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who he loved dearly: Erica (Brad) Okeley, William (Melissa) Talcott, Nick Talcott, Briana (Eric) Hazen, Tyler Miller, Madison Miller, Addison Okeley and Lincoln Okeley. John was looking forward to meeting his third great-grandson this August.

John is also survived by his brothers; Raymond (Pat) Cherrone of South Bend, IN and David (Barb) Cherrone of South Bend, IN. Nephews, Joseph Cherrone and Chad (Lisa) Cherrone.  Nieces Lisa (David) McCreary and Raeann (Laz) Martinez. Aunt Rosalie Cherrone and Cousin Beth (Chris) Mantoan.

Family was everything to John. He never missed an opportunity to be involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved attending their school events, extra - curricular activities, celebrating birthdays and milestones in their lives and he especially loved family holiday gatherings. He was proud of his family, and he always made sure they knew that.

He loved to fish, garden, and watch his favorite TV shows; usually with family, but also in rare moments of solitude.

John was a kind and generous man. He would do anything to help anyone. He dedicated many years as a volunteer with Clay JBA/JBSA as equipment manager, concession stand manager and Co-Commissioner of the softball league. He was also a summer league girls umpire for 28 years at Clay Twp. and Harris Twp. John was a past member of the New Apostolic Church where he was a member of the church choir.

John was self - employed as the owner of Quality Decorating Service from 1985 to present where he was wallpaper hanger and painter. He semi-retired in 2015 and most recently worked for Weaver Rental Properties.  He was previously employed in the American Formed Plastics/Amfridge Manufacturing Refrigeration and Custom Plastic Parts for the R.V. Industry where he was production manager and Director of Operations.

John will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Services for John will be held on Friday March 3rd at Palmer Funeral Home– Welsheimer North Chapel; 17033 Cleveland Rd. South Bend, IN 46635. Visitation will take place from 4-6pm, immediately followed by a memorial service. Donations can be made in John’s honor to a Go Fund Me page the family has set up here;https://gofund.me/e569e3c8 or to the American Heart Association.

 Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

03/02/2023 EJS