John R. "Jack" DeSanto

John (Jack) DeSanto passed away peacefully at his home on April 22, 2025. He was 82 years old.

Jack was born on August 19, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the beloved husband of Janet (Formick) for 59 years

and loving father of Gina Pilla (James), Andrea Pathko, Joseph (Jamie Steimetz), Nicole Call (Nick). Jack was blessed

with 13 grandchildren: Julia, Joseph, Kalyn, Johnny, Hannah, Jessica, McKenna, Domenic, Evan, Madison, Lucia, Aiden,

Capri and 4 great grandchildren: Elena, Weston, Andrew and Lainey. Devoted uncle and great-uncle to many.

Jack grew up in Little Italy with his parents, Nick and Julia (Bochar) both deceased and two sisters,

Delores Nero (deceased) and Linda Powell (John). In the 60’s he was a bar manager at the Cleveland Agora.

He then went to work at Millcraft Paper Company where he started in the warehouse, moved up to the sales desk

and then to his final position as an on the road salesman. He retired from Millcraft after 35 years.

 As a young boy, he was affectionately called ‘Jackie’ by his family and neighborhood friends, a name they continued

to use for him throughout his life. Jack took great pride in his Italian heritage and often returned to the old neighborhood

to visit and attend the Feast of the Assumption. He kept close ties with longtime friends and was an active member

of the Alta Club. Jack liked to keep busy. In the summer, he was always outside working in the yard, riding his bike

or rollerblading. He also enjoyed playing golf with his buddies (even though he did not have many

shining moments on the course).  In the winter, he would build challenging Lego sets or jigsaw puzzles.

Jack had a special fondness for cats. Ten fortunate felines found both a friend and a home with him.

Jack is fondly remembered for the warmth he shared with everyone, his gentle spirit, and his unwavering love

for his family. He was a friendly soul who loved connecting with people and always tried to bring a smile to their faces.

His family is comforted by knowing he is in heaven strolling around with his cats, dancing with his mom and hanging

out on the corner with family and friends that have gone before him. In honor of Jack’s life, a mass will be celebrated on

Thursday, May 1, 2025, 10:30 am at Holy Rosary Church, 12021 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, Ohio. There will be a gathering

at the church 30 minutes prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jack’s name to

 Hospice of  the Western  Reserve, The Alzheimer's Association or the Cleveland Animal Protective League. 

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