John Bozzi

John Gino Bozzi was born Giambattista Bozzi in Loseto, Bari, Italy on August 22, 1942 and passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 in Chicago, IL at the age of 72. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer, a disease he fought with extraordinary resilience and courage for over seven years. His heroic willpower to show up every day, no matter how he was feeling, dumbfounded medical professionals working on his behalf. John was the husband of the late Mary M. (nee Padula); the best friend and companion of Angie Potter; the unforgettable, loyal father of Anthony, Frank, Gino, Gracemarie; father-in-law to Yung and Ryan; and the grandfather of Mason, Nicholas, and Mia. He was the proud son of Antonio (from Bitritto, Bari, Italy) and Grazia (nee Zenzola) of Loseto, Bari, Italy. His three elder sisters, Elizabeth, Gilda, and Anna, utterly loved him and admired his spirit of generosity and adventure. He was named after his paternal grandfather, Giambattista, who in turn was most likely named after his own grandfather, going back generations as was the tradition. The name Giambattista means “John The Baptist”, but John Bozzi’s favorite saint was probably Padre Pio. In Italy, he was affectionately called “Uncle John,” a name lovingly said in thick Italian accents by his numerous nieces and nephews. He was considered the “rock of the family.” In 1960, at the age of 18, John emigrated by boat from Naples, Italy through the Ellis Island gateway with his father, Antonio. They crossed the Atlantic Ocean with little education and even less money. Through sheer determination and an unbeatable work ethic, John personified the America Dream by transforming himself from a simple back alley mechanic into a well-admired figure in his community. John was the founder and president of Trans-O-Matic, a well-known transmission repair shop, where he served the general public for more than 40 years, providing fleet service for the City of Chicago and the State Of Illinois police divisions. He simultaneously served on the Board of Directors for Lakeland Community Bank while maintaining numerous other ventures. John found immense joy in designing and constructing several of his commercial buildings as well as his family home. John was known for his animated personality, unstoppable drive, and robust passion. He was endlessly curious about the world around him and expressed himself through relentless activity and bold plans. His charm, humor, and straightforward manner would simultaneously surprise and delight people. John was a consummate student of character and motivation. People of diverse backgrounds fascinated him; he wanted to understand and relate to the story of their lives. John displayed an enormous compassion for his elders and would routinely adopt older men and women he befriended, treating them with profound respect and dignity. John was an enthusiastic and active member of Mazzini Verdi Club in Franklin Park, IL and loved cooking and eating home meals fueled by the happy memories of his humble beginnings. Last month, despite his adamant protestations, John’s devoted nieces, Angelica and Grazia, insisted on visiting him from Italy for Thanksgiving. This much-needed jolt of unconditional love and Old World nurturing revitalized John’s spirits and strength for the holidays. John credited much of his success to his family, especially his mother and beautiful sister, Gilda. He described both of these strong, affectionate women as the two greatest cheerleaders of his life because they offered only praise and unwavering belief in his potential and refused to see John as anything less than a perfect reflection of God, here on Earth. Visitation Service is Sunday, December 28 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Avenue, Norridge, IL. Funeral Services begin Monday, December 29 at the Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. and then proceed to St. Alphonsus Liguori Church, 411 North Wheeling Road, Prospect Heights, IL for 11:30 a.m. Mass. The burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.