John Salvadore Chinelli Jr.

On Saturday, July 27, 2024, John Salvadore Chinelli Jr. entered heaven at the earthly age of 65.  Johnny died in the loving arms of Jesus, peacefully at home in his sleep.

On Sept. 8, 1958 in Warren, Ohio he was born to John Salvadore Sr and Rose M. (Matuszwski) Chinelli, just minutes before his twin sister, Mary Lou (Missy).

At the age of one, Johnny lost his father, then, at seven and a half, his mother was also called to Jesus. At this young, tender age, Johnny came to know Bessie and Andy LaBuda (paternal aunt and uncle) as his life mother (Mommy) and father (Daddy). More than guardians they helped Johnny through some of the toughest, scariest and loneliest times of his life. Through patience and persistence, they guided him to a path of success and shaped him into a very gentle gentleman.

Johnny and his older brother, Joey, learned much about everything through the kinship, love and brotherhood of Ray and John “L” growing together as life brothers through their love of outdoor hunting sports, dogs, guns and gardens.

Johnny was a life-long Ohio resident. He attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel grade school, Edison Junior High and graduated from Niles McKinley High School, Niles, Ohio in 1976. He was born into the Catholic faith and developed a strong, personal relationship with Our Lord. He cherished his faith and lived as a man of principle.

After completing an electrician’s apprenticeship at General Motors (GM) in Lordstown, Ohio, he pursued the calling and achieved the longest tenure as a robotics electrician. He remained steadfast in this specialized field as “the go to guy” until his retirement from GM. He was ever vigilant in his duties and very proud of his contribution to excellence and his ability to teach others.

He spent his adult work life constantly driven to learn and advance knowledge of his trade or hobby at the time.  A massive book collection reflects his interests and passions.  He loved the written word. He loved art, he loved music. When he was absorbed in a hobby, he approached it with the need to have all related knowledge, books, videos and testimonials. He loved to share what he learned. 

Johnny loved the freedom to enjoy living life. His love for animals and nature was admirable. When he had time to tend it, he had the most beautiful and fruitful garden. He canned and cooked.  He learned to make sausage. He raised dogs, cats, chickens and goats. He sat in his doorway to marvel at the birds, the deer and other wild animals that were fearless and nearly within reach.  He anticipated his visits to the Sudano’s, his extended family in Alaska. He was always in awe and amazed at the beauty of God’s creation.

Johnny had a passion for excellent craftsmanship, no matter the craft. He accepted nothing less than maximum perfection, especially from himself. He loved to restore and remodel and took pride in his work. He always had some new project and he used to say “we’ll sleep when we’re dead.”

Johnny was preceded in death by his birth parents, Rose and John S. Chinelli, Sr.; his life parents, Bessie and Andy LaBuda; his oldest sister, Cynthia Ann.

Johnny leaves behind his twin sister Mary Lou (Missy) Chinellii; older sister, Patty (Geno) Testa; brothers Joseph (Marykay) Chinelli, Ray (Donna) LaBuda, John (Cindy) LaBuda; five nieces - Marilyn (Michael) Wagner (Goddaughter), Elizabeth (Patrick) Medema, Becky (Paul) Jenkins, Andrea (Chris) Lewis, Kristen (Nick) Vivo, and one nephew - Nicholas (Jenna) Testa, 18 great nieces and nephews, maternal Uncle Johnny and Aunt Bea Matuszwski, his longtime companion, Tracy Wegendt; many cousins and several lifetime friends Mitch, Victor, Rick, Tommy K., Mark and Billy.  Johnny will be greatly missed. 

Remember your best and fondest memories of Johnny and pray for his peace, with Jesus Christ, in heaven.

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