John R Gautieri Sr, November 07, 1930 — June 12, 2018

Obituary for John R. Gautieri Sr John R. “Gootch” Gautieri, Sr., peacefully passed away on June 12, 2018 surrounded by the love and presence of his family. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. There he worked on his family farm.

In 1947, he was drafted by the US Navy, where he served as a medic. In 1959, his claim to fame was a small part in an Ed Wood film, titled “Night of the Ghouls”, where he was cast as “boy”. In the 60s and early 70s, he was a skater, referee and manager in the National Roller Derby.

There he made friendships that would last his lifetime. He lived in California until 1975, before moving to Philadelphia with his wife, June. There he settled and eventually retired from the Philadelphia Gas Works after many years of service.

Johns immeasurable work ethic didn’t let retirement stop him from working. He then worked for several years at Pacifico Airport Valet, entertaining his passengers with his stories. He is the beloved husband of 46 years to June (nee Benson).

Loving father of John Jr. (Susan) Gautieri, Catherine Gautieri, Geno (Renee) Gautieri, Dana (James) Bean and Gina Gautieri-Bilbow (Pat). Dearest Pop Pop to his grandchildren, Ryan, Tyler, Nicholas, Arden, Taylor, Joseph, Madison and Jamie. Brother of Gary (Regina) Smith and the late Gene Gautieri, Marie Foster and David Smith.

Brother-in-law to the late Janet Maglio. He will be also greatly missed by his niece, Nicole, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends and admiring fans. All are invited to his Visitation Friday eve 6-8 PM and again on Saturday morning 8-9:30 AM at the Murphy Ruffenach, Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home, 3rd & Wolf Sts.

Funeral Mass Saturday 10 AM in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Interment Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA.

Memorial donations to honor his memory can be made to Abramson Cancer Center or Caring Way Hospice Center, Attn: Penn Medicine Development, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3309. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John R. Gautieri Sr please visit our Sympathy Store.

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