John Denno 1950-2026

At the center of John’s life was his wife — his first love, best friend and lifelong partner. Their marriage was built on love, loyalty, and mutual respect, and she stood beside him through every chapter of his life. Together, they built a strong family and a life grounded in devotion and shared purpose.

John lived a life defined by service, discipline, and unwavering commitment — to his country, his community and his family.

As a United States Marine, he served during the Vietnam War, carrying that sense of honor, duty, discipline, loyalty, and perseverance with him for the rest of his life. His military service was a source of great pride, and the values he learned as a Marine shaped the man he became.

After returning home, John carried his strong work ethic into civilian life. He worked for many years as a dedicated automotive worker and later served his community as a deputy sheriff, once again stepping into a role that required courage, integrity, and the responsibility and willingness to protect and serve others.

John’s greatest mission was raising his three sons. He took immense pride in being their father and worked tirelessly to provide for them, guide them and teach them the values he lived by — respect, responsibility, honesty, perseverance and hard work. He led by example, and the men his sons became stand as one of his greatest legacies.

As a grandfather, John found deep joy in his grandchildren and time spent watching them grow. As a brother and a devoted son, he remained loyal, steady, and connected to his family throughout his life.

Outside of work and service, John found happiness in creating, fixing and building things. His hands were rarely idle. He enjoyed model trains, fishing, movies, ghost stories, puzzles, flea markets, Motown, westerns, collectibles, classic cars and motorcycles. He loved his pets through the years, took pride in gardening, remodeling and building things, and could almost always be found tinkering in his workshop — solving a problem, working on a project or bringing something back to life.

John will be remembered as a Marine, a Vietnam War veteran, a protector, and above all, a devoted husband, father and family man. His life was one of service, love and quiet strength, and his legacy lives on through his wife, his sons, his grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

John is survived by his wife, Cindy; his three sons, Michael, Brian and Christopher (Katie); his seven grandchildren, Kyle, Maia, Colin, Christina, Zachery, Leah and Blake; his seven siblings, Larry (Jan), Jerry (Jeanie), Carmela, Carmen (Ramee), Jeanie (Joe), Joseph (Richard) and Debbie (Dave); and many extended family members, fellow Marines, fellow officers, friends and loved ones who will forever honor his memory.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, John Denno II; parents, Gerald and Fannie Denno; and in-laws James and Gladys Donaldson.

Calling hours will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Lane Funeral Home, Roberts-Clark Chapel, 180 Garfield Drive NE, Warren, OH 44483. A prayer service celebrating John’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, with military honors to follow in Crown Hill Burial Park.

Online condolences can be made at www.lane

funeralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family may request donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to honor John’s memory and help other veterans.

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