John R. Irace, 90, passed away on August 9, 2014 at Southpoint Assisted Living facility in New Castle. John was born on September 22, 1923, in North Adams, Massachusetts to Luigi and Elizabetta Irace.

John grew up in North Adams, Massachusetts and attended Drury High School in North Adams. He enlisted in the United States Army in April of 1942 during the time of the Second World War. John was a combat veteran in the European Theater of Operations with the 7th Army, 91st Mechanized Cavalry Squadron. John served under Generals George S. Patton and Omar M. Bradley, as a rifleman, machine gunner, and radio dispatcher. He fought in Africa, Sicily, and Italy and was honorably discharged in September of 1945.

During the time John was in Italy during the Second World War, he had the good fortune of meeting Josephine Lagnese in Pastorano, Italy. Despite the demands of combat, separation, and many restrictions, their love was strong and a promise to marry was made. Josephine’s father, Pasquale Lagnese lived in Hillsville, and so John relocated there and they arranged for Josephine to come to America. On May 4 of 1947 they were married at Saint Anthony’s Church in North Adams, Massachusetts. They made their home in New Castle and had one son, Louis. They were happily married for seventeen years until Josephine died of breast cancer in November of 1964.

Two years later, John married Rita Zambelli Caimano on August 11, 1966 at Saint Vitus Church in New Castle. Rita had one son, Gary. John and Rita had a wonderful and exciting twenty-nine years of marriage. They traveled extensively and were constantly involved with their families. They often hosted large dinners for the family and had a zest and love for life. On January 7, 1995, Rita died of a heart attack.

After Rita’s death, John continued to live in New Castle with his son Louis. He never failed to show his great compassion and caring for others. John would visit those who were sick and in need. He displayed an unconditional love to not his only his son, Louis, but his stepson, Gary. John loved his six grandchildren and visited them often in Oklahoma. John was a gentle and kind man and never spoke ill against others. He loved the challenge of crossword puzzles, read avidly, especially Western novels, enjoyed watching his beloved Steelers in good times and bad, and had a passion for action and drama movies. A true highlight of John’s life, however, was Sunday dinner and the holidays spent at the home of Nick and Suzanne Lagnese. For nearly twelve years, he enjoyed the wonderful Italian dinners beautifully prepared by Suzanne, John’s niece, and lovingly hosted by Nick, his nephew. He always looked forward to Sunday dinner, where he was truly loved by Nick and Suzanne’s family, and in his heart, he knew that the timeless Italian traditions were still alive.

John was employed for twenty-six years by US Steel in Hillsville, Pennsylvania. He was a heavy duty machine and dragline operator. Upon retirement from US Steel, John worked as a custodian for the New Castle School system. In November of 2013, John moved to Southpoint at Jameson, and very soon thereafter he called Southpoint his home. He so enjoyed his activities and lifestyle, made many friends and always enjoyed the food. He was very grateful for the kind, loving, and professional assistance he received from the nurses and administrative staff.

John is survived by his son Louis Irace of New Castle, his stepson Gary Caimano, his daughter-in-law Deborah and his six grandchildren, Ryan, Jordan, Dylan, Katelyn, Brooklyn, and Annie all of Enid, Oklahoma. John was preceded in death by six brothers and seven sisters.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home, 3000 Wilmington Rd.

A procession will leave the funeral home Wednesday at 9:30am to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Vitus Church at 10:00am, officiated by Father William Siple.

Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will conduct military rites at the cemetery.