John Charles Cercone

John Charles Cercone Jr., born October 3, 1943, in New Rochelle, New York, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, at the age of 81, at home with family.

John spent his early years in New York before moving to Pittsburgh. In 1957, he attended Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, and later attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York.

After college, John began his career as a stockbroker in Ithaca, New York, where he worked from 1968 to 1976. Always willing to follow his dreams, he eventually left the stockbroker business and entered the seafood industry, building a successful lobster and seafood business in Cortland, New York, which he ran for many years.

John was the proud father of two sons, Jay and John "Chip." After traveling through Mexico, he met Shari Kuchan. They eventually made their home in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they welcomed three daughters. In 1991, John and Shari moved to Iowa to raise their family.

John was a loving father and the ultimate "girl dad." He showed up for everything his children were involved in and was always there to support and encourage them. He was the kind of dad who truly did it all-cooking, cleaning, caring for his family, and never hesitating to do whatever was needed. He later worked for and retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Des Moines, Iowa.

After retirement, John and Shari returned to Mexico, where they spent 21 wonderful years. They first made their home in Troncones and later in Pátzcuaro. John embraced the adventure wholeheartedly, spending his final years hiking, exploring, and immersing himself in Mexican culture.

John experienced the heartbreaking loss of his son, John "Chip" Cercone, who passed away from cancer one year before him. It was an incredibly difficult time, and John carried the loss of his son with him.

One of John's greatest joys was being a grandfather. To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as Papa, and he was the very best. He cherished being part of their lives and took great pride in watching them grow. His family was his greatest accomplishment, and the love he gave his children and grandchildren will live on through them.

John is survived by his wife, Shari; his son Jay and wife, Maureen; his daughter-in-law, Mia Cercone, wife of the late John "Chip" Cercone; and his daughters, Laura (Jaime), Jenni (Kevin), and Amie (Andrew). He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Arianna, Anthony, Gus, Bella, Emma, Esme, Jay, Max, Blythe, Bennett, Wyatt, Annie, and Lucie.

John will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his willingness to follow his dreams, his generous heart, and his zest for life. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving father and beloved Papa.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved by his family, his many friends in Mexico and beyond, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.