John R. Imperatore
Owner of Imperatore Enterprises
John R. Imperatore, 89, of Canonsburg, passed away at 4:03 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2013, in Townview Health and Rehabilitation Center, Canonsburg, following an extended illness.
He was born June 25, 1924, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Giovanni and Maria Sebastian Imperatore.
During World War II, he served with the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant. Upon returning to Canonsburg, he and his brothers purchased Hudson Automobile agency and operated the Modern Delivery service, which for the fee of 10 cents, delivered groceries to area homes. In 1963, the Imperatore brothers purchased the local Ford dealership which then became Imperatore Enterprises, where he received many Excellence in Accounting awards from Ford Motor Co.
Mr. Imperatore was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Church, where he served as an usher with the Catholic Men’s Club for over 50 years. He was a member of Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus Counsel 3291, American Legion Post 253 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 791.
He was passionate about his two grandchildren. He enjoyed watching Steelers and Pirates games, trips to Atlantic City and area casinos, bowling and working in his yard. He was an optimist who always had a smile for everyone and loved sharing and hearing stories about “the good old days.” He left the world a better place and will be missed.
On November 28, 1959, he married Mary Lawrence, who survives, after 54 years of marriage.
Also surviving are a son, John R. Imperatore of Scott Township; a daughter, Susanne (Wesley) Harrison, and grandchildren Ava and Ryan Harrison, all of Richmond, Va.; his brother, Harry (Irene) Imperatore of Canonsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Deceased are five brothers, Leon (Lee Barrette), James, Guerino “Goody,” Erman and Albert Imperatore; and two sisters, Jean Tomsic and Olga Nesti.
Friends are welcome from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc. Joseph P. Salandra owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where departing prayers will be recited at 9 a.m. Saturday, January 4, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, with entombment to follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township. Full military rites will be accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 and American Legion Post 902 honor guard. The Christian Mothers and Guild of St. Patrick will recite the rosary at 3 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Church, American Diabetes Association and Townview Health and Rehabilitation Center. To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.