John Magni's Obituary
John Magni, a 24 year resident of Hazelton Village in Eustis, FL. passed away peacefully on March 24, 2017. He was surrounded by loving family members after a long illness. He was 88 years old.
Born on August 21, 1928, in Syracuse, New York, to Sero Magni and Theresa Borazi, both from Italy, John grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts as the youngest of eleven siblings. At 16, John enlisted in the Navy. Family legend tells the story of his sister, Stegnia, testifying he was of eligible age, which later created document confusion preventing him from obtaining the desired passport to visit Italy years later. However, John never regretted his decision. He was a member of the elite Navy team called UDT (Underwater Demolition Team), the precursor to the modern day SEALs, as demolitions specialist for several years before transferring to the Navy Military Police Corp. He served honorably for 11 years. Throughout his life, John took great pride and honor for the privilege of serving his country.
John returned stateside to help with his growing family, eventually building the first of a number of houses for family over the years. He started his working career as a railroad tender prior to enlisting in the Navy. Upon returning to West Springfield, he followed his father into the construction industry as a union mason. Later, John went on to work as the plant maintenance manager for the Edgewater Apartment Complex, followed by his role as the Animal Control officer for the town of West Springfield before finally retiring to travel with his beloved wife, Shirley, and constant canine companion, Bubba, before settling in Eustis, Florida.
During his leisure time in Springfield, John enjoyed mentoring a 4-H Club and caring for horses out of his barn in West Springfield. John was also a member of the West Springfield Auxiliary Police. Throughout his life, John was immensely proud of his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Friends and extended relatives were also very important to him. Later in life, John loved the community and activities of Hazelton Village; carousing in his golf cart, visiting with friends, playing bocce, watching John Wayne classics, and going to clubhouse gatherings, which often featured Shirley’s famous homemade bread.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Shirley F (Schmitt) Magni, 6 children, 13 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews and friends.
His surviving children: Son, Robert Magni (and his wife, Linda M. Magni) of Ridgefield, CT, daughter, Deborah Magni (and partner, Jeff Laing) of Chicopee, MA, daughter-in law, Linda A. Magni of West Springfield, son, Louis Magni (and partner, Janet Lever) of Chester, MA, son, Daniel Magni (and wife, Donna-Jean) of Nashua, NH, and daughter, Catherine Mary of Rockland ME, and son Joseph Magni of Eustis, FL.
His surviving grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Christopher Magni, Moira Magni, Shannon Magni, Steven Schuaman, Louis Faivre, Michael Faivre, Ryan Magni, Brandon Magni, Dominic Magni, Teresa Magni, Natalie Magni, Jacob Magni, Alexis Faivre, Elliot Schuaman and Calico Lee Schuaman.
John is predeceased by son, John Howard Magni, and grand-daughter, Elizabeth Claire Magni.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 218 Ocklawaha, Eustis, FL. On Monday April 3, 2017 at 10:00AM.
A second service will be held at MASS Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam, MA, where he will be interred. On Friday April 7, 2017 at 9:00AM with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778; https://donate.cshospice.org
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