John Baptis Casanova Jr., 98, passed away peacefully at Pinnacle Park Nursing Home on January 23, 2023.

John was born in DeProvlingia, Italy on June 22nd, 1924 to John and Josephine Casanova. His family came to America when John was 5 years old. John attended school in Brooklyn, New York from 1929-1937.

John and his brothers followed the trade of their father as bricklayers. Later, he and his 2 brothers went into the business in Poughkeepsie, New York.

On January 18th, 1948, he married Rose Giammatteo. To this union two children were born, daughter, Rebecca (lovingly called Nina) and a son, Anthony. Tragedy came into John’s life when his wife and two children were killed in a car accident.

Later, John moved to Miami, Florida where he met and worked for Rita Wasinger at the Salvation Army, picking up and delivering items. John and Rita were married on April 26th, 1983, in Miami, Florida.

John was known for his quick-witted humor and his ability to work in many different jobs. John loved assisting Rita in her many ministries and continued until his health began to decline.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Josephine Casanova, his brothers and sister, first wife, Rose; daughter, Nina; son, Anthony, and Rita, his wife of 39 years.

There will be a Celebration of Life service held for John and Rita on Friday, February 3rd, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina.

Donations may be made to the Salvation Army, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas 67401.