John Peter Ranieri

John P. Ranieri, 75, of Wildwood Crest, NJ (formerly of Roxborough) died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday 10/22 after a short battle with an illness. He was the son of the late John Ernest Ranieri and Rose Patricia (Bove) Ranieri.

John grew up at 23rd and Indiana in the "old neighborhood" in North Philadelphia and eventually moved to Roxborough in 1969 after marrying the love of his life, Bernadette, from Manayunk.

John spent 35 years in the Engineering Department at Philadelphia Suburban Water Company, now Aqua America, in Bryn Mawr, PA. His hustle and hard work ethic led him to open up a flag and banner business in 1996 called East Coast Flag and Banner Company. John retired at PSW in 1997 and relocated to Wildwood Crest, NJ with his wife Bernadette. Because he couldn't sit still, John decided to get his real estate license so that he could spend days looking at real estate, something that he loved.

John and Bernadette made many lifetime friends while enjoying their retirement at the Jersey Shore. Many of these friends have since become family to him and his family. John could be found on his favorite barstool at Duffinetti's Restaurant where he became known as "Norm." Upon his wife Bernadette's passing in 2017, his shore 'family" rallied to make sure that John was always looked after. He affectionately became known as "Pop-Pop" to everyone. Pop-Pop always kept an eye on everyone's shore homes over the winters. He was always first to volunteer to host summer holiday gatherings and to open up his home to extended family.

John is survived by his daughter Sheila Hendrzak (Darrin) and son John (Aimee), along with 5 beloved grandchildren, Sophia, Chase, Cole, Jack, and Alex. His grandkids were the love of his life and they loved him back dearly. John was also the inherited Pop-Pop to beloved neighbors Sofia, Erik, and Hayk and many other kids in his neighborhood. John will be dearly missed but his family and friends will continue to keep his spirit shining.

Relatives and friends are invited to Viewing on Monday, October 30 at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 819 E. Cathedral Road, Philadelphia. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Interment is in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in John's name to the National Down Syndrome Society www.NDSS.org

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