John Starace

John Starace, 84, passed away at his home in Lake Ronkonkoma on September 13, 2021. He is survived by four children and their spouses, Joan (Gaetano), Susan, Laura (Merritt) and John (Eva). He was also a beloved grandfather to five grandchildren, Aidan, Merritt, Brendan, Sara and Thomas. John was born on August 11, 1937, and raised in Queens, New York. He was the only child of John and Carmela (Esposito) Starace. After his father’s death when he was seven, John and his mother lived with his uncle and grandmother. Growing up in Queens, John was very close to his mother and cousins. He was an avid baseball fan and his favorite team was the New York Giants, and after they moved, the New York Mets. After graduating from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, John started his career at Citibank as a mail room clerk, while attending St. John’s University. He continued to work at Citibank for over 30 years in various roles including branch manager and corporate loan officer. John loved his job and the relationships he built with his co-workers and customers. Additionally, John owned a tax consulting practice. As an Enrolled Agent, John assisted his clients with tax issues and represented them in front of the IRS. John lived his life to the fullest and never let his lifelong affliction to Retinitis Pigmentosa limit him. John was an avid runner and loved to exercise, swim and dance. After quitting smoking in 1981, John took up running. Over a span of 40 years, John ran many races including the New York City and Long Island marathons. He could be found in the gym into his early 80s. John also loved to travel. He travelled to various countries around the world including Italy, Israel, and Russia as well as most of the 50 States. Later in life, he fell in love with cruising. A veteran cruiser, John went on over 40 cruises including an Alaskan cruise and a trans-Atlantic cruise. For over a decade, John looked forward to his annual family cruise with his children and grandchildren. John had a lifelong passion for books. He loved to read about history especially biographies of his favorite Presidents, Harry Truman and Abraham Lincoln. Even when he lost most of his eyesight later in life, John listened to audiobooks. John was a faithful man who loved the Lord, his family, and church. John was finally reunited with his mother and father and finally met Jesus.