John Jay Lanzotti, 73 of Taylorville, passed away at 5:35p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 24, 1949 in Taylorville, the son of Frank Lanzotti Sr. and Catherine A. (Seward) Lanzotti.
John grew up at the One Mile Inn in Taylorville where he helped with chores during the day and greeted customers each night.
He graduated from 8th grade at St. Mary School and from Taylorville High School with the class of 1969. He enjoyed attending class reunions.
John was one of the first clients at Christian County Mental Health Association’s Developmental Center. He worked there for more than 40 years, often in the wood room where he used skills learned in his high school shop classes.
He lived in a CCHMA group home for more than 25 years. Through the group home and developmental center, he took part in numerous activities like Kids Are Kids dances and trips to the state fair. He competed in Special Olympics, bringing home gold medals for shot put, wheelchair racing, and bowling which was his favorite sport.
John was the ultimate Elvis Presley fan, and, thanks to many thoughtful people, he had a large collection of Elvis movies, music, and memorabilia. He fulfilled his dream of visiting Graceland in Memphis a few years ago.
John was a member of Taylorville Christian Church. For years, kind people in the congregation gave him rides to services every Sunday.
He loved coffee and conversation and, thanks to his friends and local taxis, was a regular at Green Gables, Spring Garden, North Lanes, and the Olde Bowl.
John always led the blessing before family meals. This was his go to prayer: “God is good. God is great. Thank you for our food. Thank you for the wheelchair people. Thank you for my family. Amen.”
He is survived by his sister and brothers: Alberta DiPietro Taylorville, Frank (Pamela) Lanzotti, Jr. Taylorville, and Victor (Kathy) Lanzotti Springfield, IL; nieces: Catherine (Darrell) Robertson, Taylorville; Julie Lilly (Sean Fairclough,) Taylorville; Leanne Lanzotti Urbina, Springfield; and Nicole Lanzotti Davis, Litchfield; nephews: Anthony Lanzotti, Springfield; Andrew Lanzotti, Chicago; and Benjamin Lanzotti, Hutto, TX; several great and great-great nieces and nephews, many cousins, and his family at CCHMA. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brothers Terry and James, and brother-in-law Geno A. (Tony) DiPietro.
The funeral service for John will be held at 2:00p.m. on Friday, August 19, 2022, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Pastor James Jones officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. Memorials in John’s memory may be made to Lee Court, which was John’s home for many years, c/o Christian County Mental Health Association, 707 McAdam Dr., Taylorville. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of John, or condolences to the family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
