John Anthony Segala - 94

Glenwood, Illinois

To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke12:48)

John Anthony Segala passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on Thursday, February 3, 2022. John was born on Sept 2, 1927 to Catholic Italian parents, Laura nee Ziccardi and Carlo Segala in Chicago Heights, Illinois where he was a brother to Dorris Segala, Rita (Quentin) Everett, Loretta (Joe) Gurgone and Carla (George) Pariseau. He loved being Uncle to his 5 nieces and 13 nephews and shared many special times with them. His proudest role was being a devoted husband to Lena nee Prisco, father to Alicia (Daniel) Danahey and Grandfather to Grant Danahey and he cherished every moment with them. John was a lifelong resident of Glenwood and Chicago Heights, Illinois where he graduated from Bloom High School in 1945. Soon after, he received 1A classification by the Selective Service Board. John chose to enlist in United States Navy's V-5 Cadet Program. He was sent to the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts to study Aviation. He continued his second year of pilot training at the University of Illinois in Champaign. After completing his training he went on to attended pre-Flight school in Pensacola, Florida. Flight training followed and John qualified from the deck of the USS Cabot CVA 28. From there he went to Corpus Christi, Texas for multi-engine aircraft training prior to receiving his WINGS. John was sent to Japan and during his service in the Korean War he received 5 air medals and a distinguished flying cross for flying 92 missions. When the war ended John was sent back to the United States and was discharged in 1952. He finalized his educational pursuits in Engineering and Business at the University of Illinois Champaign in 1954. After graduating from Illinois he took a job as Vice President at Matesa Corporation. John and his wife Lena were married in October 1957 and had their only daughter Alicia in January 1962. They were married for 64 years and worked alongside each other at their business, Axsom Engineering and Machine Company. John's Catholic faith and service to others were at the center of all he did, and generously blessed others with his talents, knowledge and time. John was a dedicated parishioner of St. Kieran's Catholic Church for 55 years where he volunteered in many aspects including the School Board, Welcoming Committee, Building Committee and Lector. He also generously shared his time as a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis where he was president in 1961. John and his wife were residents of Glenwood for 58 years and were very active in the community. John served for years as a member on The Economic and Development Committee, Police Pension Board and worked the election polls every year. During his retirement John was an avid reader, worked out 4 days week, built furniture, fixed everything under the sun, played a lot of Golf, and worked part-time at Glenwoodie Golf Course. John fought for and loved his country, yet was so proud of his Italian heritage and was a long time member of The Marchegiana Society. John also took classes at Prairie State College where he received his appraiser and home inspection license. Even though John was so involved, he always had time to help others out whenever they called. He adored all his family especially his only Grandson and had many treasured friends. He was loved dearly and will be greatly missed! Lying in state Friday February 11, 2022 from 10:00 am until time of Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am at St. Kieran Catholic Church, 724 195th Street, Chicago Heights. Interment will be at Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Kieran Catholic Church would be appreciated by the Segala family.  For more information contact Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, Chicago Heights 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com