John Joseph Bodanza

John Joseph Bodanza, 96 years of age, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on March 17,2020. He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy, his parents, and his 12 brothers and sisters. John is survived by his daughters: Donna Plicht (Arthur) and Charlene Bodanza Merendo, his 4 grandchildren: Jonathan Plicht (Angela), Amanda Bogle (Troy), Joshua Plicht (Amy) and Joseph Bodanza (Kassandra), and 5 great grandchildren: Emma Dorothy Bogle; Elizabeth Mary Bogle, Jonathan Joseph Plicht II; Emilia Renee Bogle, and Dominic Thomas Plicht. John is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Tucson, Fitchburg, Massachusetts and across the United States. John Bodanza, was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and was the twelfth of thirteen children of Calogero and Annunziata Scialabba Bodanza. After graduating from High School, John convinced his parents to allow him to join the US Navy at the age of 17. John served during World War II, and retired after serving 20 years. During that time, John married Dorothy Minelli, had 2 daughters, and settled in New York City. John then worked as an Insurance adjustor at Continental Insurance Company in New York City. After retiring, John and Dorothy relocated to Tucson. John, despite being retired, decided that he enjoyed working alongside his older sister, Eleanor Spina, at Mama's Pizza, and did so for several years.. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved his family dearly, with a special place in his heart for our four-legged family members. In his free time, he enjoyed hosting dinner along with Dorothy, every Sunday for our family. playing bocce, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, and taking Dorothy to the casino. John was perhaps the only Yankees fan with a New England accent. His favorite player was Derek Jeter. There will be a private visitation for the immediate family at the Adair Funeral Homes- Avalon Chapel on Monday 3/23/2020. Interment will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery at 10AM, with Pastors Thomas and Stephanie Garcia officiating. John will be missed by his family, and all who knew him.