Obituary of John F. Cristadoro

John Cristadoro, 83 of Willowbrook, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of 57 years to the late Catherine Manteo; proud father of John Cristadoro Jr, Roseann Conheeney (Thomas) and James Cristadoro (Christine); cherished Grandpa John of Tommy, James, Kelly and James; and dear brother of Adolph, Salvatore, Henry, Anna, Agnes and Peter. Born August 27, 1938 in Brooklyn NY, John was the son of the late Anna Petrosino – 1st generation American, and Pancrazio Cristadoro who was born in Anzio Italy. He graduated from Lafayette High School in Brooklyn in 1956, where while working many hours after school, he managed to be on the football team as a wide receiver, and after getting hurt, shifted to the “gentlemen’s sport” of baseball. In June 1957, John proudly enlisted in the US Army. He reported for duty on Oct 14, 1957. He served his 2 year active duty commitment in Germany earning the rank of Sargent, along with 2 years in the army reserve and 2 years on standby, receiving his official honorary discharge on November 14, 1963 thereby fulfilling his 6 year commitment. In May 1960, his veteran status helped him obtain employment with the Amalgamated Lithographers Local 1 Union, where he remained for 41 years finishing as a senior press foreman. From 2001-2019 John worked at Home Depot where he was a highly trusted and sought after member of the Hardware Dept. In fact, over the last few years during Covid, Home Depot would often call their 82-year-old former employee to see if they could lure him out of retirement. On July 15, 1972, John moved his family to their home on Birchard Avenue, and he has been a proud Staten Islander ever since! He enjoyed reading, trips to Atlantic City, being down the Jersey Shore with his family, good food and his beloved Mets. He was very proud of all the improvements he made to his home, especially installing a brand new exterior balcony at the age of 82. Services will be provided by Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard. Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday May 5, from 4:00-8:00 pm. Due to church rules the Eulogy will be given during the wake at 7 PM on Thursday. On Friday, May 6, at 11am, Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita’s R.C. Church, 281 Bradley Ave. Burial will follow at 12:30pm at Resurrection Cemetery. The repast will be at 1:30pm at Cole’s Dockside, 369 Cleveland Ave. All are welcome.