Obituary of JOHN EVANGELISTA

John Evangelista was born on March 17, 1932 in Queens, New York to Rocco and Maria Evangelista. He died on December 15, 2019 at the age of 87 in Valley Stream. From an early age John had an interest in art. He began drawing and painting at the age of 5 which developed into his career later in life. He served in the Army during the Korean War, after the war he married the love of his life, Angelina Arienzo on September 30th, 1956. Together they had two children, Maria and Rocco. John was known by all as a kind, hard-working man with a sharp wit and a smile that could light up a room. His sense of humor was loved by all, and he left us with many sayings that will make us laugh for generations to come. His art was an inspiration and he loved teaching all five of his grandchildren how to paint, sculpt and carve wood. He was always happy to paint pictures for people and continued painting up until his death. He worked as the Creative Director for Woolworth’s for 43 years, as well as art positions with Kinney, Champs and Foot Locker. He was beloved by his co-workers and friends, and always drew commissions upon an employee’s major life events for them to cherish. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Angelina (Arienzo), his daughter, Maria (Evangelista) Vilardi and son, Rocco Evangelista; Son-in-law Thomas Vilardi; granddaughters, Vanessa (Vilardi) Zaczek, her husband, Dominik Zaczek, their son Nicholas Zaczek; Lea (Vilardi) Campos, her husband, Thiago Campos, their daughter, Elliana Campos; Erica (Vilardi) Alderman, her husband, Joshua Alderman, their son, Dylan Alderman; Daughter-in-law Susan (March) Evangelista, granddaughter, Lauren Evangelista and grandson, John Evangelista. As John would say, Daphne, I’m going to bed, don’t try and stop me.