John DeConza laid to rest in hometown

DOWNEY - John A. DeConza, 98, of Downey, formerly of Connellsville, died Oct. 23 at his home.He was born Oct. 28, 1911, in Connellsville, Pa., a son of the late Angelo and Angela Marie DeConza. He worked at the former La Primiata Macaroni Factory in Connellsville from age 16 until he moved to California in 1962. He was then employed at Weber Foods in Bell Gardens, until he retired in 1978. DeConza enjoyed being outside, and worked on his hobby of recyclying cardboard and aluminum cans, which he continued until age 96. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Sarah; daughter, Angeline DeConza O'Nell; grandson, Michael Angelo DeConza Jr.; and a son-in-law, Thomas O'Nell. He is survived by his daughters, Rose Marie Wesley and her husband, Olan, of San Jose; Mary Lee Windblad and her husband, Norm, of Peyton, Colo.; and Rosaline O'Nell, of Downey; a son, Michael A. DeConza and his wife, Karen, of Canyon Country; a son-in-law, John O'Nell, of Connellsville; and 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, three nieces and three nephews. Services were held in his honor Oct. 28 at Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary. Interment was at the St. Rita's Cemetery in Connellsville.

********** Published: November 11, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 30