John Neal Lanata was born on October 29th, 1933 in Hartford, CT and passed away on March 20th, 2016 at the age of 82 in Irvine, CA. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Micki: son John and his wife Carol, sons Thomas and Robert and grand-dogs Lulu and Elvis.

John was born in Hartford, CT to his parents, Margaret and John Lanata. He was raised in Glastonbury, CT by his loving grandparents. During his school years he was referred to as "Red" by those who knew him best. In 1959 he married his wife Micki in Manchester, CT. Together they lived in Farmington, CT before deciding to raise their family in Thompsonville and Suffield, CT. John and Micki later settled in Laguna Woods, CA.

John was a lover of all sports but had a particular passion for baseball. He reached the minor leagues with the Chicago Cubs before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1955. Later, John passed his knowledge and passion for the game onto many youths as a beloved and winning head coach in Little League Baseball. During his two years of service to his country, John achieved the rank of Sargent and served as a Military Police officer in Bamberg, Germany. As the provider for his family, John achieved not only entrepreneurial success, but served with the Connecticut State Police Auxiliary and was a long-time member of the Teamsters Union. In his later years, John was a gate ambassador serving the Laguna Woods Retirement Community.

John was a family-man first and foremost. His love and devotion to his wife Micki and sons secured many wonderful memories for them to hold with his passing. He will be deeply missed by friends and co-workers, but most of all his family.

In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to:

Wounded Warrior Project

PO BOX 758517

Topeka, KS 66675

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.aspx

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