Obituary Listings

In Memoriam
John Jerome Barista
May 9, 1945 - December 19, 2021
Born: Chicago, Ill.
Resided: Chicago, Ill.; Homer Glen, Ill.

For John Jerome Barista, life was all about family. Born and raised in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, John was the second youngest of six children born to John Barista and Helen Skowronski. He spoke glowingly about growing up in a large, loving family with four sweet sisters (Arlene, Bobbi, Pat, and Peggy) who adored their “Johnny Boy” and a big brother (Ronny) who took him fishing. John loved living in a close-knit neighborhood, with friends on every block.

Growing up, John enjoyed all types of sports, especially football and golf. John excelled at football, earning a scholarship to play for the storied St. Rita of Cascia High School football program. He finished his high school football career at Lindblom High School (now Lindblom Math and Science Academy) and moved on to play semi-professional football for the Clearing Brewers, winning multiple league championships while traveling the Midwest.

John was a U.S. Army Veteran who served two years (from 1963 to 1965), including a months-long assignment in South Korea along the DMZ line. Following his military service, John joined the Chicago Police Department as a patrolman and, later, a mounted unit officer. He left the CPD in 1975 to open his first commercial paint retail store in Garfield Ridge. Years later, he opened a second commercial paint store in Orland Park, Ill.

John joined the Church Mutual Insurance Company in 1981 as a territory sales representative and went on to build a highly successful 32-year career with the company. For more than a decade, he served as the regional sales manager of one of the company’s largest divisions. Later, he helped launch Church Mutual’s senior living division and served as one of its highest-grossing sales reps.

John met his wife of 52 years, Linda Susan (Michals) Barista (April 15, 1948 - July 12, 2021), while on a school field trip. Years later, after returning home from the military, John bumped into Linda at a neighborhood dance club, and the spark was lit. John and Linda married on April 19, 1969, and went on to raise three children while residing in Chicago and later Homer Glen, Ill.

John enjoyed golfing, cheering on the Chicago Bears and White Sox, playing cards (especially poker), traveling, and spending time with family and friends. A warm, fun-loving soul, John was always up for a laugh and a good time. He loved being surrounded by people. A classic “work hard play hard” type, John was successful both in business and in life—yet he did not take life too seriously. He was a gift to us, and a gift to this world.

John was an amazing dad. A coach, a fan, a patient listener, our best cook and caretaker. He was a hands-on parent always there through thick and thin. He had the best from the bottom-of-the-belly laugh and modeled how to live life adventurously and with optimism. He is adored by his children: Kathy Cassian (Bill), David Barista (Kelly), Kristen McShane (Luke); five grandchildren (Taylor, Riley, Aidan, Olivia, Reagan); great-grandson (Eli).

John is survived by his two sisters (Pat and Peggy), brother-in-law (Ed, Jim), cousins, many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors.

Memorial Visitation Sunday, February 27th from 11am-2pm (memorial ceremony 1:30 PM) at Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st Street Orland Park, IL 60402

Please leave a message on John’s Tribute Wall; your stories will bring comfort to his family. www.sheehyfh.com

In lieu of flowers, please spend time with family and friends at Connie’s Pizza on Archer Avenue. Order an “original crust” sausage pizza. Enjoy with a double screwdriver. Cheers to John.

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