John M. Natoli passed away peacefully March 29 ^th , 2023.  John was a beloved father of three and grandfather of six.

He was born to Dominick and Mary (Licardo) Natoli, both first generation Italian Americans, in Amsterdam, New York, on March 27, 1934.  Known as "Jack" in his youth, John was active, talented, easy-going, and well-liked.  A popular student, he excelled in sports, academic studies, and music.  He was a high school star athlete, lettering in basketball and baseball.

Raised with a strong work ethic, John was a responsible and hard worker.  Being a talented saxophone player, he earned money in high school by forming a band to play at weddings and other events.  As in many Italian families at the time, he held multiple jobs, including working in the local factory and helping his father sell produce from his father's truck on the weekends.

John attended Bryant College in Providence, Rhode Island, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1955.  Soon after he graduated, John joined the U.S. Army that same year and was stationed in South Korea.  John served in the Eighth Army Military Band, and it was during this time he would meet his future wife.  After his Army service ended, he worked hard to find a position that would send him back to South Korea.  John joined the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and married his wife of over 40 years, Sonia.  John and Sonia traveled the world during his career in retail management with AAFES – serving U.S. Army and Air Force bases throughout the U.S. and overseas, including Japan, Turkey, and South Korea.  During this time, they raised three children and took their family on many adventures.

Retiring early from AAFES to take care of his wife, John later worked for the State of Texas, serving over five years for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

John was an avid golfer.  Naturally athletic, he learned to play golf at the Eighth Army golf course in Seoul, Korea.  It was at this same golf course he would come back 20 years later to win the Korea Eighth Army Club Championship.  John enjoyed the sport and was well-versed in the rules and etiquette - so much so he served as a golf marshal in Fort Hood, Texas, after his retirement.

John loved to follow sports – particularly baseball and football.  Like a sports almanac, he could recite statistics and history of any team or any player. His favorite football team was the Green Bay Packers for unknown reasons and his favorite baseball team was the New York Yankees for obvious reasons.

John also deeply loved his grandchildren - Kyle, Colt, Dominick, Nathan, Ava, and Jake.  He enjoyed the time he could spend with them and was immensely proud of each of them and their many accomplishments.

John is survived by his three children Anthony Natoli of Glenview, Illinois, wife Debbie and children Kyle, Dominick, and Nathan, Catherine Melvin of Austin, Texas, husband Stephen and children Ava and Jake, Jacqueline Ricks of Spring, Texas, husband Tim and son Colt, and his brother David Natoli of Marietta, Georgia, wife Mary Lou and children Drew and Paige.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to all who provided care, comfort, and prayers.  Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers can be provided to any hospice organization of the donor's choosing.