JOHN J. LANZA, age 87, beloved husband of the late Judith M. (nee Zemek); loving father of John A. (Lisa), Debbie Sutton (Jeff, deceased), Anthony Sr. (Angie) and Dominic Sr. (Bobbi Jo); grandfather of Cassie, Anthony Jr. (Nicole), Vince (Amy), Domenic, Trent, Kaley and Dominic Jr.; brother of Robert.  Coach Lanza was a devoted CYO youth coach in greater Cleveland for over 50 years.  Passed away May 3, 2023.  Relatives and friends are invited to meet for his Funeral Mass Tuesday, May 9, St. Adalbert Church (Berea) at 11 A.M.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.  Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of BEREA, 86 ADALBERT ST. OFF FRONT ST. (located in the Polish Village historic district), MONDAY 4-8 P.M.  Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

John had a long journey through life being a son and then becoming a big brother.  He spent his time playing sports and serving as an altar boy before he got into coaching, getting married, and starting a family; all the while being committed to God.  John coached for over 50 years.  He began his coaching career at Saint Margaret before going to coach at Saint Adalbert, Saint Mary of Berea, Saint Columbkille, and finally ended his career coaching his grandchildren at Saint Mary of the Falls.  he influenced the lives of so many children and always demanded the best out of them.  People would always approach him and say "Are you John Lanza?  I played ball for you 20 years ago and I loved playing for you."  One day, as a young man, John saved the life of a baby boy found left in a shoebox in a dumpster - the boy would be 58 today.

He was proud of his grandchildren, constantly supporting them at every chance he got.  After he was no longer able to coach, he spent his time collecting sports cards to give to his grandchildren.  John also enjoyed doing puzzles in his later years, trying to remain active and keeping his mind sharp.  Thank you, John, for being a dad, friend, coach, mentor, and man of God.  His family is at peace because we know that John is now at peace with his wife Judy resting in Heaven.