Mr. John "Jiouanni" Michele Sportiello, age 88, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Sunday, July 23, 2017 at the local hospital surrounded by his loving family. John was born September 29, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois a son to the late Rocco and Antoinette Sergio Sportiello. He was also preceded by brothers and sister in law; Angelo and Margie Sportiello, Michael Sportiello, sister and brothers in law; Mary and Dave Hennip and Frank Bubulka. John was a special man and a hard worker. He loved his 7 children and was his wife's "soulmate, her buddy, and she better half" and "he meant everything to me''

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Patricia Sportiello of the residence, sons and daughters in law; Rocco and Carol Sportiello of Chicago, IL, Michael and Jackie Sportiello of Hartsville, SC, James and Susie Sportiello of Hartsville, SC, John and Michelle Sportiello of Chicago, IL, daughters and sons in law; Ann and Jeri Cotnam of Dalton, GA, Alice and Ronald Weissman of Alta Loma, CA, April and Pete Vela of Chicago, IL, a sister; Emily Bubulka and a sister in law; Ruth Sportiello. John had 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. John "Jiouanni" Michele Sportiello will be held Friday morning at 10:00 am July 28, 2017 at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Ministers Susan Butler, Marilyn Lance and Deacon Nicholas Sportiello officiating. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 12:30 pm with Cody Munn, Brad Weissman, Christopher Weissman, Nicholas Sportiello, Larry Ulmenstine and Steven Ulmenstine serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Thursday July 27, 2017 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements will be announced by, Ponders Melrose Chapel 138 Melrose Drive Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002
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