John DeIorio

Mr. John DeIorio, age 91, of Utica, formerly of Clinton and Whitesboro, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Wynn Hospital with the love of his family by his side and in his heart.

John was born in New Hartford, NY, on October 11, 1934, son of the late John and Frances Graziano DeIorio. He was a graduate of TR Proctor High School and attended Niagara University.

On October 6, 1956, John married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Vona, in Historic Old St. John’s Church, beginning a loving and blessed union of nearly 70 years.

John, along with his father and brother, were the owners and operators of DeIorio’s Bakery, a staple in the community for over 50 years. John served as President of the family business from 1962 until his retirement in 1980. After retirement John could not remain idle, so he went to work for the Federal Government at Griffiss Air Force Base from 1984 to 1998, where he was the purchasing contractor for the aeronautics division.

In addition to his professional career, John loved music and possessed a beautiful baritone singing voice. As a young teenager, he was selected to attend the famed Westminster Choir College’s summer program in Princeton, NJ. His love of music continued when he joined his brother Ben in the quartet, The Daytones, in the early 1960s. The Daytones released several singles, and had the honor of singing with Tony Bennett and opening for Jerry Vale when he performed in Utica, NY.

John’s love of singing continued throughout his life, as he sang professionally with his daughter, Maria, for weddings and funerals throughout Central NY. He was the founder and director of the folk Mass at St. Mary’s Church, as well as a member of the St. Mary’s choir, the Historic Old St. John’s Church choir, and most recently a member and soloist of the Acacia Village Chorus.

John possessed a deep faith in God and marveled at the beauty of this great earth. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and was always proud of his children and their accomplishments. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a deep appreciation for the arts, film and music. John loved the outdoors and cherished family vacations on the ocean. John was compassionate, kind, and always hopeful in the face of challenges.

John is survived by his beloved wife Marlene; three daughters, Denice DeIorio Coyne (Shawn) of Minneapolis, Darlene DeIorio Benson (Mark Turnpenny) and Maria DeIorio (Jay Nelson); one son, John M. DeIorio of Los Angeles; his cherished grandchildren, Molly Coyne Hatch (Brian), Maria Coyne Churchill (Drew), Gianni Notaro (Caitlyn) and Brian Benson (Laura); beloved great grandchildren Dante Notaro and Levi Benson; his brother, Benjamin “Ben” DeIorio (Don Daniels) of Florida; his sister, Mary Etta Bertone of Arizona; his sisters-in-law, Beatrice Romano, Pamela Vona, and Elena Santos (Vona); and many nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his sister Yolanda “Lolly” Font (John) and his in-laws: Beverly (Fred) Alteri, John Bertone, Dr. John Romano, and Dr Marsette Vona.

Visitation will be held this Thursday, September 17, from 5:00-7:00 PM at The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave., Utica.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held this Friday, September 18, at 10:00 am in Historic Old St. John’s Church, Downtown Utica. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clinton, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children's (https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org), where John was treated as a young boy.

Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.