Obituary of John Robert Cheli

John R. Cheli, 87, of Vineland, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 22, 2021 at the Cooper Trauma Center. Born in Vineland, he was a lifelong resident of East Vineland and a 1952 graduate of Vineland High School. In 1956 John married his high school sweetheart, Rita Ferrari. She was the love of his life, and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Soon after marrying, Mr. Cheli honorably served his country in the U.S. Army as a Radar Operator stationed in Okinawa Japan and was awarded the Sharp Shooter Medal for excellent marksmanship. Upon returning stateside, John and his wife founded Vineland Tile Company, a commercial flooring business still in operation today, 65 years and three generations later. John was a talented musician and enjoyed playing the accordion. In his teenage years he played with the Tex Ritter Band at various night clubs, as well as on the WWBZ Saturday morning radio show. John was also an avid pilot. He received his pilot's license at age 20 and enjoyed many happy years of flying and performing stunts with his Piper Super Cruiser aerobatic airplane. John was a volunteer firefighter for 33 years. He held the rank of Captain at Company #5 for 15 years and was awarded Firemen of the Year in 1985. John always loved to try new things and acquired multiple hobbies through the years. He loved fishing, hunting, and riding motorcycles with his sons. He owned a 1923 Model-T Ford car which he restored and competed with at car shows. He was an RV enthusiast and traveled throughout the United States with his wife and friends. John also dabbled in farming and raising steers, horses, fruit trees, and vegetables. He took pleasure in growing his own grapes which he used to make homemade wine and liqueurs. It gave him great joy to share his handmade creations with everyone. He and his wife frequently traveled near and far. On their 50th Wedding Anniversary, they took an exciting Mediterranean cruise. They enjoyed it so much that years later they invited their children & grandchildren to join them on the very same cruise. John was a member, trustee and usher of Our Lady of Pompeii Church; member of the Saint Joseph's Society; former president of the New Italy American Society; City of Vineland Zoning Board; Harmony Gun Club; National Rifle Assoc.; North Italy Beneficial Assoc.; Loyal Order of Moose Fraternity, and the Good Sam RV Club. In his later years, John still kept active with wine-making, gardening, playing cards, and cooking. He made the best Italian meatballs! He also loved throwing a good party and cooking crabs and spaghetti by the pool. John was well-liked and loved to socialize. He was fondly known by many nicknames: "J.C.", "Night Owl", "Jitterbug", "Blue Eyes", and "The Bull." John lived life to the fullest! He will always be remembered for his warm smile and big heart. He will be dearly missed. John is survived by his loving wife Rita; son Richard (Andrea), daughter Diane DiRenzo (Joe); grandchildren, Ricky, Tyler and Gabriella; sister-in-law Helen Fiocchi (Donald); brother-in-law Robert Ferrari (Paula); as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his son John Jr.; his parents Julio and Angelina (Feraca) Cheli; and his brothers Paul and Larry Due to COVID-19 restrictions everyone is required to wear a mask and social distance. A church visitation will be held on Saturday from 8:45am to 10:45am followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am from Saint Padre Pio Parish - Church Of Our Lady Of Pompeii, 4680 Dante Avenue, Vineland. Interment with full military honors will follow in Our Lady Of Victories Cemetery, Landisville. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360. Donations in memory of John may be made to: Saint Padre Pio Parish, 4680 Dante Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08361 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com.