It is with a very heavy and sad heart that we ask you to share our grief in the tragic loss of someone one who was dearly loved and respected. Our beloved John, John Joseph Volante, 70, of Moon Township and Coraopolis, was wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, August 21, 2025, and was taken to his heavenly home after being struck fatally by a truck while going back to his place of employment. He was welcomed into Heaven by his cherished wife Janice Lynn Howe, her mom and dad Margaret and Joseph Howe, his mom and dad, Elisa and Anthony Volante, Jessica’s parents, R.Dixon and Geraldine Copeland; his best forever friend, Eugene Kapusta, his brother-in-law Biff Pappas and his sister-in-law Cathy Howe, along with many other relatives and friends.
Born in Sewickley Valley Hospital on June 11, 1955, he was the first born of three to Anthony and Elisa (Lucci) Volante. He grew up in Coraopolis area, attending St. Joseph School and graduating from Cornell High School, Class of 1973. John spent two years at West Virginia University and finished at Robert Morris College, majoring in business which was perfect for him to step into the family business, Volante Produce which later became Anthony’s Original, a three generation family owned and operated business. Needless to say, it was visited by all the Coraopolis and surrounding communities. It was truly a family business with all hands on deck; run by Anthony, Lisa, John, Anthony Jr., Roseanne, Biff Pappas, along with Lisa’s parents. The store was a pillar in the community, it was a step back to a by-gone era; a place to shop, laugh, meet and then take in all the amazing aromas. Its atmosphere reflected the warmth of the Volante Family and their hospitality. Later it became a wholesale business run by John, Anthony and Roseanne until they closed it in 2022.
John was a faithful Catholic, attending Mass weekly at St. Joseph Church and where he had received all of his sacraments. John was community oriented and served on the Moon Township Planning Commission.
John was an inspiration as he faced challenges with strength, unshakeable will and fortitude. He had a debilitating stroke in 2018 but pushed ahead fighting hard to regain his ability to write, speak and walk again. His tenacious spirit was contagious at St. Margaret’s Rehab, so much so, the patients elected him as “The Sheriff” where he was a shining example to others. In June of 2020, he was admitted to Mercy Hospital with lactic acidosis from Metformin toxicity. He fought just as hard again and accepted the challenges of insulin management of diabetes. He had an unsinkable spirit which was an encouragement to many others.
John, a great man, was a great son, father, husband, brother and friend. He was intelligent, quick with numbers and a good business man.
John married his high school sweetheart, Janice Lynn Howe, on May 30, 1981. They had two beautiful children, lived in Moon and then tragically, Janice passed away on December 28, 1992. John found himself in an unimaginable situation, but he never gave up. He learned how to braid hair, play on playgrounds, manage a household and was strongly supported by both the Howe and Volante Family. The children are amazing examples of resilience.
And then, sometimes out of pain, there comes a second chance of half becoming whole again. Jessica and John knew each other, were in the same Spanish Class, and they met while filling their cars with gas at a local gas station. John and Jessica were married on August 17, 1996. The joy he brought Jessica with the two children and family life was an amazing journey. How grateful they both were- they just celebrated 29 years.
John is survived by his Uncle Anthony and Anna Lucci; his brother Anthony Volante, Jr., his sister Roseanne Pappas (Bill); two beautiful children Jana married to Nick Walshak and John Weston married to Anastacia (Ansell) Volante; Proud Pap Pap to Reese Walshak, Sloane Volante, Rocco Walshak, Ari Volante and Riley Walshak; his beloved second wife Jessica Copeland and his 3 years old beagle Finnegan who was his shadow (seen by all of Coraopolis and Moon on their frequent walks); brother-in-law Thomas Copeland and wife Bonnie; sister-in-law Carin Copeland; his dear life-long friends, David and Renee Stockey, brother in law Jim Howe (the late Cathy) and sister-in-law Judy Ross (Chip); many adoring nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, a boat load of friends, many respected business people and religious priests and ministers.
John had a quick smile and a teasing spirit and a welcoming respectful manner. He touched many lives with grace and wisdom, that was all him. He was a practical joker, loved to barbeque, enjoyed going to the Lake, never afraid to taste test at a winery. John loved to walk the trail, in his early years, he loved participating in track meets. He loved to talk and once you got him talking, you knew it might be a while. He loved to dance, listen to music, and just relished being with all his grandchildren. He loved tradition and the traditional family gatherings of Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving, and Easter. In fact, we hosted an Easter Egg Hunt at our home for our 5 grandchildren.
The Volante family would like to thank all the emergency personnel (our friends) who showed honor and dignity along with caring, tears, and many hugs, in this horrible tragedy. We have known most of you all of our lives and that gave us such comfort. All of you will remain in our hearts.
John touched so many lives in his 70 years, through wise counsel and wearing his heart on his sleeve.
May we look to God for solace for our deep pain and our unending shedding of tears. Life is but a fleeting moment. Cherish the time we are all given. Don’t forget to hug, smile, laugh, celebrate and always say “I Love you!” and respond back, “I love you too!”
Friends and family may pay their respects at the R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, 867 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis on Tuesday, August 26th from 6 – 8 PM and Wednesday, August 27th from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Church, Coraopolis on Thursday, August 28th at 11 AM. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Interment will follow at the Sewickley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, and with a sense of community spirit, the family suggests donation to Anthony Feed the Hungry (a foundation started when John’s father passed in 2008 and will now also honor John), 1 Parish Place, Moon Township, PA 15108.