John P. Negri

John Pete Negri, 95, of Uhrichsville, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at Hennis Care Center in Dover after a brief illness. Born March 28, 1918 in Lafferty, Ohio, he was a son of the late Anthony and Theresa (Bertolini) Negri.

A resident of the Twin City area throughout most of his life, John attended the Latto School and was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II before returning home to resume his 72 year career in the local clay industry including 10 years at the Dennison Clay Mine. He had also worked as a delivery man for Spring Appliance. He was a member of the Dennison Eagles for over 54 years (the most years of membership in their Aerie) who enjoyed carpentry and woodworking in his spare time, as well as drawing and caring for his yard and gardens. In living his long, healthy life, he loved to tell people that his secret was drinking a glass of wine every day.

On August 28, 1948, he wed the former Norma B. Helrigle who survives him at their home and was looking forward to celebrating 66 years of marriage with him in August. John will be missed dearly by his loving wife, children and grandchildren who include their three daughters, Terri Campisi of Massillon, Jackie (Carl) Draher of New Philadelphia, and Toni (Scott) Leggett of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; a son-in-law, Dick (Anita) Liggett of Dennison; grandchildren, Matt (Ruthie) Liggett, Steph (Jai) Joshi, Lisa Campisi, Tony (Renee) Campisi, Cathy (Matt) Konen, Vickie Campisi, Greg Campisi, McKenzie Goodrich, Kimberly (Jason) Edwards, and Cayla Draher; 16 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; and a nephew, Frank Negri of California. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Vicki Liggett; 3 brothers, Domino, Frank, and Charlie Negri; and a sister, Jean Galanga.

Services for John, officiated by Father Anthony Lonzo, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, in Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison. Interment will follow at Ridgecrest Memory Gardens in Dover. Family and friends are invited to call at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, during which time the Dennison Eagles will hold a 7:20 p.m. memorial service. Those wishing to honor John’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Crossroads Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Immaculate Conception Church’s Memory Book Fund. His family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the nurses and aides at Hennis Care Center for all their care for John during the short time that he was there.