John DiNardo
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It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of John DiNardo on February 8, 2026, at the age of 63. Born in Rochester, New York, John was a humble, kind, and unassuming gentleman whose life was defined by love, compassion, and quiet generosity. He had a rare gift for making everyone feel valued and heard, and his passing is deeply felt by his family, friends, employees, and the many lives he touched.
John was a devoted father, loving brother, supportive uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, and respected business owner. His greatest pride and joy was his beloved and cherished daughter, Christiana. As a father, John was present, patient, and endlessly supportive. He cheered her on through every chapter of her life, offering unwavering encouragement and reassurance. Their nightly conversations were a constant source of comfort, gentle moments where he made sure his daughter always knew how deeply loved she was.
John is survived by his beloved daughter, Christiana; his loving sisters, Darlene Colombini, Susan DiNardo, and MaryAnn Ogden (Randy Ogden); his nieces Lindsay Ogden, Alyssa Tartaglia (Nick Tartaglia), and Lauren Ogden; and Christopher Vito, who was cherished by John. He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Gloria DiNardo.
A proud graduate of Rochester’s Aquinas Institute, John was a dedicated athlete and fierce competitor. He was named an All–Greater Rochester Football Player and was a key member of Aquinas’ Section V Class AAA Championship Football Team. He was also the starting center fielder for Aquinas’ Section V Class AAA Championship Baseball Team, earning All–Greater Rochester honors in baseball as well. One of his proudest athletic moments was hitting a baseball over the 370-foot marker at the old Red Wing Stadium—a story that became part of his legacy. John was also an accomplished boxer, known for his strength, discipline, and determination.
An accomplished student athlete, John earned a baseball scholarship to Bowling Green State University, a reflection of his dedication, talent, and competitive spirit.
John was also the proud owner of Colombini’s Bakery and Deli, where he built far more than a business, he built a community. Through hard work, and his warm presence, he created a place where customers and employees felt at home. He was remembered not only for his delicious food and his passion for the Buffalo Bills and local sports throughout the Chili and Churchville area, but for his kindness, generosity, and the way he always took time to ask about others and their families.
John had a heart that was truly larger than life. He was the kind of man who showed up without hesitation, who gave endlessly of himself, and who offered support in both quiet and meaningful ways. His laughter and warmth could fill any room, and his presence made everyone feel welcomed and at ease. Though his passing was sudden and far too soon, the love he gave and the lives he touched will remain forever.
John’s legacy will live on through his daughter, his family, the community he helped nourish, and the countless memories shared by all who loved him.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday (Feb 20th) 10:30 AM at Our Mother of Sorrows Church in Greece, New York.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in John DiNardo’s memory to the Churchville-Chili or Gates-Chili local sports programs, Aquinas Institute, or to the American Heart Association.
We have been buying pizza from John the year they opened. It didnt take long to consider John friends. He would always bring our order out himself for conversation. RIP John we will have warm and kind thoughts of our many conversations
My Good Friend I will miss you as a Brother!
To the whole family,
Our Hearts go out to you All! Such a loss of Love and Personality, a hole in our Hearts. His friendship
,humor and integrity has been a wonderful part of our lives for the better part of 25 yrs. The deep conversations of life, surgeries and business was always a bright spot in our days! His Love of family assured his true to Heart being he was.
This came as sad news as our family talked around the table. We will Always I say Always remember him in the most Loving of ways. God Bless you All and Our Fallen Brother!
I’m so heartbroken over the loss of my uncle. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of him taking Christiana and me to amusement parks. Days spent with him were so fun and unforgettable. He was one of the hardest working people I knew, and I admired how much pride he took in building his business.
I’m so grateful I got to be his niece. I’ll carry those memories with me forever. I’m going to miss you, Uncle John 🤍
My dear sweet brother. I am broken hearted and devastated. The world lost a beautiful person far too soon. But I lost a brother who was my protector and my fierce hero, but always a gentle kind soul.. I know you are in heaven playing baseball and hitting home runs on the biggest field there is, over the highest wall while smiling all the way as you round the bases to home plate. I will forever remember your beautiful smile, hearty laugh and gentle hugs. Love you and you will not be forgotten! Xo MaryAnn
He was truly a great man, loved by so many. His generosity and kindness touched countless lives. May God bless his memory.
My dear friend I am so heartbroken to hear this news. Thank you for teaching me racquetball and schooling me in golf. Playing pool in my attic, going for long runs and lifting weights in your parent’s basement are memories I will forever cherish. I will miss you and your friendly smile. You and your loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Very heartbroken. I knew John before and after Christiana was born. We are not local anymore or we would be there for his service. My husband knew John they were on a baseball team together Many prayers and love for his family
I am broken hearted and beyond devastated to say the least. We were always mischievous as kids growing up. Climbing the creek tree when we knew we were no supposed to. Playing “hot box” with the few neighbors. Painting your face blue. Watching your 10th ward football game. I was always cheering you on! I love & Will always miss you. My heart will stay forever broke. Love always & forever your sister Darlene
My dear sweet brother with a heart of gold. You were the most kind and giving person I have known. You would give the shirt off your back to anyone. You were my protector and friend. My heart is beyond shattered. I love you forever. Your sister Susan
R.I.P. my friend, you will be missed !
My son’s first job at age 14 was at John’s Pizza shop. He worked there well into adulthood and even went back to help on superbowl- long after he left and had a full time job. John became like family to him, and I will always be grateful for the time he took with my son. Whenever we got back to NY ( now in SC) we would stop to visit John. Great man, huge heart. He will be missed.
My dear cousin John. We are heart broken. So many memories from childhood through to present. You were kind and caring and always took an interest in everyone. Never too busy to ask how the family was doing. We will miss you dearly but will never forget the great man you were. You were taken way too early from us but your legacy will live on. Rest easy John I miss you already.
John, for almost 40 years you were a huge part of our lives. Starting with our first date when we both worked at Colombinis, through our wedding and starting a family, you were a treasured mentor and friend. You will be dearly missed.
Peter and Robin Nowak
Dear John,
I am going to miss you very much. You were a wonderful son-in-law to me. You were a great father to Christiana and you were wonderful to my parents when we lived with you and Jeanne for two years. You will be missed by lots of friends and family. You were truly a wonderful and kind person and I will remember you always.
Love and prayers,
Thanks for all the memories from my real first job. The races that we had in the back parking lot. To us reminiscing about Aquinas. You will be truly missed God bless rest in peace my brother
Despite it being 30+ years since our Colombini’s days, we’ve never forgotten how good of a guy John was to work for, and with. He managed to spin pizzas, handle the rush (especially a late pop!) and deal will all of us in the back, all while just being a good dude. He had a long lasting positive impact on us that we still appreciate. RIP
Thank you for teaching us how to work hard and have fun doing it. I am sure our rat tag crew tested your patience at times, but your kindness always shown through. Even after 30 years since working there, I still have great memories of working with you.
For the better part of 3 years, John made work, not feel like work. He set the example with a strong work ethic, all the while talking sports and cracking jokes with the guys working in the back at Colombini’s.
I’ll always remember his friendly demeanor towards every employee and customer that he encountered. Just a great guy. Rest in peace.
Our condolences to the whole family. I first went to Colombini’s in 1982, when it was in the yellow house on the hill near where the Wegmans entrance is in Chili. John (along with his sister & brother in law always ) had time to say hello. My whole family enjoyed seeing John’s smiling face. Even when we moved out of state – John made it possible for us to get the buffalo wing sauce, so we could bring back a taste of Colombini’s. He will be missed.
Praying for the family
John I am sorry I missed your last 30 birthdays. Also I am sorry I burned the crap out of your leg with that pizza pan that one time. Even though I, like others who passed through the Colombinis family, have spread across the country to build our lives we remember our time with you. You treated us with a kindness and were important in forming the work ethics we carry today. Throughout the years I have often thought back to our time together and your passing brings me a sadness. You are gone too soon. My thoughts to your family. Your legacy will live on through those of us fortunate to share time with you. Farewell to a mentor and a good man.
We supported Columbini’s from the day they opened their doors. We were married a year when they opened. Enjoyed Many pizzas, subs and cold cuts. I’m sure our support helped them move into the new building. Its been a staple in Chili for years.
Our condolences to all of Johns family. Know that his smile and kindness touched many lives. He will always be remembered as a sincere and kind guy that gave his all.
God’s peace as you move forward.
RIP John. My deepest condolences to the family.
Forever in our hearts! We will always remember being part of the Colombini Family! Always kept us on our toes, instilling the importance of working hard and finding time to laugh.
RIP John!
Love and prayers to the family!
The Casey Girls
My Great Friend John,
You will be missed by many because of your giving heart. Since 1980 I have been a patron of your store, Colombin’s. I made sure to bring my out of town friends by to get a “Willie” special pizza, made only for me. Our chats would last past the pizza getting cold and we would even share a beer over our chats. The loss of you is heartbreaking. Your legacy will live on in all of the people you touched including me. Rest easy my friend.