John Frank Piccolo

John Piccolo Sr., husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great grandfather, and friend, passed away on March 27, 2024, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. 

Born in Hiawatha, Utah, he was the second child of Rose Viola Lupo and Joseph Piccolo. He spent most of his childhood in Huntington, Utah, and was a proud graduate of North Emery High, excelling in academics, band, track, and basketball. On the weekends, he’d travel with his buddies to nearby towns to play the trombone in a dance band. Shortly after graduating in 1951, he married his beloved wife of 71 years, Ailena MaNell Mathie. He joined the US Navy and they set off for adventures in Tennessee and California.

After the Navy, John attended the University of Utah, drove a cab through the streets of Salt Lake City, and graduated in 1959 with a MS in Electrical Engineering. Also this year, John and MaNell welcomed their first child, son, John Jr., and they moved to Livermore, California, where John Sr. worked for Livermore Lab. From there, they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they welcomed their second child, daughter, Lori, in 1961. John worked with the Nevada Test Site for 18 years. In Vegas, he enjoyed playing softball, fishing, and restoring his beloved Model A. He also volunteered his time and talent to his Jr. Achievement youth group. In 1978, they moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho.

In Idaho Falls, John found it easy to take up his love of the outdoors and was an avid skier, hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He knew how to have fun and brought his own brand of luxury to every picnic, boat ride, overnight camping trip and hunting camp. He taught us all how to embrace the wild with comfort and style. In his later years, you’d find him playing golf at the IFCC where he also served on the Board of Directors for several years.

John loved to celebrate with song, good food, and his handcrafted wine. We will miss how he’d play the ukulele and lead us in sing-a-longs. We’ll miss his passion for storytelling, football, and love of life. 

John was preceded in death by his father, Joe; mother, Rose; sister, Lucille Wilson; brother, Ron; and wife, MaNell. 

He is survived by his son, John Jr. (Susan); daughter, Lori (Mike); grandchildren, John III, Joleen, Jessica, Morgan, and Hannah; along with great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

We will celebrate his life from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024, at The Brickyard Event Center, 1025 S. Ammon Road, in Ammon. Military Honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Navy Honor Guard at 2 p.m.