Obituary of John F. Rao

John F. Rao, 72, of Blue Barns Rd. in Rexford passed away peacefully at his home in the presence of his Lord and Savior on May 28, 2019. John's loving family was by his side.
Born in the Bronx on November 23, 1946, he was the son of the late Ignatzio Rao and Sophia Strupcewski Rao. John's family moved to Brooklyn when he was ten years old.
He graduated from St. John's University (School of Pharmacy) with a Bachelor of Science in 1969. He was a proud member of the Phi Delta Chi Fraternity.
John met his wife, Maria, while at college in 1968. They were united in marriage on October 31, 1970 at Our Lady of the Cenacle Church in Queens, NY. 

John began his career as a Pharmacist for L & H Pharmacy in Manhattan. Some years later the pharmacy transitioned to specialize in vitamins when they started becoming a valued supplement in daily health. John was paramount in this transition to a successful mail order vitamin company. He worked his way to Chief Operating Officer of L & H Vitamins in Queens. John and Maria raised their 4 children in their home in Little Neck, Queens. He enjoyed his career in the mail order vitamin industry until he chose to retire in 2014. John and Maria relocated to Rexford, NY in 2008 where they became members of Faith Baptist Church. John served as an elder of the church and oversaw the management the Food Pantry that has helped so many over the years.  His hobbies included playing pickleball, gardening and reading. John felt blessed for the life given to him, his family and his grandchildren whom he adored.

John is preceded in death by his brother, Frank Rao. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Maria Rao and their 4 children (and spouses): Jonna Rao and her husband David Martin, James Rao and his wife Anna Karpenko, Audra Muscatiello and her husband Neil Muscatiello, and Erica Rao and her husband Brad Holstine. John was also blessed with 6 grandchildren.
 

Calling hours for John will be held on Friday May 31,2019 from 1-4pm at Faith Baptist Church 11 Glenridge Rd, Rexford, NY 12148. Funeral Services will be on Saturday June 1,2019 at 10:00am at Faith Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Sweetman Cemetery in Charlton, NY. 

This service is a celebration of John’s life. You are invited to wear red or a touch of red as this was his favorite color. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are encouraged to be made to the Food Pantry at Faith Baptist Church or to Community Hospice of Saratoga, Lawrence Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.