John Michael Veleno's Obituary
John Michael Veleno, famous maker of the one and only all aluminum guitar of the 70’s and 80’s passed away at 84 years old, September 10, 2018 peacefully, surrounded by close family in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Family, friends and others whose lives were touched by John are invited to Memorial Park Funeral Home 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL at 6:00 p.m., Friday for family then 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm for friends.
In honor of his life a mass is scheduled on Saturday, at 11:30 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 200 78th Avenue N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33702. The services will be followed by interment at Memorial Park, 5750 49th St. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33709.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce (Moore) Veleno, his children Michele (Veleno) Russell, Marcy (Veleno) Marks, Carla (Veleno) Hoehn, Chris Veleno, Tina (Veleno) Peacock; one brother Michael Dimouro. Stepchildren include Leah Johnson, Randy Moore, and Brian Moore. Survivors also include 12 grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 2 step great grandchildren.
John was born in Lowell, Massachusetts to John Nicholas Veleno and Virginia (Dugrenier) Veleno. As a young a man he loved downhill skiing and ski jumping. He became a highly skilled precision machinist and used his talent to produce his favorite instrument, the guitar. He became well known and famous in the music industry after he produced the iconic Veleno all aluminum guitars for over 20 years. His guitar was owned by world famous guitar players. John had many interests over the years including computer hardware building, programming, photography, and had a passion for religious studies and history. After retiring, he and his wife provided wedding services including officiating ceremonies, DJ services and photography.
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