John Joseph Avila
October 1945 – July 7, 2022
On July 7, 2022, John Joseph Avila peacefully passed away after a short stay at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.
John was born in October 1945, in Del Norte, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ida Avila; his daughters, Michelle and Elizabeth.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Irene; daughters, Kristine Bauer (Jack), and Lisa Hogan (Chris); sons, John (Dee) and Stephen (Kathi) Snellbaker; son-in-law, Robert Auwaerter. sister, Wishy Burkhalter (Dennis); brother, Ron (Mary) Avila.; fifteen grandchildren: Jack (Kensleigh), Rose, Charlie, Grace, Mei, Alyssa, Jackson, David (Roxy), Jennifer (Jonathon), Stephanie (Tony), Samantha, Ashley, Jessica, Taylor, and Jonathan and three great-grandchildren: Beckham, Tony, and Hannah, who were his pride and joy.
John was raised in Denver, Colorado where he attended grade school, junior high and high school. He continued to Regis College where he received his bachelor’s degree. Afterward, John proudly served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam era.
Upon leaving military service, John began his business career within the home appliance industry. He became a top regional salesman for Frigidaire Corporation and was highly respected by corporate management and consumers alike. John made it a point to thoroughly become an expert on each of the various appliance product lines as his purpose was to educate as well as to sell. He took great pride in what he did thus leading to his successful career in the appliance industry.
John was a very passionate man. He was known as the “The Mayor” in many circles as he could easily start a conversation with most anyone the ultimately would lead to longer-term relationships. He loved to impart wisdom to the younger generation and as he interacted with them there was always a teaching moment. He believed in respect and manners. Many a child learned manners from “Pop” or “Uncle John” as he possessed an evident moral compass that gave him the credibility to do so.
John will also be remembered for his natural culinary skills. He was always keen to learn recipes and cook from the various regional cuisines from where he and Irene lived or traveled. When talking about John, his cooking skills were always mentioned as many a friend and family member has at least one of John’s recipes.
While our hearts are heavy, we are comforted knowing that John lives on through each of us and our memories.
August 19, 2022, Mass is postponed due to family illness. Mass of Christian Burial date pending.
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