Obituary of John "Papa John" Lombardo

John R. Lombardo PEABODY—John R. “Papa John” Lombardo, 79, of Danvers, formerly of Middleton and Peabody, beloved husband of Elaine (Simard) Lombardo of Danvers, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday February 28, 2014 after a brief illness. Born 79 years ago in Chelsea, he was the son of the late John & Josephine (Postizzi) Lombardo. He grew up in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School. John, or “Papa John” as he was affectionately known, was involved in the restaurant business all his life. He had an entrepreneurial spirit that started as a young boy with Johnie's Ice Cream. He later worked for Rothman's Sausage and Nepco Meats which led him to found the Pickle Barrel Deli in Peabody. With the food business firmly entrenched in him, he went on to develop Papa John's Pizza which ultimately became Papa John's Restaurante in Swampscott. He retired six years ago. He was a member of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Italy and to Maine. He was a passionate sports fan. John leaves his loving wife, Elaine of Danvers, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage; three stepchildren, Danielle Becker of Lewiston, ME, Karl Becker of Swampscott and Amy Becker of New York City; a brother Joseph Lombardo of Medford, and many nephews and nieces. Following cremation, relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a visitation on Wednesday from 4 – 7 P.M. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Friends and family may also gather on Thursday March 6, 2014 at 10:30 AM in the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.