Licari, John -

It is with profound sadness and unending love that we announce the passing of John Licari on June 19th, 2022 at the age of 47, after a 3 year battle with cancer.

He will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Elvira Licari, his brother, Frank Licari, his sister-in-law Natasha Sherrit-Licari and his nephew Tristan Sherritt-Licari. He will be dearly missed by the thousands of people that he inspired and affected through his music, his work and his kind heart. He is predeceased by his father, Natale Carmelo Licari.

Born in Guelph, John led a life filled with caring and giving to others as well as the charities he supported. Whether it was to friends or co-workers, John was always there to lend an ear, a helping hand, some words of encouragement or just to share a laugh with his infectious personality. Since the age of 4 years old, he developed a bond with music where he became known as a “rock star” with an unmistakable voice and the ability to play multiple instruments and multiple genres of music. As a child star, he made various appearances on regional tv and toured throughout Ontario and even into upstate New York. At the age of 9, he became an organist for Sacred Heart Church in Guelph, later becoming its musical director and served in that position for 38 years. He was in various local rock bands in Southern Ontario, playing at clubs, bars, festivals and events throughout the year. Some of his favorite times were spent alongside John Cusinato and Jason Damaren, playing and creating music together since their early teens.

For the past 25 years, John also made a name for himself in the auto industry, most recently serving as after sales parts manager for Policaro Group in their Porsche Centre Oakville location. He was voted top 3 in the country multiple years and considered his Porsche co-workers his extended family. As fate would have it, he met the love of his life, Jamee Savel, this past year and was able to spend his last hours with her, alongside his family and friends at Juravinski Cancer Hospital.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Juravinski Cancer Hospital for all the care and dedication they provided.

Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph where the family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, June 24, from 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 7:00pm - 9:00pm. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, June 25, 10:30am at Sacred Heart Church, 98 Alice St., Guelph. Reception will be held at the Italian Canadian Club, 135 Ferguson Street, Guelph, at 12pm noon, Saturday June 25th, 2022. All are welcome to live stream the Mass on the internet via ZOOM. Link to follow below.

Memorial Donations may be made in John Licari’s name to Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre
℅ Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, 1 King Street West, Suite 702, Hamilton Ontario L8P 1A4. Donations may also be made in his name to SickKids Foundation, 525 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2L3.