John Anthony DeGrado, Jr.

John Anthony DeGrado, Jr., 76, of Newton IA, died on October 21, 2025, following a long battle with Parkinson’s and lung cancer. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 26, from 5-7 p.m. at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton, IA. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 27 at 1:00 p.m., also at Wallace. Following the service, all are welcome to join the family for the internment of ashes and military honors at Union Cemetery in Newton. A celebration of life will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 111 in Newton, with a meal, drinks, and time for sharing stories.

Born on March 27, 1949, to John and Elena (Lucia) DeGrado, John was a lifelong resident of Newton. Growing up with two brothers, Jerome and Tom, the DeGrado boys could often be found working at their parent’s grocery store and restaurants. John graduated from Newton High School in 1967 and in 1969 he enlisted in the US Navy. John served on the USS Tulare during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1971.

After returning from the war, he began working at the Newton Daily News where he spent much of his career in advertising and printing. In 1972 he married Ann (Wilson) DeGrado and together they raised three daughters. He left the Daily News in the early 1980’s and worked as a salesman at Maples Chevrolet. In 1987 he married Mari Jo (Wolfe) DeGrado and they had one daughter. John returned to the Daily News in 1997, where he continued to work until he retired as general manager in 2008.

Living in a house with all girls, John was forced to run a tight ship, as he was always outnumbered. He would have done anything for his daughters, or anyone for that matter, and will always be remembered for his generosity, mischievous spirit, and his silent tear-filled-shoulder-shaking-laugh. He enjoyed cooking sugo, camping, telling dad jokes, giving his daughter’s advice, and drinking Bud Light. He was a force within his loud Italian family, often reminding everyone he was “Strong like bull” and could do anything he wanted!

If he wasn’t sitting in his recliner watching Gun Smoke or the Andy Griffith Show, you could find him in the kitchen snack cupboard eating a treat. He was a big fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears and was proud of his large collection of novelty t-shirts. In fact, his clothing collection rivaled most, with 5 closets filled with what he referred to as essentials.

A longtime member of the Elks Lodge, John was also involved in the VFW, Isaac Walton League, Moose Lodge, and American Legion. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and took great pride in the volunteer work he and Mari Jo did with St. Nick’s Christmas Club.

John is survived by his four devoted daughters and their husbands: Jane (Dave) Conforti of Geneva, IL, Mary (Aarik) Evanson of Ames, Nancy (Bob) Andrew of Newton, Virginia (Rogan) Risseeuw of White River, SD.  Those left to honor his memory also include his fourteen grandchildren: Gianna, Joshua, Parker, Elena, Ashley (Ryan), Kaurissa (Chris), Trai, Creighton, Camryn, Jackson, Marshall, Charlotte Jo, three great-grandchildren, Andi Jo, Eleanor, and Jasper; and his two nephews, Daniel LaFraniere and Michael DeGrado.. He was preceded in death by his wife Mari Jo DeGrado, his parents John DeGrado, Sr. and Elena DeGrado, his brother Tom DeGrado, and his nephew Chad DeGrado.

John’s family would like to express their gratitude for the care, companionship, and unwavering support provided by the VA Staff in Marshalltown, Knoxville, and Des Moines over the last several years.

Memorial contributions can be made in John’s name to the Newton American Legion Post 111 and left at the funeral home.

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