As a schoolgirl, Marian Elizabeth White had a platonic friendship with a "strong, steady helpful man" named John Pastore. They met in a New Jersey high school. "We were good friends and then it changed to love," Marian said of the man she married on Aug. 24, 1968.
John Vincent Pastore died March 11 at home after a short battle with cancer, Marian at his side. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love and compassion. John was born in Newark, NJ on Oct. 14, 1939, the middle son of Joseph and Lorenzina (Lucarelli) Pastore. John was a graduate of Rutgers University where he earned a degree in accounting and economics. During his time with IBM he was “stationed” in Vietnam. While overseas, John and Marian stayed in touch. When John came home he proposed. They raised two sons - Joseph Edward and the late Matthew John.
John enjoyed a 30-year career as an accountant with IBM. John and Marian relocated to North Carolina 20 years ago where John was a main stay at his Catholic parish, St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Garner. He spent a decade as St. Mary's volunteer finance director; he led an in depth parish census project and sung in the choir, "which was his joy." John was devoted to the Triangle Radio Reading Service for the Blind, recording both live and taped programs for the visually impaired. John and Marian were involved with the Special Olympics with their son, Matthew.
John is also survived by son, Joseph, daughter-in-law, Tina Kim, grandchildren, Shelby, Tina Elizabeth and Amanda; two brothers, Raymond (Eileen) and Joseph (Jeanne) and several nieces and nephews.
Marian once told a girlfriend: "You know that John Pastore, he is going to make someone a good husband and father." All who knew John were enriched by his innate kindness toward others.
A funeral Mass will be held Monday, 11:00 am at St. Mary Mother of the Church Catholic Parish, Garner. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 PM Sunday at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner.
Flowers are welcome or donations in John's memory can be made to St. Mary's music ministry at 1008 Vandora Springs Rd. Garner 27529-3546.
Condolences may be made to bryan-leefuneralhome.com
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