John Anthony Lepiane

Lifelong valley resident John Anthony Lepiane passed away on April 26, 2015, at Walla Walla General Hospital with his children at his bedside.

He was born on February 24, 1922, in Walla Walla to Italian immigrants Giuseppe (Joe) and Maria (Mary) Filice Lepiane. The second of six children, he and his siblings grew up working the family farm. He spoke of waking early to spend time working in the garden before school and even during the lunch hour. Recreation was scarce in his hardworking family but he remembered picnics and bicycle rides up Mill Creek with his brothers and their buddies.

After high school, John’s dreams of studying civil engineering were dashed when an illness in the family took his college fund. Among other jobs he spent a number of years with the Northern Pacific Railroad before opening his own used car business in 1963. Eventually he moved the business to his own newly-built office and lot on Poplar Street. John was well known throughout the community for his honesty and integrity in business dealings, earning himself the nickname Honest John. He had many repeat customers who would buy their cars only from him.

Farming and gardening were in John’s blood. After helping on the family farm as a child, he grew wheat on his own small acreage. He also planted a large garden every year and kept family and friends supplied with fresh vegetables each summer.

As a young man John enjoyed employing his “air horn” while cruising around. When he met his future wife and she chanced to hear him blow the horn she exclaimed, “It was you!” as she had often heard this distinctive horn about town. John and Ruth Esther May, a Midwest farm girl, were married on November 17, 1946. Three children were born to this union.

John never needed an excuse to get the family together for a dinner out. He loved to spend time at the beach with his children and grandchildren. His sound advice and helpfulness in any situation were always treasured.

John will be remembered for his sense of humor, his work ethic, his integrity and his love for and devotion to his family, who will greatly miss their beloved patriarch.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, after nearly 67 years of marriage. His sister, Ellen Anthony, and brother, Michael, also predeceased him. He is survived by his three children, Dennis (Carole), Annette Jeske, and Darrel (Barbara); five grandchildren, Kimberley (Micaiah) Kuzma, Tara Jeske, Jaymie (Jared) Doll, Sierra Lepiane, and Marshall Lepiane; one great-grandchild, Gianna Kuzma; siblings, Emelio “Bill,” Frank, and Elveda Elia, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Viewing & visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home with Rosary to follow at 7 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for May 7, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project through the funeral home.