John Dude Renna Obituary (1930 - 2013)

SOUTH PORTLAND - John "Dude" Renna, 83 of South Portland died peacefully and with dignity on November 15, 2013 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House with his loving family by his side. Born in Portland, Maine on April 29, 1930, John was the son of Rosario and Agrippina Amaru' Renna. He grew up in Portland and attended local schools also during which time he tended to his ailing mother whom passed early in his life. John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving during the Korean War. Subsequent to John's honorable service, he returned to the Portland area and worked for more the twenty years at Portland Metro as a mechanic. John was a family man, he married and had two daughters. Nothing in life gave him more joy than his daughters and grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan especially loving his New York Yankees and South Portland Red Riots. In his earlier years he also enjoyed spending time at Scarborough Downs. In his retirement he enjoyed traveling abroad. John was a kind gentle soul who would put all others before himself. He would befriend all that met him, and his smile would light up a room. Most of all he was a father, friend and hero to his daughters. John was predeceased by his parents Rosario and Agripinna Renna; siblings Vincent Renna, Joseph Renna, Philomena Falconieri, Grace Renna, Mary Palmer and Emanuel Renna. He is survived by his daughter Gina Page and her husband Dan and daughter Tammy Tardy all of South Portland; grandchildren Steven Tardy of Orono, Robbie Renna of Scarborough, Ashley Tardy of Tarpon Springs, FL and the apple of his eye, his great grandson Riley "RJ" James of Florida; sisters Rose Walker and Patricia Sanborn of Portland; a special niece Debbie Budroe of Windham along with several other loved nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank Gentiva Home Health, Hospice of Southern Maine and the entire staff at Maine Medical Outpatient Clinic for all of your care and support over the past years. We would also like to thank his " adopted daughters" for their love and care to John. John's family would like to offer a special thank you to Robin Wellington at Maine Medical Center for all of her care and support during the past thirteen years. "We could not have made it without you." Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Crawford, South Portland Chapel 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will recited at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday at the chapel follow by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland. Burial with military rites will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. Those desiring may make donations to: Gosnell Hospice House, 180 US Route 1, Scarborough, Maine 04074 or to South Portland Football Boosters, 637 Highland Ave., South Portland, ME 04106Online condolences may be expressed below.