James Carmen DeGrezia

John Carmen DeGrezia, 80, of Green Valley, Arizona, entered eternal life on September 22, 2025, at his home following a short illness.

John was born on July 7, 1945, in Paterson, New Jersey, to John A. and Connie DeGrezia. A proud New Jersey native, John graduated from Eastside High School in 1964. The following year, he joined the United States Army and graduated from the U.S. Army Air Defense School at Fort Bliss, Texas where he trained in Hawk Missile and Launcher Maintenance. He was later stationed in Germany for the remainder of his service and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Sharpshooter Medal.

John spent his professional life doing what came naturally to him—connecting with people. He built a long and successful career in sales and, before retiring in 2019, he spent 25 years at Robbie's Music City, a family-owned business in Wayne, New Jersey. His easygoing personality, quick wit, and genuine interest in others made him someone people enjoyed being around, both professionally and personally. John was the beloved husband and best friend of Jane (Tracey) for 32 years. Together, they built a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, travel, and countless memories. John lovingly embraced Jane's four children as his own: Laura Diliberto, John J. Tracey Ill, Lisa Tracey-Panno (Taylor), and Michael W. Tracey (Kris). He was also a devoted and much-loved grandfather to Kevin, Frank, Anthony, Cory, Madoc, and Harper.

Family meant a great deal to John. One of the greatest gifts he gave them was his time. He had a lifelong love of fishing, hunting and the outdoors. He made a point of sharing those things with the kids, taking them fishing and hunting and creating memories they would carry with them for years to come. He treasured time spent with his large extended family in New Jersey and was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved. Being a husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, and uncle brought him tremendous pride and joy.

John was also an avid reader and had a wonderful sense of adventure. He and Jane shared a love of travel and spent many years exploring the world together, enjoying cruises and land tours, and making treasured memories along the way.

In 2020, after a lifetime in New Jersey, John and Jane began a new adventure together and moved to Green Valley, Arizona. John quickly embraced his new home and the desert lifestyle. He, as a conservative, became involved in local and state politics and found a church home at Evangelical Free Church of Green Valley, where he participated in a Bible study and a weekly men's group. His faith and the friendships he formed there became an important part of this chapter of his life.

John truly never met a stranger. He had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and, within minutes, made them feel as though they had known him for years. Friendship came easily to John because he offered it so freely to others. He brought warmth, humor and an unmistakable New Jersey personality wherever he went. He made people feel welcome and at ease, and it did not take long for Green Valley to feel like home.

John is also survived by his sisters, Marion Robertson and Lois Thomson of New Jersey. He was a loving and devoted uncle to Lynn Robertson, Elayne Demby, Janice Craig, Michael Giordano, Debbie Giordano, and Lisa Rabidis. His many relatives and friends, both in New Jersey and Arizona, will deeply miss his presence, his stories, his humor, and the way he

could make nearly anyone feel like an old friend.

John lived a full life—one marked by service to his country, devotion to his family, enduring friendships, faith, adventure, and an appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Those who loved him will remember the laughter he brought, the stories he told, the friendships he nurtured, the adventures he shared and, most of all, the time and love he gave so generously.

His life was well lived, his family was well loved, and his presence will never be forgotten.

Interment is at Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery, 18751 S. La Canada Drive, Sahuarita, Arizona 85629.