John Pantalici

After a long battle with dementia, John Pantalici passed into eternity on February 28, 2024. John was born on January 20, 1949, to Iovan and Persida Pantalici in Timisoara, Romania. A year before his birth, the Communist Party of Romania came into power, a government that conflicted with John’s vision for his life. After completing his compulsory Army service, John crossed the Romanian border in a cargo truck seeking asylum in West Germany. While in Germany, John worked for Bavarian Motor Works (BMW), developing a lifelong interest in automobiles. After living in Munich, John immigrated to Detroit, Michigan. He eventually moved to Texas, where he initially worked in the industrial furnace manufacturing sector in Houston before settling in Central Texas, where he owned and operated John’s Body Shop in Mart. John was renowned for his talent and artistry while repairing and painting vehicles. Within his community, John was considered a master craftsman who loved restoring classics, so much so that he never had to advertise his business.

John’s friends came from all walks of life, and he never met a stranger. Stray animals & homeless humans had an equal chance of finding refuge with him. John loved cooking, especially grilling, and sharing Romanian dishes with friends and loved ones. One of his simple pleasures was feeding the fish in his pond. Upon approaching, John often received a rapturous welcome from the eager fish. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycles on the Texas highways. Eventually, neither the open spaces of Texas nor the contiguous United States were expansive enough for John’s quest for adventure. During his later years, he dreamed of the wilds of Alaska. He made several voyages on the storied Alaskan highways and enjoyed fishing off the Alaskan coast. May his newly released soul find the freedom it always craved!

John is survived by his wife of nearly 39 years, Tasneem, his son John Pantalici and wife Nikki, and his daughter Nadia Pantalici-Curt and her husband Edin. He is also survived by his sister Fibia Lapuste and her husband Aurel, as well as his brother Daniel Pantalici and his wife Vio. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Viorel Pantelici. Additionally, John will be missed by numerous nephews and nieces and their families. Funeral arrangements are pending at Lake Shore Funeral Home in Waco.

The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Brain Foundation. We hope people will contribute memories of our beloved John on his memorial website.