John W. Castricone, 85 of Salem, NH passed away peacefully on August 26, 2020.

John was born on February 27, 1935 in Lawrence MA. He was the son of the late Antonio and Nancy (Bruno) Castricone. John attended Salem schools and graduated from Woodbury High School in the Class of 1953.

"Johnny" was a lifelong resident of Salem. He was the proprietor of Johnny's Tire Shop, also known as Johnny's Shell, from the late 1950's through the late 1970's. John was a familiar and well-liked fixture in town for all of his life. John had a passion for fast and custom cars. Early in his career, his labor of love was his custom built 1955 Chevy Sedan Delivery. He traveled throughout New England showcasing his design and was the recipient of many awards. John was a genius when it came to cars and this was evident with the success of his business for so many years.

John was a decent, honest man and a true Salemite. In his early years, he sold newspapers at Rockingham Race Track and spent much of his teens there. His love for the "Rock" led him to own multiple winning thoroughbreds during the 1970's. John loved to play cards and spent time at the Elks Club with locals and old friends. He volunteered his time at the club making sure the kitchen was well prepared for functions. John liked to frequent other local businesses where he would join in on discussions about the town he loved. He was also an avid sports fan and golfer. John loved all New England sport teams and was a member of Crystal Lake Golf Club in Haverhill for many years.

John's later years were spent at his home in Salem where he continued to provide automobile services for his faithful customers for years. John loved traveling to Florida in his RV camper with his family and spent many winters along the beaches of the east coast. John also loved hosting July 4 ^th cookouts for his family, where the highlight of the day was setting up a huge slip-n-slide for his grandchildren to enjoy.

John is survived by his loving wife Cheryl (Thompson) Castricone. He will be greatly missed by his five children, Donna (Castricone) Clark of Stratham NH, Lisa (Castricone) Sarcione and her husband Michael of Methuen MA, John Castricone Jr. and his wife Sharon of Pinellas Park, FL, Matthew Castricone of Salem and Debbie Jerackas and her husband Ronnie of Londonderry. John is also survived by seven grandchildren, Heather Sarcione of FL, Bill Dickey and his fiancé Katie Quale of Londonderry, Christine Jozitis and her partner Jessi Lindie of Waltham, MA, Tiffany Sarcione and her partner Matt Rodican of Londonderry, Allison Jozitis and her fiancé Kieran Martin of Mendocino CA, Ashley Jerackas of Salem and Justin Jerackas of Londonderry. He will also be missed by his six great-grandchildren. John was predeceased by his sister, Grace (Castricone) Lenane, her husband James and their son Scott.

A private graveside service will be held.