John J. Witte, II

John J. Witte of the Village of Caroline in The Villages passed away April 15, 2025. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to John and Millie Witte on April 13, 1938. On May 18, 1963, John married Josephine D. Palazzo. He was a N.Y. City Sanitation worker and retired in 1991 prior to relocating to Florida. John was a Navy veteran, serving on the USS Glacier. One of the few icebreakers in the fleet. John’s love of softball was deep. He played in Knights of Columbus leagues in NY. Golden Years leagues in the Deerfield Beach area and finished in the leagues in The Villages. He loved the game and the people he played with. John had a beautiful singing voice and was frequently asked to perform at community events and family functions. His rendition of “Ave Maria” was a staple at weddings he attended. He is preceded in death by his wife Josephine, His brother Charlie and his wife Jane, and his nephew Craig. John is survived by his son John, his wife Judy, and their kids Sarah and Zach. His son Stephen and his son Steve. His son Michael, his wife Erica, and children Mya and John. His daughter JoAnn. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Heirs?-Baxley Funeral Home Buffalo Ridge location at 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages. A Funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, 8:30am at St. Timothy’s Church, 1351 Paige Pl, Lady Lake. The family requests any donations on John’s behalf be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Tunnel to Towers. Both causes were very close to his heart.