ELKHART -- John M. Guantonio, 40, of Elkhart, passed away at 5:25 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, at the Hospice House of Elkhart after an extended illness.

He was born March 2, 1970, in Rochester, Pa., to Albert J. "Butch" and Ernestine "Tina" (Mannerino) Guantonio. On June 18, 1988, he married Carrie A. Berkey, who survives at home.

Also surviving are his daughter, Andrea S. Guantonio, at home; mother Tina of Elkhart; grandmother Nancy Mannerino of Collierville, Tenn.; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Butch; sister Stacy L. (Guantonio) Holdread; maternal grandfather Ernest J. Mannerino; and paternal grandparents Albert J. and Mary (Plume) Guantonio.

Visitation was at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 27, 2010, at Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart. Burial took place at Prairie Street Cemetery, where military honors were rendered by the U.S. Air Force Funeral Honor Guard and Elkhart DAV Chapter 19.

John was an office administrator for Special Metals of Elkhart and was an Air Force veteran. Stationed in the U.S. and Germany, he received Airman of the Year and was considered for presidential liaison duty.

---