John Juliano

John Juliano of Pelham, formerly of the Bronx, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born in the Bronx to Anthony and Josephine Juliano, John was the eldest of two children. He was raised on Radcliff Avenue and attended P.S. 83 and Christopher Columbus High School. Following high school, John attended Ithaca College, where he studied physical therapy. While in college, he was an accomplished athlete, playing basketball and boxing professionally. John participated in 17 professional boxing matches during his college years.

While attending Ithaca College, John enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a physician's assistant at the U.S. Naval Hospital in St. Albans, New York. During his time in St. Albans, John married his high school sweetheart, Dolores Funaro. They shared 60 years of marriage until her passing in 2015.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, John began a career in pharmaceutical sales with Wyeth. Always willing to take a chance and pursue a new opportunity, John invested in a small restaurant in Manhattan while working for Wyeth. After successfully growing the business, he purchased another restaurant, Nemo's, on East 48th Street.

It was through promoting a singles club that John entered the nightclub business, beginning an entrepreneurial career that would span decades. He went on to acquire and operate numerous well-known Manhattan establishments, including Pippins on East 54th Street, Copacabana, Bentleys, Silver Shadow, and Reflections. Over the course of his career, John acquired more than 20 clubs, earning a reputation for his energy, business sense, and determination.

Outside of his work, John enjoyed playing golf and was a member of Wykagyl Country Club and Leewood Country Club. A devoted football fan, he held New York Giants season tickets for more than 70 years. In his later years, John enjoyed watching the news and closely following the stock market.

John will be remembered for his strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, quick wit, and, of course, his endless supply of corny jokes. He was industrious and determined, and when he set his mind to something, he made sure to give it his all and strive to make it the very best it could be.

In August 2022, John married Rebecca Ruiz, with whom he shared the final years of his life.

John is survived by his wife, Rebecca; his son, John (Ronna) Juliano; grandchildren, Nicole (Gus) Mitsopolous, Logan Juliano, Kyle (Megan Sullivan) Juliano, Justin Juliano, David (Michelle Atwood) Juliano, Evan (Lily) Juliano and Brandon Hernandez; and four great-grandchildren, Alexander, Gia, Santino, and Leo. He is also survived by his brother, Anthony (Annette) Juliano; his stepdaughters, Amanda Cruz and Kimberly Hernandez; his nephew, Anthony (Christy) Juliano; and his niece, Julie (Steve) Baum. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dolores, and his sons, Steven and David.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Pelham Funeral Home, 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York, on Sunday, August 30th, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 575 Fowler Avenue, Pelham Manor, New York, on Monday, August 31st, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery.

For more information or to leave a condolence, please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.