John Jude Letizia

John Jude Letizia, lovingly known as “Buck” to his family, passed away suddenly on June 20, 2026 at 62 years old.

Born in Mount Vernon to Pasquale and Marie Letizia, John was the middle of three children. He was raised in Pelham, where he attended Hutchinson Elementary School and later graduated from Pelham Memorial High School. During his school years, John enjoyed playing football and baseball and developed a lifelong passion for sports. He was a devoted New York sports fan – always outfitted in Giants or Yankees attire and hats.

Throughout his life, John volunteered with several church organizations in White Plains and was a familiar face throughout the Pelham community. He attended the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass every week and could be seen on his daily walks around town in his trademark yellow reflective vest. After more than 55 years in Pelham, he moved to Ardsley where he became a beloved resident of the Lincoln Rest Home.

John was a caring son and brother, and a deeply devoted uncle. He was an ever-present figure in the lives of all his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces, and kept a collection of their photos along the mirror in his bedroom. He especially enjoyed family gatherings and celebrations where he could socialize and spend time with his cousins, extended family, and good friends.

John also loved movies & television, hot chocolate, and annual trips to Lake George, where he could be found swimming for hours on end or fishing with his nephew.

John will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature, his generosity, and his unwavering good spirit. He loved to talk to anyone who would listen and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. His warm smile and friendly conversations brightened the lives of everyone who knew him.

John was predeceased by his beloved parents, Pasquale and Marie Letizia. He is survived by his sister, Marie and her husband William Ivers; his brother, Robert and his wife Silvana; his beloved nieces and nephews: William Ivers, Elena Ivers, Andrew Ivers; Robert Letizia and his wife Amanda, Danielle and her husband Joseph Piscal, and Giovanni Letizia; his cherished great-nieces: Isabella and Cecilia Letizia and Lia and Tessa Piscal; and many cousins, aunts, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate John's life on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pelham Funeral Home, 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.