John P Lelli

John P. Lelli, age 62, died Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Northern Lakes Nursing and Rehabilitation in Angola, IN. He was born November 16, 1959 in Detroit, Michigan, son of the late Mario and Guerina (Meli) Lelli.

He married the love of his life Amy Jo Everett on February 15, 1986.

John was a phenomenal chef. John started his career in the restaurant industry at a young age. He began working at his father’s restaurant, Mario’s, learning the tricks of the trade. He purchased The Golden Eagle along with his partner Fred at the age of 21. John wanted to pursue a slower pace lifestyle instead of the restaurant business and focus on family. He and his wife started a successful landscape and nursery company called Lone Eagle Nursery. Once again the itch for the restaurant business returned. John and Amy Lelli ran the Hatchery from 2000-2014. John’s daughter and son in law are continuing his legacy alongside Mark and Libby Meston. This is a sad time for our family and we would love the continued support, as nothing would have made John happier. After passing his business along he came out of retirement and worked at Flagstar Bank in Angola as a licensed Banker until his passing.

He loved photography, Disney, Star Wars, and camping. His greatest joy of all was spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving wife of 36 years, Amy J. Lelli; four children, Heather (Mark) Meston of Angola, IN, Holli (Andrew) Lelli of Hillsdale, MI, Sara (Derek)  Adams of Lexington, South Carolina, Daryl Lelli of Angola, IN.; eight grandchildren, Landon, Connor, Merik, Elijah, Miley, Finley, Amelia & Riley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mario and Guerina Lelli; and brother, Mario Lelli Jr.

Per his wishes, his family is holding a celebration of life ceremony instead of a traditional funeral.  We invite you to join his widow, children, and grandchildren at his favorite restaurant, The Hatchery Restaurant, March 27th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. where we’ll raise a glass (or three) to the best man we know.  Please feel free to bring a picture of John for our memory wall to share with his family.

In lieu of flowers we request donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Johns name. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John P Lelli, please visit our floral store.