John William Chicano

John William Chicano, age 71, of Wellington, FL, passed away on November 26, 2025. Born February 14, 1954 in Waterbury, CT to John and Mary Chicano, the second of seven children. John made the move to Florida in 1979, where later that year he met the love of his life, Lynda. On Christmas Eve in 1980, while opening gifts, John gifted Lynda a tube of Tootsie Pops. Shortly after opening the gift, John was persistently asking for a cherry Tootsie Pop. After much chagrin, Lynda opened the tube to find one. To everyone’s surprise, there was an engagement ring attached to the only cherry Tootsie Pop! Lynda’s YES was the spark that set the Chicano adventures in motion, launching a lifetime of laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. Throughout the 80’s, John was a foreman with Weitz Construction. That was the prime development age of the Wellington area that John and Lynda would eventually call home. John was a part of the team that constructed Wellington High School, along with the shopping center located at the NE corner of Greenview Shores and Wellington Trace. On September 5, 1981, John and Lynda were married in Palms Springs, FL. During their wedding reception, John would pull off another masterful stunt. He presented Lynda with a necklace he said was a “blue light special” at Kmart. Lynda happily put on the necklace that her new husband gifted her. John then revealed it was all another sneaky trick and presented Lynda with an extraordinary necklace as her wedding present. John and Lynda welcomed their eldest son, Nicholas, in February of 1984. In December of 1986, when John wasn’t working his full-time job, he began constructing what would become the Chicano’s forever home from the ground up. After nine months of hard work, in September 1987, they moved into the home that he built, not only with blood and sweat, but true love that made the house into their home. In November of that same year, John and Lynda welcomed their youngest son, Justin-Michael. In fatherhood, he faced every challenge with courage and devotion. He was truly hands-on and present in his son‘s lives, and they cherished his steady guidance and the unwavering nature of his love. In 1989, the new neighbors moved in. Doug, Donna, and Kyle quickly became chosen family that have been on every journey with the Chicano’s for 36 years and counting. On March 9, 1992, John was sworn in as a Deputy for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. He served in the Corrections Department and was later Dual Certified in Law Enforcement. After 17 years of service, on July 24, 2009, he retired from the agency. While he may have been “retired”, John did not stop. He truly was the neighborhood “Mr. Fix-It” and has provided repairs and renovations on several homes throughout their community. When not working on projects, he could be found sitting in the garage and keeping an eye on the happenings around the neighborhood. Many neighbors came to John when they were stuck on projects of their own because he had a “Home Depot” in his garage. There wasn’t too often a time that he didn’t have the right nail, screw, or bolt needed to finish a project. Outside of Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, there are touches of John’s craftsmanship in Utah, Jacksonville, Punta Gorda, and Connecticut. When John wasn’t pouring his energy into renovations or his latest project, he and Lynda could be found enjoying concerts together or heading out for their cherished movie-and-dinner date nights. John’s little acts of love were the best. Despite his birthday being on Valentine’s Day, he ALWAYS made sure his forever valentine, and her mom, knew how special they truly were. In 2005, John received the promotion of a lifetime. His grandson, Jayden, was born, and he became a Popi. In 2013, his world was made much brighter when his granddaughter, Julianne, was born. There wasn’t much Popi would say no to because his grandbabies were his life! As a Popi, there were always fun times in store! Church festivals, Fair time with the famous “batch killer” of kettle corn, unwrapping well-taped cereal and cracker boxes on Christmas to discover what was hidden in them, along with many other treasured memories created with his family. John was the fiercest protector of the ones he loved. His heart was made of pure gold. He truly was the rock of his family. He was beyond charming with a personality that was unforgettable. He had the biggest sweet tooth, and he knew where all the good candy was hidden…at his kid’s houses! He was always looking to make everyone laugh and played some of the silliest jokes! From covering Justin-Michael in bandages and making him lie in the driveway for Lynda to find when she got home to poking his head through the curtains to startle Lynda and her best friend, Donna. It was a well-known fact…if he loved you, you were always getting teased! It was no secret that John and Lynda shared a forever kind of love! This didn’t change one bit when John received his Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and Liver Cancer diagnoses in late 2023. In fact, this journey took them down a path that strengthened their love to an even higher peak. The last five years have been committed with renewed appreciation and devotion to one another. John and Lynda truly cherished every moment they spent with one another with a vigor most lose after the honeymoon phase has passed. Yet, 44 years was not long enough… To say John will be missed is an understatement. The impression he left upon most was one that is unforgettable. To have been loved by John, was an honor. Everyone will cherish the memories made with him forever. John passed away peacefully in the home he was so proud of; filled with a family that he loved without end on November 26, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Lynda; son, Nicholas; daughter-in-law, Keri; sister-in-law, Laure Rosauer (Bernie); nephew, Matthew Lamy; grandchildren, Jayden and Julianne. Additionally, he is survived by his six brothers and sisters, as well as thirteen nieces and nephews -- including Jessica, who always held a special place in his heart. He is predeceased by his mother, Mary (2010); father, John (2014); and son, Justin-Michael (2025). In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in John’s memory to the American Liver Foundation at: www.liverfoundation.org

John William Chicano

February 14, 1954 - November 26, 2025