The family of GySgt John Louis Linsalato, USMC(Ret), have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present when their Hero is honored at his funeral, we will be honored to do so.
GySgt Linsalato was born on January 7, 1954 in Brooklyn, into a family with both parents and two brothers.
In 1971, John eagerly enlisted with the United Stated Navy, starting his long, honorable military career. His first Navy duty station was in New London, Connecticut aboard a diesel electric submarine—the USS Dogfish. In 1977, John made the wise decision to join the few, the proud, the United States Marine Corps, where John met his wife, Marlene, while riding bikes around the base in Quantico, Virginia. They were then married on April 30, 1982 in a chapel on the El Toro base in Southern California.
GySgt Linsalato’s military career began in a Motor T unit on Camp Pendleton in California, and over the next few years, spent some time in Japan, Korea and the Philippines. John graduated jet mechanic training and began maintaining F4 Phantoms and F18 Hornets. He was stationed in El Toro with fighter attack squadron VMFA-531, and later transferred to Beaufort, SC with squadron VMFA-251, until retiring in 1993. Up to his final days, John enjoyed discussing jets and other military interests.
After military retirement in 1993, John spent some time with ARCO as a fuel terminal superintendent for Chicago O’Hare Airport. In 1998, he and his family then moved to California, where he spent seven years with Orange County Transportation Authority. He enjoyed the daily “hustle & bustle” while making time to converse with all walks of life. John later moved over to the truck driving industry as a long-distance driver with England in San Bernardino. Later he became a driver trainer, helping others to expand their careers. To this day, many of his trainees still express their gratitude for his attentiveness and care.
John enjoyed bike riding, which later became a family favorite activity with many weekend trips and tandem rallies—John and Maria on one, Sarah and Marlene on the other. Another favorite hobby was surfing, where he ventured out to T-Street, Old Man’s, and San Onofre with a big smile and his long board in tow. BMW motorcycles and tinkering in the garage also brought John a lot of joy. He would share his daydreams of a loaded down bike and an open road full of adventure, and was known for his famous Caesar salad accompanied with Fettuccine Alfredo.
GySgt. Linsalato and his wife, Marlene, have been actively serving together on the Semper Fi #1 Memorial Honor Detail for over 8 years. There, they have made many friendships, attended numerous special events, and were involved in over 1,500 military services. He took tremendous pride in the military and was very patriotic. He was always seen wearing his Veteran hat decorated with American flag pins and military memorabilia.
In February of 2020, John was diagnosed with a rapid stage-4 cancer. On January 18th, shortly after his 67th birthday, with his family near, he left this earth for his new heavenly home.
GySgt. Linsalato leaves behind his wife, Marlene, tthree daughters, Donna, Sarah and Maria, along with three grandsons Johnny, Louie and Vincent, and a brother, Francis.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the staging point to the cemetery, approx 1.5 miles, please see the time table below.
NOTE: COVID-19 restrictions apply, masks/face coverings required/6 ft distancing required.
Time Table for Thursday, 18 Feb 2021: 0930 - Stage at Farmer Boys, 20631 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92508
https://goo.gl/maps/7YRfjfy1RhM5Gpqn70945 - Mission Briefing
1000 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA., 92504
https://goo.gl/maps/n1MpS92gEAW6bRm171010 - ETA Riverside National Cemetery
1015 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Military Honors, and Services
R/C Stephen Zeeb, AKA Opie
MSgt., USAF (Ret)
SoCal PGR Ride Captainxyzeeb@gmail.com
951-587-7560
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mession go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed by the Rid Captain (R/C). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit when driving at RNC. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
