Colonel John Caceletto

Colonel John B. Caceletto, U.S. ARMY Reserves (Retired), passed away April 11, 2014 at The Terraces. "Johnnie," as he was called by his beloved wife of 70 years, was born in Globe, Arizona March 25, 1918 to John C. and Margherita Giacoletto Caceletto, both of whom immigrated to Globe from Saletorino, Italy in 1912 and 1913, respectively. He graduated from Arizona State Teacher's College (now Arizona State University) in 1939 with a degree in Business Education. After graduation, John began his teaching career in Globe. One weekend in February, 1940 while visiting ASTC, he met the love of his life, Ruby Harris of Miami, Arizona. They were married from June 20, 1943 until her passing on February 12, 2014. A member of "the Greatest Generation", Colonel Caceletto exemplified the greatness of his generation. Upon the declaration of World War II, with fervor and love of country, he enlisted as a Private in the U.S. Army. The Army quickly recognized his leadership prowess, and in March, 1943 he was assigned to Officer Candidate School and subsequently commissioned a Second Lieutenant and deployed to the South Pacific. When men and women like John Caceletto won the war, thereby ensuring our lives and security, Colonel Caceletto continued to serve his country in the Intelligence Branch of the U.S. Army Reserve. He progressively assumed greater responsibility and more complex assignments which culminated in his final appointment as Director of the Sixth Army Reserve "Command and General Staff School" of the Phoenix U.S. Army Reserve District. In 1976, Colonel Caceletto retired from his military career with three coveted Meritorious Service Medals for outstanding service. In addition to his military service, John Caceletto devoted a lifetime to educating Arizona children. In 1951, he earned a Master's Degree in Education at Arizona State University; then taught in Douglas and Phoenix, Arizona. John Caceletto retired in 1983 as Head of the Business Department for Phoenix Central High School. In their retirement years, John and his beloved Ruby loved traveling together. He was an avid golfer and had a reputation as quite a "tease"! John Caceletto was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruby, his parents; two brothers, James and "baby" Adolph; his sister, Rena Caceletto Ioli; nephews, William Ioli, Jr. and Bobby Ioli; nieces, Carol Ioli Brdecko and Terry Ioli Hairgrove. John is survived by his nephews, Joseph DeRamus, Robert DeRamus, Alan English, Carl English and David Ioli; nieces, Antoinette Ioli Priest, Andrea Caceletto, Carol DeRamus Gillan, Lona English Helmbrecht and generations of "great" nieces and nephews. Interment will be Friday, April 18, 2014, at 9:30 AM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix. In lieu of flowers or cards, please make a donation to your favorite charity in John's memory or call on someone in a nursing home.

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