John David Anello, Jr., age 85, of Mequon WI, was born to Eternal Life on August 21, 2018 surrounded by his family.  John is survived by  "the love of his life" and wife Sally; his children Tracy Anello, Gina Anello, John David Anello III, Jennifer Anello (Scott) Mathwig, and Amanda Anello (Tyler) Nygaard; his grandchildren Daniel Gones, Stephanie Gones, Giovanni Anello, Konrad Mathwig, and Josephine Nygaard; and his great-grandson Louie Gones.  He treasured his long relationships with his Shorewood High School Breakfast Club, the covenant family of North Shore Presbyterian Church, and his cardiac rehab friends.  Appreciation is extended to the special people at Aurora at Home Metro Hospice who assisted him through this last journey. 

John's legacy is his family, his dignity and grace, and his remarkable contributions to the Milwaukee community through his role as Producer/ Artistic Director of Stars Productions, a non-profit organization geared toward the promotion of the performing arts.  Stars programs included Music Under the Stars, Jazz Festival, Pillow Pops, and the High School Music Festival.  He and his family brought the joy of opera, concerts, dance, and musicals free of charge to thousands of people during the 52 years Stars Productions Inc. was in operation.  John's life was one of service to the community, to our country (Army), to his church and to his family. 

Visitation at the Funeral Home on Saturday, September 15th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm with a Memorial  Service at 3:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

* North Shore Presbyterian Church

  4048 N. Bartlett Ave.

  Shorewood, WI 53211

* Aurora Healthcare Foundation/ Metro Hospice

  c/o Judi Strout

  1155 Honey Creek Parkway

  Wauwatosa, WI 53213

* Opera in the Schools

  c/o the Florentine Opera Company

  930 E. Burleigh St., Lower Level

  Milwaukee, WI 53212