Johnny S. Lampo passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 20 surrounded by his loving family. Johnny was born July 24th, 1925 in Bryan, Texas to Sam J. Lampo and Lena Rezzoffi Lampo. A lifelong resident of Bryan, he graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in l942 and attended McKenzie-Baldwin Business College. As W.W.II broke out, Johnny enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He later was a member of the American Legion for 50 plus years.
Johnny loved his family, his church and his community, and his life reflected his dedication to them. A lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic church, Johnny served over 20 years on the finance committee, as a longtime reader, and in many other capacities when the opportunities arose.
In his early career, Johnny worked as a deputy county clerk and later as a title abstracter for a title company. In 1947 he married the love of his life, Bonnie Cimino. In 1947, with Bonnie by his side, he opened Lampo and Son Grocery with his father and later went into Luke’s Grocery with his brother-in-law and sister, Luke and Jobey Ruffino. Staying with the grocery business, Johnny then acquired E-Z Way Drive-in Grocery. In l966, Johnny formed a partnership with several friends and family and purchased a Pizza Hut franchise, building in Bryan the first Pizza Hut in the state of Texas. Over the next 28 years, this franchise expanded to 22 stores around Central Texas, and he served on the Board of Directors of the International Pizza Hut Franchise Holders Association. He was President of the Brazos County Retail Grocers Association and in 1981 was named Outstanding Restaurateur by The Texas Restaurant Association. In 1971 the Lampo and Ruffino families opened Farmers Market Bakery and Deli, a successful bakery and sandwich shop which is still remembered by many in Bryan/College Station.
Even with all of the responsibilities of developing and operating his various business ventures, Johnny still devoted much of his time to serving his community. He was a member of the Bryan ISD School Board for 8 years, serving as building committee chairman when Bryan High School was built, and was inducted into the 2011 inaugural BISD Hall of Honor. Johnny was on the Bryan City Council, where he also served as Mayor Pro-Tem, and he was Vice-President of the BCS Chamber of Commerce and President of the Brazos County Industrial Foundation.
As a member of the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation he helped the hospital grow and expand. Johnny and Bonnie were instrumental in several St. Joseph Bash Celebrations. Johnny also served as President of the Bryan Noon Lion’s Club, where he is remembered as an accomplished Tail Twister, and President of the Bluebonnet Psychiatric Center, the Brazos County Industrial Foundation and the TAMU Quarterback Club. Governor Ann Richards appointed Johnny to the Texas Private Industry Council. As supporter of Texas A&M and an avid football fan, Johnny was on the Board of Directors of the BCS-TAMU Council, a member of the 12th Man Foundation, a member of the TAMU Legacy Society and a longtime football season ticket holder.
In his spare time, Johnny could usually be found on the golf course with his buddies or working in his garden in the country. As a founding member of Briarcrest Country Club and as an avid golfer for over 60 years, Johnny enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship that golf provided him. Known for his quick wit and one liner jokes, he made everyone smile and was often asked to be the Master of Ceremonies for weddings, banquets and special events. Over the years, he went from golfing and working the garden to drinking coffee with friends and working in the country and having breakfast on Saturdays with his children and grandchildren. While his health began to weaken in the last few years, his wit and gregarious personality never did.
Johnny is preceded in death by Bonnie, his wife of 73 years; his father and mother, Sam and Lena Lampo; his sister and brother-in-law, Jobey and Luke Ruffino; his brother-in-law, Frank Patranella, and great grandson, Ethan Lampo.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Sam J. Lampo (Carolyn), Frank G. Lampo (Sheryl), Marianne Lampo Ruffino (Larry), John Joseph Lampo (Kim) and Christopher Lampo (Sandi). Additionally, Johnny is survived by his grandchildren, Johnny Sam Lampo, Andy Lampo (Moriah), Matt Lampo, Marcy Porrata (Adrian), Monica Trevino (Randy), Melissa Ruffino, Paul Ruffino (Jessica), Zach Lampo (Cedar), Max Lampo, Alex Lampo, Cassidy Ramirez (Brandon), Luke Lampo, and Dominic Lampo. Further he is survived by his great grandchildren, Jackson Lampo, Samuel Lampo, Eli Porrata, Gabe Porrata, Ross Trevino, Roman Trevino, Evelyn Ruffino and John Ruffino. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lena Patranella, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Lampo family would like to give special thanks for the love and care he received from Comfort Keepers, especially Shannon Buddin, and the end of life care from Luminos Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church, 401 S. Parker Ave, Bryan, TX 77803.
Visitation will be at Memorial Funeral Chapel, Bryan, on Wednesday, April 24 from 5-7 pm with a rosary recited at 7 pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, April 25 at 10:00 am at St. Anthony Catholic Church with burial to follow at Mt Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
