Obituary of John Aschettino

January 26, 2024

It is with deep sadness to share that John Aschettino, beloved husband, brother, uncle, god father, and dear friend, died on January 26, 2024 due to illness. He was 67. For over 25 years, John was also a cancer survivor. He fought a good fight.

John is survived by his wife Kerry Ann Shanley, brother Tom Aschettino, nieces and godchildren Amanda Aschettino-Ramirez and Jackie Numa and their spouses and children, nephew Daniel Steier, and godchildren Michael Kimball, Mary Kimball, Shawn Holder and James Baumann. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Aschettino, Ida Aschettino and brother Carl Aschettino.

John was born on December 10, 1956 in Brooklyn NY and always lived in New York City. He and his wife have spent the last 18 years living in South Street Seaport, Manhattan. John was a true New Yorker. John’s career was in the risk/insurance brokerage industry for the past 40 plus years. He was a Senior Vice President within the Specialty Markets- Real Estate practice at Aon and with the firm for over three decades. Many of John’s closest friends are part of this industry.

John lived a life of faith and generosity to others. John was a friend, advisor, and counselor to many family, friends, and colleagues. His empathy, active listening, business savvy, and, when asked for, sage words of advice were always spot-on. John also thrived on mentoring the next generation. He referred to it as “teaching the kids” - regardless of someone’s age. He was always thrilled with the kids future successes. This was part of what made him such a special and unique person.

John was a kid at heart and so much fun to be with. He lightened any situation with his dry wit and lightening quick sense of humor. This also included quoting classic lines from classic movies. John said “Have fun storming the castle” (Princess Bride) when you were running out the door to start the day. “Wait. I was going to make an espresso.” (Young Frankenstein) was when you were running late out the door to start the day. “Highballs and cocktails, the long and the short of it.” (The Thin Man) was a way to start a weekend, even if it just meant having a ginger ale or root beer during Friday night pizza night.

John traveled through life with purpose. He enjoyed trips with his colleagues to the UK, tag-on visits to European cities - Paris for the restaurants, Florence for the shopping and food, travel to New Orleans for the jazz and restaurants and visits with family and friends. Post his trips, John always had stories about his adventures and interactions…and oh….the stories he did tell. With John, a walk was never just a walk. There was always a destination, whether going cross-town to work or walking uptown to shop at some of Manhattan’s best owner-operated specialty food stores. He was an avid cook and made an outstanding cappuccino. Cooking for family and friends gave him significant pleasure. He liked to cook holiday meals and bring food to family, friends and co-workers throughout the year, including ribs, meatballs, and eggplant parmigiana, which John always said takes a good two days to make properly.

Thank you John for the many years of joy, inspiration, and deep caring you brought to all of our lives. We love you and miss you terribly.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, friends memorialize John by donating to the American Heart Association or any organization that, to them, best represents John’s spirit and enduring legacy.

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