John Jack Truzzolino, 78

John Jack Truzzolino, 78, passed away Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, with his loving family at his side. Jack was born Nov. 22, 1931, in Butte, to John and Mary (Owen) Truzzolino. Jack was raised in Butte, graduating from Butte High School. He attended Denver University and University of Montana, graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree at University of Denver College of Business Administration. Jack married Kathryn Kathy Truzzolino in Jan. 1955, in Cambridge, Neb. Jack was in ROTC and entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant at graduation in June 1954, going on active duty in February 1955, at Pope AFB at Fort Bragg. He was in charge of heavy equipment drops and served proudly. He was transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1957, reaching the rank of captain before being honorably discharged April 1973. Jack and Kathy returned to Butte in 1957 to join his father in Truzzolino Food Products, begun by his grandfather Vincent, newly from Italy, in 1896. He and Kathy bought the business, expanding the product line and packing for other companies, and their family have fond memories of all working together in the business. Canned tamales were sent all over the world and products marketed over the U.S., but especially in the Northwest. He and Kathy sold the business in January 1990, and they moved to their vacation home at their loved Flathead Lake, moving to Kalispell in 2007. Jack continued working until retirement at Heritage Place in Kalispell. In Butte, son John with wife Janel and daughter Savanna, carry on the tradition of making the famous Truzzolino tamales, also adding new products. Jack was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church in Butte and Bigfork. In Butte he was a member of Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, Cub Scouts, CAP, and other community and business organizations, and served on the school board for three years. He loved to fly, flew with his Pop from childhood and had his private and commercial pilot s licenses. He was a charter member of the Marathon Flying Club in Butte. He made and flew RC planes in Kalispell. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, sailing, boating, church, music, singing in the choir, bridge, reading, making beautiful stained glass projects, traveling and family and friends. He loved his family dearly. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Nolin; and nephews, Tom II and Nile. Jack is survived by his wife, Kathy; sisters, Betty and Don Wood, and Carole Kolman; daughter, Laura, and Kerry Cassidy; sons, John and Janel Truzzolino, and Rick and Mary Lyn Truzzolino; grandchildren, Velvet and Jon, Aspen and Nathan, Mishana and Erin, Alex and Caitlynn, Savanna, Nathan and Ashley, Tessa, and Elizabeth; great-grandchildren, Bryce, Lance, Dawson and Stella; and also cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, and other family. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, at the Methodist Church in Bigfork. Memorials may be made to Camp Mak-A-Dream, P.O. Box 1450, Missoula MT 59806, or Bigfork Community Methodist Church, 750 Electric Ave., Bigfork MT 59911. Many, many thanks go to the caring staff at KRMC and Home Options Hospice. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. To send condolences to the family, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com.