TRIBUTES Great-grandfather John ‘would always put his family first’

A LOVING great-grandfather has been remembered for his sense of humour and passion for breeding racing pigeons.

The life of John Sterio from Ely, Cardiff has been celebrated following his death on November 10 at the age of 74.

A popular figure in the community, John was the eldest of 10 children and attended Windsor Clive Primary School.

Becoming a father-like figure to his siblings due to his age, he will be remembered as an loyal older brother to Gerald, Joan, Julie, Brian, Susan, Gary, David, James and Jane.

After finishing school, John embarked on a career as a hard-working steel erector, travelling around Wales for up to seven days a week.

At the age of 21 he married his childhood sweetheart Pauline at St John’s Church in Canton after they first met at the age of 16.

Together they enjoyed 53 years of blissful marriage at their home in Landsdowne Road.

Described as a loving family member, John will be sorely missed by his children Paul and Claire, grandchildren Matthew, Lucy, Chloe and Joshua and great-grandchildren Olivia and Callie.

As well as his dedication to his family, John will also be remembered for his passion for breeding and flying carrier pigeons.

After rearing them in his garden, the great-grandfather would fly his pigeons across the world and race them in competitions.

He will be fondly missed for his ability to fix any injuries with his delicate touch.

Known throughout his life for his good looks, John became known from stories from his youth as a man who could “hold his own”.

A familiar face at the Homeguard in Ely, John had many loyal friends.

Paying tribute, his granddaughter Lucy said: “He was a very social man but would always put his family first.

“He idolised his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and had a great sense of humour.”

Paying testament to his popularity, more than 700 people attended John’s funeral at Church of the Resurrection in Ely where pigeons were released in his honour.