John Pradella passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL surrounded by his loving family after a long period of illness. Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, John was a standout athlete at Classical High School, where he was quarterback on the football team.

Throughout his life, John was a devoted businessman with a wide range of interests. He owned and operated the Gaslight Lounge in Springfield and successfully ran an insurance business while residing in Hampden, Massachusetts. In the 1980s and 1990s, John brought his entrepreneurial spirit to the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas, organizing monthly junkets and gathering colorful characters from across New England for memorable trips.

Later in life, John relocated to Florida, where he joined forces with his brothers and sister at Mercury Luggage Manufacturing Company and later at Advantus Corp. He specialized in selling custom sports bags to major league teams, forging long-lasting relationships with equipment managers, and traveling nationwide for trade shows, where he delighted in meeting friends and colleagues.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Lynne; his cherished daughter, Alyssa and her partner Chase Coleman; and his devoted son, Anthony. He also leaves behind his brothers -- Andy and his wife Joanie; Bob and his wife Paula; and his sister, Andrea Campbell and her husband Jim, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

John’s vibrant spirit, love for adventure, humor, loyalty, and deep connections with those around him will be forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who knew him. He was a man of his word.

“I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now…For I shall not pass this way again.” -- William Penn

A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be announced at a later date. Donations in John’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital.