Essio J. (John) Lanza, 94, a resident of Onset for the past 70 years, died on Oct. 20 following a period of failing health at the Royal Cape Cod Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Buzzards Bay.

Born in Sagamore on Nov. 5, 1921, he was the son of the late Umberto and Carmelina Agostina (Repetto) Lanza.

Mr. Lanza was a masonry and carpentry contractor for more than 50 years. He was an honorary member in the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 624 following 50 years of continuous membership.

Mr. Lanza is survived by his wife of 73 years, June E.(Alexander) Lanza, his sons Mark J. Lanza and his wife Mary-Elizabeth Iosua of Sudbury, Jeffrey P. Lanza of Brockton, Philip A. Lanza and his wife Patricia of Onset, and his daughters Faye J. Lanza of Taunton, and Gina R. Coates and her husband Gregory of Taunton. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Sabrina O’Connell and her husband Caley of Nashua, New Hampshire, Eric J. Lanza of Plymouth, Marie A. Lanza of Somerville, Leia G. Lanza of Sudbury, Nicholas J. Lanza of Sudbury, Khristie Wilkins and her husband Christopher of Hamilton, and Lynne Lanza and her fiancé, John Camara of Fall River, as well as his six great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law Catherine Lanza of Bradenton, Florida and several nieces and a nephew. He was predeceased by his son David J. Lanza, his brothers Vando and Velino, and his sisters Margherita and Cristina.

During World War II, he served in the State Guard at Camp Edwards on Cape Cod specializing in auto mechanics, as well as working with German prisoners of war who were detained there.

Mr. Lanza enjoyed metal detecting, making masonry urns and ornamental products, shellfishing, and fixing almost anything. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In his remembrance, there will be a memorial service at the Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene at 6 Rogers Avenue, Wareham on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 10:30 a.m. Friends and relatives are invited to attend. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Italian Home for Children at 1125 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02130-3495 or to Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding, 40 Baker Bridge Road, Lincoln, MA 01773.

Arrangements by Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Wareham. For directions and online guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.