Obituary

Silvio "John" J. Massetti, 94, of Rockford, passed away on October 2, 2025.
Born July 22, 1931, in Rockford, he was the son of Emiliano and Maddalena (DeLuca) Massetti. A graduate of West High School, class of 1949, John began barbering at a young age. When he enlisted in the United States Navy, he expected to leave the scissors behind-but once it was discovered that he was already a skilled barber, the Navy quickly "drafted" him into the role. Though it wasn't what he had planned, John liked to joke that even in uniform, he couldn't escape the clippers.
At the age of 7 he started working on a farm, until his high school graduation. After his military service, he returned home to Rockford, where he became the owner and operator of John's Barbershop, where he welcomed generations of clients for 73 years. never once taking a summer off. His barbershop had several homes throughout the community, including the Rotunda at North Main and Auburn, the Palace Theater, the Hanley Building, the Faust Hotel and his home.
To his customers, John was far more than a barber. He was a storyteller, a jokester, and a friend. People didn't just come for a haircut, they came for the conversation and the laughter, where he made everyone feel like family.
John was united in marriage to Karen Drury on August 23, 1977. Together they shared 48 years of love and partnership.
Outside of work, John enjoyed playing golf and found great satisfaction in building furniture. He was a man who could shape wood just as skillfully as he shaped hair-patient, precise, and proud of his craft. He also treasured time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him joy beyond measure.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Ronald (Tina) Massetti; step-son, Bruce Allan (Gail) Pierce; grandchildren, Madaline and Angelo Massetti; daughter-in-law, Sarah Piere; step-grandchildren, Kyle (Grace) Pierce, Shane Pierce, Alex (Georgie) Pierce, Molly Pierce; step-great-grandchildren, Colton, Grayson, Lucy, and Lola Pierce; brothers-in-law, William (Maria) Drury, Craig Robert Drury, Richard Drury; and sister-in-law, Lori Jean (Doc) Schobert.
He was preceded in death by his infant brothers, Fiore and Fiorello Massetti; infant daughter, Diane Massetti; parents, Emiliano and Maddalena; step-son, Keven Michael Pierce; brothers, Dominic Massetti, Anthony Massetti, and Guy Massetti.
John's life was defined by service to his country, his community, his craft, and most importantly, his family. His legacy lives on in every story told in his barbershop chair, every laugh he shared, every game of golf, every piece of furniture he built, and every life he touched. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family.
Memorial Visitation on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 3 pm to 5 pm at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services; 4301 N. Main St. Rockford. Private family interment. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.