John Paul Fatini, D.D.S.
October 3, 1942 – April 4, 2026

John Paul Fatini, D.D.S., 83, of Chino, California, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 4, 2026. Born on October 3, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, he was the son of Paul Romulus Fatini and Genevieve Robertson Fatini.

Dr. Fatini was a man of exceptional dedication, compassion, and generosity who devoted his life to the service of others. He received his early education at St. Philomena Elementary School and Spalding Institute, both in Peoria. He went on to attend St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa. He then pursued his calling in dentistry at Loyola University School of Dentistry in Chicago, Illinois.

Following his graduation in 1968, Dr. Fatini married Rochelle Lethiot and answered his country’s call to service, earning the rank of Captain in the United States Army Dental Corps. He was stationed at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama, where the couple welcomed their daughter, Susan. Though the marriage later ended, Dr. Fatini and Rochelle remained friends.

After his honorable discharge, Dr. Fatini served as a dentist with the Los Angeles County Public Health Department, treating underprivileged children at neighborhood clinics throughout the county. In 1977, he joined the California Department of Corrections at Chino, California, where he would serve with distinction for over three decades, earning his coveted Thirty-Year Service distinction. In April 1998, he was named Employee of the Month — an honor traditionally reserved for correctional officers — a testament to the profound respect his colleagues held for him.

Beyond his professional life, Dr. Fatini was a devoted supporter of local youth soccer teams and a steadfast friend to anyone who found themselves in need. A voracious reader, he made it his daily ritual to read no fewer than three newspapers, and took great delight in clipping and sending interesting articles to friends and family. A lifelong Chicagoan at heart, he remained a passionate fan of the Cubs, the Bulls, and the Bears throughout his life.

Dr. Fatini is survived by his beloved daughter, Susan (Fatini) Masson; his son-in-law, Richard Masson; and three cherished grandchildren, Stephen Masson, Genevieve Masson, and Audrey Masson. He is also survived by his nephews, Matthew Manning and Martin (Chris) Manning,; four nieces, Bridget (Randy) Tackman, Moira Manning, Kathleen (Michael) Passmore, and Molly Manning. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Genevieve Fatini; his beloved sister, Joan (Fatini) Shinkle; and his nephew, Michael Manning.

A life marked by service, sacrifice, and sincere compassion for others, John Paul Fatini leaves behind a legacy as lasting as the countless lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held on May 22, 2026, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West Peoria, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to St. Philomena School in Peoria, Illinois — the institution where his remarkable journey began. Donations may be made online to St. Philomena, Peoria Illinois or St. Joseph's, Lakewood, California