Join us in honoring the life of John Millette at the CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Saturday, March 7th

Tom E Hartung American Legion Post 1977, 14414 Ford Drive, New Lenox, lL 60451

Noon-5pm CT.

Tentative schedule:

• 12:30pm-1:30pm Service
• 1:30pm-2:30/3pm Luncheon (pot roast, chicken, pasta, salad, pop, and coffee).
• 3pm-5pm Party

We look forward to seeing everyone, celebrating John's life, and sharing happy memories together. If you want to bring a store bought dessert or non-alcoholic beverage to share, please do! Cash bar & no outside alcohol permitted.

RSVP REQUIRED: Please provide a headcount by February 28th via the evite https://evite.me/egauRsfGU1 or by calling/texting Genny at 630-209-6817 (John’s line).

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations toward John’s Final Expenses. https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/john-millette-final-expenses

Obituary

JOHN J. MILLETTE

7/11/1947 – 1/10/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John J. Millette, at age 78 on January 10, 2026, at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL, surrounded by the love of those he cherished most. Born in 1947 at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Chicago, John grew up as the eldest of seven children. He never finished high school & started working young as a gas station attendant.  That first job ignited a lifelong fire for all things automotive. His father George died when he was 19 yrs old & 8 step siblings were added to the blended family when his mother later remarried.

John was a pioneer of the Chicagoland team demolition racing scene. Known affectionately as "Papa John," "Big Daddy," and the "Godfather of Demos," he was a cornerstone of Team Demolition Derby at the historic Santa Fe Speedway during its heyday in the 70s and 80s. His expertise was later instrumental in bringing the sport to life at Route 66 Raceway. While he owned and consulted for many teams, the legendary Mean Green Machines were his "baby"—leading them to dozens of championships and a world title.

Beyond the track, John was a self-made entrepreneur. He founded Millette Automotive in LaGrange and later operated his beloved Canal Auto Salvage & Sales. Known as a "Giver" with an open-door policy, John would literally give the shirt off his back or parts from his yard to ensure no one was left stranded or on the streets.

In 1969, John married his "beautiful bride" and the love of his life, Allison. Together, they settled in Bolingbrook to raise their three daughters. In retirement, John embraced his "Zest for Life" through casino trips, live music, karaoke, and dancing. Even as his health declined, his spirit never wavered; he remained the life of every party, always greeting family vacations with his signature "Me go to!" and a hopeful twinkle in his eye. A true ROCKSTAR to the very end!

John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Margaret ("Maggie"); his wife, Allison; and his siblings George II, Velva, and Margaret ("Mugsy").

His legacy of love and grit lives on through his daughters, Lorna, Kelly, and Genny (John); his siblings Louise (Ray), Janice (late Bob), and Peter (Lisa); his seven grandchildren, Victor (Cecilia), Dominique, Alecia, Christopher, Emma, John, and Native; and his six great-grandchildren, Lucy, Eva, Olivia, Alayna, Victoria, and Allie.

Much ❤️,

Genny, Kelly and Lorna

John Millette's daughters