John Tecca

John Alfred Tecca Sr., lifelong resident of Livingston, passed away peacefully at his home on November 10, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Livingston, MT on December 8, 1936, to Alfred and Lucy Tecca. John graduated from Park High school in 1955 and was a 3rd generation Montanan.  He was a pillar in his community and loved helping others in any way his heart led him.  John served as a Mess Sergeant in the National Guard for ten years.  He was a patriot and an icon in the community. He would often introduce himself as “Johnny Tecca Pecca Necca” as he enjoyed making people laugh.  He was an eternal optimist and quite the jokester with a tremendous love for life and his family.

John’s grandmother opened the first family grocery store out of their home on K Street. His parents then built, owned and operated Al’s grocery store on south D and Clark Street where John was inspired to start his own business. He followed in his parents’ footsteps and, at the age of 18, built his first grocery store from the ground-up on North 8th & Chinook Street. It was named John’s Food Town, later to become the well-known John’s IGA. He worked hard to make it a remarkably successful family grocery business, earning “Top IGA Grocer” and highest volume store in both Montana and Wyoming. John was an incredibly innovative and forward-thinking businessman. His success was unparalleled.

John married Mary Lee Davis in 1964 and was blessed with six children, Lee, John Jr, Tony, Rosemary, Joe and Cindy. John went on to build his second grocery store in 1975 where the current ACE Hardware store is today. He operated that store until 1984. When the local Safeway’s grocery store (now Town and Country) went out of business, John took that building over and operated John’s IGA grocery store until his retirement from the grocery business in 1991. John, being the entrepreneur that he was and feeling he had more to offer the community, then built the Yellowstone Gateway Mall where ACE Hardware stands today.  John operated the mall until fully retiring in 2006.

John wore many hats in his career including being a father, grocer, business owner, entrepreneur as well as serving on many committees and boards throughout Park County. John supported many organizations such as the Elks Club, Moose Lodge, and many non-profit organizations. He enjoyed supporting local elementary and high school sports teams and events throughout his life. He was a proud supporter of the Park County 4H Club and enjoyed donating his time and efforts.  He was one of the top buyers of the 4H livestock for numerous years.

John enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. He loved making memories with his children, grandchildren and friends hunting, fishing and enjoying the all the great outdoors that Montana had to offer. Many memories were captured on video and in pictures which he cherished as he traveled the world over. He was an expert storyteller and told countless stories of his adventures and experiences to anyone who would lend an ear. His love for the outdoors lives on today through his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren as they share his passion and love for hunting, fishing and fulfilling their adventures. He leaves us with quite the legacy.

John loved art, sculpting, photography, antique and classic cars, and dancing.  Oh, how he loved to dance. He would cut a rug like no other.  He was a gifted, creative artist in many ways.  Nascar became another part of his zest for life as he thoroughly enjoyed the competitive spirit of the sport. John was a caring, loving and generous person. He would give the shirt off his back to a stranger in need. He attracted so many good people into his life.

John was very generous with his time and energy as well and loved helping his community, family and friends. One of his passions was the annual Livingston Fourth of July Round Up Fireworks Display. For more than thirty years he dedicated his time and energy to the yearly Fourth of July Rodeo fireworks show. With his children by his side, he spent countless hours raising money and choosing fireworks for the yearly show.  With flares in hand, he took pride in giving his community a fantastic and spectacular firework shows during the Fourth of July rodeos to be remembered and cherished for many years. He was very patriotic and loved the small-town parades often showing off his classic cars in Park County and the Livingston Round-Up parade. He was humbled and proud to sponsor the helicopter which flies over the arena every year with the United States Flag dedicated to our veterans, first responders and service men and women for the annual Fourth of July Rodeo.

John was preceded in death by his parents “Al” Alfred J Tecca, his mother Lucy Rose Castro Tecca, Mary Lee Tecca, Carol Yost, his partner for more than 20 years, & brother-in-law Robert Moore. His greatest pride and deepest love in life was his family.  He is survived by his sister Dorothy Moore, Donna Hillman and his six children, Lee (Amanda) Tecca, John (Linda), Tecca Jr, Tony (Jane) Tecca, Rosemary (Bart) Mack, Joe (Jeanette) Tecca and Cindy Tecca. Fourteen Grand Children, Kristen Tecca, JT (Jasmine) Tecca, Bridger Tecca, Logan Tecca, Casey Dooley, Alexis (Brady) Norman, Kylie Mack, McKenzie Mack, Isabella Mack, Landen Mack, Payton (Brandi) Tecca, Cena Tecca, Claree Tecca and Jenny Tecca. Great Grand Children Brenden Dahms, Wyatt Willyard, Knox Hertzog, Mason Tecca, Kayden Tecca, Samantha Shelton, Bennett Newman, Emilia Newman, Lucy Tecca, Ronan Colvin, Eden Colvin, Chancey and Makardi Tecca. Nephews Lloyd (Trish) Moore and William (Kelly) Moore and family.  He had a special place in his heart for Donna Hillman, who stood by his side until the end.  John will be deeply missed by everyone his heart touched.

In lieu of gifts the family would like you to make a donation to cancer charities of your choice and The Livingston Round- Up Association.  Public viewing will be held Friday Nov 18th at Franzen-Davis Funeral Home from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic church at 10:00am Saturday, Internment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery and luncheon back at St. Mary’s at School Gym.