John Cirillo

JOHN CIRILLO, 67, of Nashville TN passed away on September 12th, 2022, surrounded by family. John was born in Meriden CT but grew up mostly in southern California. John was a successful entrepreneur, opening his first business, JC Enterprises, in Northridge CA, specializing in sales and repairs of technology and communication equipment for 20 plus years. He and his wife Ruth also opened a computer training school in Santa Cruz CA from 1998 to 2006 where they taught people computer skills in order to re-enter the workforce. After selling both businesses, John spent two years teaching at-risk youth at an alternative high school where he successfully mentored and motivated countless young people in how to make important life choices and how to follow their dreams. John retired to Nashville to pursue his lifelong passion of writing songs in 2011. During his nearly 12 years in Music City his heartfelt and earnest writing style consistently garnered top awards (including an early ballot Grammy nomination), industry attention and his songs were recorded by artists all over the world and many songs found their way into TV and films. John also had a heart for his fellow artists and was consistently championing them, encouraging them and mentoring them. John is preceded in death by his parents John and Esther Cirillo and his ever present canine pal, Micky. He is survived by his wife Ruth, his son Christopher Cirillo, stepdaughter Robyn Beckwith (Mike), grand children Joseph and Samantha Beckwith; sister Denise Noyes (Dan), brother Jim Cirillo (Melissa), sister-in-law Andrea Valero (Gelly); Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews from California, Colorado, Connecticut and Canada. A celebration of life will be held on November 7, 2022, at a location to be determined. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in John’s memory to any of the following organizations: TN Alliance for Kids: https://tnallianceforkids.kindful.com/ Duke Medical https://giving.dukehealth.org/ways-to-give/honor-a-loved-one Alive Hospice: https://www.alivehospice.org/get-involved/give/ Gilda’s Club: https://gildasclubmiddletn.org/ways-to-give/donate/ Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104 (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned and operated.