John Charles Picardy, 100, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 28, 1926, in Malden, Massachusetts, to Luigi and Philomena (Marotta) Picardi, John joined the military at the age of 17. He proudly served his country as a Signalman in the United States Navy Amphibious Forces during World War II, landing with Operation Dragoon in Southern France as well as in North Africa. He was honorably discharged on May 20, 1946.

In December 1946, while attending his brother’s wedding in Kansas City, John met the love of his life, Susie Aliene Forbes. They married on February 7, 1948, raised two children, and shared nearly 46 years together until Sue’s passing in 1993.

John’s career in the railroad and transportation industry led him from the Southern Pacific Railroad in California to executive leadership as Vice-President of Sales with Santa Fe in Kansas City. Later, he and his daughter, Cathy owned and operated C Maxwell nationwide trucking company.

In 1994, John met Sue Tobin, with whom he shared nearly 30 years of travel and companionship. He lovingly cared for Sue at home during her long battle with dementia until her passing in 2024.

John enjoyed traveling, especially to his family’s ancestral village of Chiusano di San Domenico, Italy, and enjoyed many trips throughout Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Israel, and on numerous cruises. In retirement, he divided his time between Leawood, Kansas, and his family home in Malden, Massachusetts.

John is survived by his daughter, Cathy Lynn (Picardy) Maxwell of Leawood, Kansas; his son, John Craig Picardy and wife Ellen of Leawood, Kansas; grandson, Korb Winter Maxwell II and wife Kristen of Mission Hills, Kansas, and their children, Korb Winter Maxwell III and Mia Poppy Maxwell; granddaughter, Erin Adair (Picardy) Ruttkay and husband Michael of Prague, Czech Republic, and their daughters, Sadie Josephine Ruttkay and Darcie Michelle Ruttkay; his sister, Catherine Picardi Leach of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Aliene Faye Picardy (Sue); his second wife, Orpha Sue Tobin; his parents; and his brothers William, Ralph, Lou, Arthur, and Leonard Picardi.

John will be remembered for his optimism, warm smile, quick wit and generosity.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Delmar Gardens of Lenexa and Ascend Health Hospice for the exceptional care and dignity they provided during John’s final months.

Fair winds and following seas ⚓.

The funeral service date and time will be posted soon.