John Paul “Snake” Sassone began his next adventure at 6:20 a.m. Thursday

He departed from VNA, first class, one way, with no passport required.

He was surrounded by friends, family and comfort dogs with colorful stories filling the air. John left after a short illness.

Born on Feb. 6, 1946, in Butler, John was a 1963 Butler High School graduate and served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserves.

He was a proud member of the Italian-American Civil Rights League, the Fraternal Italian Society of Butler and the American Legion Post 117.

John was a retired Merchant Mariner and sailed for 25 years on the Great Lakes.

He was preceded in life by his mother, Elizabeth (Betty) (Grossi), and father Joseph (Joe) Sassone. Staying behind are John's brother, Lawrence Sassone and his wife, Terry (Steighner), and his nephew Alex.

John lived life at 45 rpm. The first 45 rpm records appeared on the scene in 1949, three years after John showed up, and it was love at first sound.

John's fidelity or rather high fidelity for small vinyl never wavered. The click and whir sounds of the record changer dropping a fresh 2.5 minutes of jams on the turntable were a mechanical symphony to John's ears.

As Bruce Springsteen would write, “Drop the needle and pray,” John became an expert on the music and artists that made contemporary music a major cultural force. His knowledge was matched only by icons like Dick Clark, Porky “more moves than Smuckers, I mean jams” Chedwick, Rocking Ray Gooding from WBT in Charlotte and Butler's own platter pushin' poppa, Guy Travaglio.

John became an internationally respected dealer/trader in 45 rpm records and will be missed by his associates here and overseas.

John never warmed to the MP3 or digital downloads. CDs were about the same size as his records and he accepted them. His bonding with technology ended there.

Forced into the terrifying Web of the World Wide Web, John reluctantly embraced the Internet but always avoided the dreaded “right click.” Any job requiring a right click fell to family or friends. E-mails were usually deleted within a minute of their arrival but the travel sites became a very useful tool.

John loved to travel. Many people talk about going places. John went. From the Quebec bush to the beaches of Rio, John went. From the jungle of Central America to the capitals of Europe, John went. Caribbean Island hopping? “Yeah, das right Mon.”

Many of his escapades would never be recommended by Frommers or seen on the Travel Channel and some of his exploits would have Anthony Bourdain run for cover, but he always got out alive.

John loved sports and the outdoors. He was always ready to go camping, fishing or boating. He enjoyed long canoe trips on all three rivers. John never missed an opportunity to take some pictures with his fish.

In 1973 he took a 2,000 mile bicycle trip through Eastern Canada and the Maritimes. The final night, in Halifax, was an adventure unto itself.

John maintained an encyclopedic knowledge of most sports at all levels. Of course he was a solid Pittsburgh sports fan and loved a day at the games.

John always returned to his hometown of Butler. His friends were scattered throughout the hemisphere, but this was John's home.

Like his dad, John was an entrepreneur. Mr. Joe Sassone was the owner of Jack and Jill's Cleaners (the finest in the history) on Main Street. In 1969 John opened The Spirit Shop next door. The Spirit Shop was Butler's only alternative fashion boutique and recreational hardware outlet.

The emporium housed a collection of contemporary poster art. Among these was a wanted poster for Jesus Christ, which was exhibited in the store window. In 1971, a zealous Butler police officer, after apparently receiving instructions directly from God, resurrected practices that were long abandoned by Christendom and the U.S. Constitution and arrested John for blasphemy! That's right, blasphemy! The entire religious world, including the Vatican legal office, rallied around John. Luckily the charges were dropped in time to stop the beheading.

The episode did give Johnny Carson a good laugh during one of his “Tonight Show” segments.

John complained a lot but he loved it here. Throughout the years, he tried to make his hamlet a little more livable. He coordinated several outdoor music festivals, promoted the local arts, theater, and music scenes. He was always available to support those who wanted to get involved.

John had a big warm heart. He never married. He always held out for the unattainable. He met his perfect woman, Eliena, during a trip to Colombia, but didn't seize the opportunity. For her it was love at first sight, but John didn't see it that way. He waited instead and in vain for his dream lover to magically appear in Butler. John often acknowledged his grievous error and his friends were always quick to remind him.

Every life has its ups and downs. John's was no exception. “Mistakes, I made a few.” Unlike many people, John owned up to his faults and was wholly sorry for any grief he caused others.

Last year, in Paris, John visited the grave of Jim Morrison. He paid his respects, as most visitors do, then remarked, “So that's it, I was expecting more.” John was always expecting more, always looking for ways to make his life and the lives of those around him a little more fun, a little more exciting.

Every life is important, every life touches others, and every earthly life ends too soon. Without John, this planet is going to be a little less entertaining, a little less challenging, and a little less meaningful.

Bon Voyage, mon ami, bon voyage.

“When the night has come

And the land is dark

And the moon is the only light we'll see

I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid

Just as long, just as long

As you stand, stand by me”

— Ben E King

SASSONE — Friends of John Paul “Snake” Sassone, who died on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015, will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Martin Funeral Home, 429 Center Ave., Butler. A blessing service will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.The family requests memorial donations be made in John's name to Pullman Park, 100 Pullman Park Place, Butler, PA 16001.For information, visit www.martinfh.net