John A. Niotti-Soltesz, 55 of Hubbard, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2010 at his residence.

Born Giovanni Niotti on February 27, 1955, in Viterbo, Italy, the son of Joseph and Lucille Canterucci Soltesz. He was one of the first children to travel by plane at the age of 13 months, to the United States. He became a US citizen by the age of 4.

As a child, John served as an altar boy for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. He was a 1973 graduate of Niles McKinley High School and a 1977 graduate of Denison University with a degree in Fine Arts and Business Administration.

John served from 1977 to 1979, as Director of Franchise Services and US operations from Wendy's International where he acted as strategic business consultant. From 1980 to 1984, he became partner in 3JR Corporation, a restaurant acquisition company that owned and controlled seven Wendy's franchises. From 1985 to 1989, he became an independent consultant focusing primarily on restaurant acquisition and franchise development, licensing, and distribution. From 1988 to 1990, John was Director of Marketing for W.I. Industries, a manufacturer of security and anti-theft devices. In 1990, John founded Zerco Systems International, Inc., and has served as its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board and Treasurer since the inception of the company. For the last 20 years John has been an entrepreneur and developer in the field of advanced card technologies, biometrics, and information identity security solutions, serving domestic and international industries, along with the local tri-county area. In 2007, Mr. Soltesz founded Zerco Holdings LLC located in Youngstown, OH. Mr. Soltesz was a frequent contributor to industry articles and a regular speaker at domestic and international forums relating to identification and biometric technologies. He was also a member of the American Electronics Association, Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau of Mahoning Valley.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles, Squaw Creek Country Club and other local neighboring clubs in the area. While attending Denison University, he was an active member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and part of a college musical group. While John was dedicated to his work, he also enjoyed his free time with family and friends and took pleasure in fishing, playing pool, reading and throwing ceramic pottery. Above all, he was an avid cigar lover and wine connoisseur and loved to sing Frank Sinatra, Andrea Petrelli, Elton John and spiritual songs, in addition to being a musician. John was dedicated to his work, dreamed the classic "American Dream" and focused on the success of his company.

He will be deeply missed by his mother of Niles, a daughter, Kristie Soltesz of Warren, a son Ryan Soltesz of Austintown, a sister Mrs. Toni Grandon of Ronon, Montana, and a grandson Roman Anthony Soltesz. His father precedes him in death.

Friends may call Monday from 5 to 8 PM at the Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home in Niles where the Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 7:30 PM. Friends may also call Tuesday from 8:30 AM to 10AM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30AM Tuesday at Mt. Carmel Church in Niles, with Fr. Larry Frient officiating, preceded by a 10AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.