John E. Sabatini, 71, of Reno, passed away peacefully, Friday, February 9, 2018, surrounded by his family, after a two-month battle with Leukemia.

Born January 31, 1947, in Burbank, CA, he was the youngest son of the late Peter and Ann Sabatini.

John was a graduate of Burroughs High School in Burbank, and Cal-State Northridge, with a B.S. degree in Chemistry. He taught chemistry and mathematics at the Professional School in Hollywood, CA.

John was a talented musician, having been a drummer in two different rock bands in Southern California before moving to Reno in 1979.

John worked for Phillips Petroleum and Great Basin Laboratories – which he later purchased and has owned since 1988. John was able to grow and transform his business into one of the leading analytical laboratories in Northern Nevada.

Continuing to apply his musical talents, John was part of four different oldies rock ‘n roll bands – Papa Clutch & the Shifters, Back in Time, Route 66, and the Rock ‘n Roll Comedy Band.

John was also an avid and accomplished painter, some of his works can be viewed at the Art Obsessions Gallery in Truckee California. He especially enjoyed painting Nevada and Oregon landscapes + scenes from vacations he and Cindy had on cruises, and visits to family in Italy.

John is survived by his loving wife Cindy, two children, Jason (Bonnie) Sabatini of McMinnville, OR, and Rhiann (Christian) Deriso of Sparks, NV, and two step daughters Lisa Wilson and Melody Wilson of New York, NY. He is survived by his seven grandchildren, Brendin Young, Ethan Young, Ayla Young, Cayden Deriso of Sparks, NV, and Adam, Niccole, and Camilla Sabatini of McMinnville, OR. He is also survived by brothers Gary Sabatini and James Sabatini, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will take place at Sparks United Methodist Church, 1231 Pyramid Way, Sparks NV on Monday, February 26th at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. To donate, go to DONATE.LLS.ORG