SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (Feb 10, 2024) – In a touching ceremony that blended gratitude for wartime service and admiration for an enduring local business, South Lake Tahoe rallied together to honor John Cristando, a 97-year-old World War II veteran and owner of Tahoe Cleaners for an impressive 55 years. The celebration, attended by Congressman Kevin Kiley, the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, law enforcement, friends, and family, unfolded at Cristando’s dry cleaners in the Bijou Center.
Congressman Kiley, embodying the sentiment shared by many, presented John with a proclamation recognizing his dedication, not only to his dry cleaning business but also to the nation during World War II. Kiley expressed his reverence for being in the presence of a WWII veteran, emphasizing the vital link to the “greatest generation.”
Mayor Cody Bass, Councilmember, and Chamber President Tamara Wallace joined Kiley in lauding John’s remarkable life and legacy. Wallace, with heartfelt admiration, described John as an “amazing, honorable human being,” highlighting the profound impact he has had on the community. As the gathering acknowledged his resilience and achievements, John Cristando’s dry cleaning business, established in 1969, emerged as a testament to success against the odds.
Surrounded by his three daughters, son, close friend Tom Davis, and other long-time locals, John Cristando radiated pride as he reminisced about the early days of his business. Opening Tahoe Cleaners just a few years after the city’s inception and when the population hovered below 13,000 residents, John has weathered the test of time, outlasting most of his competition.
“Success is being able to succeed with all the competition,”
John modestly remarked.
The celebratory atmosphere extended to John’s family, including his son John and daughters Loretta Cristando-Holton, Veronica Flaherty, and Stephanie Demsar. Even John’s doctor from the VA joined the festivities, underlining the profound impact John has had as a pillar of the community.
“John is a pillar of our community,”
Mayor Cody Bass affirmed, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many. The celebration not only marked John Cristando’s remarkable achievements but also served as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit that binds South Lake Tahoe together.
