John Charles Middaugh, 73, of Midland, passed away in the early morning hours on Monday, May 29, 2023, after battling a long illness. He was born on January 9, 1950, to the late Roger and Jean Middaugh in Lockport, New York. John graduated from DeSales Catholic High School and attended Buffalo State College. His early career consisted of working for the Beiter Insurance Agency, Moss Insurance Agency, and Buffalo Fire Office. Later in his career, he worked at Lockport Tuscarora Club, Shamus Restaurant, and Faces Restaurant in Lockport. He also served as the General Manager of Villa Pescatore and Plums Cafe from 1985 to 1988. John then moved to Southern Wine and Spirits in Naples, Florida, where he sold wine and spirits until 1994. In 1994, he relocated to Midland, Texas with the Burdette family and opened Zucchis Ristorante Italiano, and In 1996 he expanded his business and opened Zucchis Sports Bar, which he ran for 8 years. After the sale of the bar in 2008, John returned to Zucchis Ristorante Italiano. In 2017 John suffered a stroke which gradually made mobility increasingly challenging for him. Because of this John would have to semi-retire, but for the next year until 2018 finished his career with what he loved managing and tending the bar.

In the food industry, you train and teach new people your entire career. Other than just his teachings of drink recipes, John was an impeccable mentor; training young kids on life, how to handle problems, and how to transition into adulthood. He held a firm line but showed a lot of compassion. Many would leave due to difficult situations or lack of maturity. John always said, "They all come back" and most of the time he was right.

John was known for his dry sense of humor and people loved his banter. He was a very accomplished man also known for his Brandy Alexanders, Old Fashions & Martinis. He was the face that people came to see in a "Cheers" type of environment. He was a quiet man with a big heart, he asked for nothing and gave his all. Until hip problems hindered him, John was an avid golfer. He loved Old TV Shows and Movies, as well as a good steak. As for fish, he had a strong hatred.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Cori; grandchildren, Sara, Alyssa, Emily, and Jake, lifelong friend Larry, adopted daughters Summer and Bianca, as well as many friends that will miss him dearly.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Roger, and Jean Middaugh.

Cremation services are under the direction of House of Angels Funeral Home.