Mr John Uzowanne Amafonye was born into the family of Mr.  & Mrs Chukwujiokwu Amafonye on the 6th of July 1944 in Ukala Okpuna, a serene village in Oshimili North Local Government area of Delta state. He started his school year in the village while living with his father, an elder brother and two younger brothers.

In the late 50s, for the quest for a greener pastures, the father relocated to Minna Niger with his three younger sons. While in Minna, the father fell ill and the mantle of fending for the father and his younger brothers fell on young John Amafonye. He had to amidst schooling, do menial jobs to fend for his brothers and aging father.

Prior to the outbreak of the civil war on the 30th of May 1967 Mr. John after sensing the rising tensions, packed all their belongings and sent his father and his two brothers back to Delta state. Before he could set out for Delta state himself, Lt Colonel Ojukwu declared the state of Biafia and the civil war started. He was fortunate to be helped by the locals who aided him to escape from being mobbed and killed. He had to travel in the engine of a train that transported him to Asaba.

After the civil war, he relocated to Lagos State and worked with Nigerian Railway Cooperation for a few years. He thereafter worked with Dys Trocca Valsesia & Co Ltd, a building & civil Engineering company.

His passion for hard work, integrity and selfless service endeared him to many hence earning his long stay in the company.

He met his wife Augustina and they wedded in the Catholic Church in 1972. They had five lovely children.

Just like his native name “Uzowanne” (the way to his brethren) implies, Mr. John Amafonye was known to sought for people, he would just for the love of it set out to visit family and relations just to know how they are faring.

Until his demise in 2005, he was an ardent member of the St. Anthony of Padua, SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Oke-Afa Isolo.

He is fondly remembered by his wife of 33 years, children, brothers, sister, relations and friends.

In our hearts your memory lingers

Of the ten years you left the world

Not a day dear daddy that we do not think of you.

Continue to rest at the bosom of the Lord till we meet again to part no more.