John Cristando celebrated by Congressman Kiley, chamber, friends and family

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - To celebrate his not only being a WWII veteran but also a South Lake Tahoe business owner for the past 55 years, John Cristando was honored by Congressman Kevin Kiley, the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, law enforcement, friends and family on Thursday.

Kiley stopped by the dry cleaners in the Bijou Center to read John a proclamation and thank him for his service and dedication to staying in business.

"Being in the presence of a WWII veteran is an honor, our link to the greatest generation," said Kiley.

Mayor Cody Bass, Councilmember, and Chamber President Tamara Wallace spoke along with Kiley.

"John is an amazing, honorable, human being," said Wallace. "I just think the world of him. What an incredible legacy and life."

Cristando, now 97 years old, was surrounded by his three daughters and son, close friend Tom Davis, and other long-time locals. He opened his dry cleaning business in South Lake Tahoe in 1969, outlasting most of his competition. The City was just a few years old when John's Tahoe Cleaners opened, and the population was under 13,000 residents.

"Success is being able to succeed with all the competition," said John.

His son, Robert, was on hand to celebrate Dad with his sisters Loretta Cristando-Holton, Veronica Flaherty, and Stephanie Demsar.

Even John's doctor from the VA came to celebrate.

"John is a pillar of our community," said Bass. "Shows you want a great business can be."