John V. Contini, 51, Standout Athlete at Lorain High School

John V. Contini, age 51, of Lorain, died unexpectedly in the emergency room of Community Health Partners Hospital and Surgical Center in Lorain on Saturday June 25, 2005. John was born in Lorain on August 6, 1953 and had been a life-long resident of the city. He was a talented and gifted athlete who played in Class F Little League competition as a youth.

He was a 1972 graduate of Lorain High School where he was standout athlete as a three-year varsity letterman on the baseball team as well as a varsity letterman and former captain of the wrestling team. Following his graduation, he went on to attend Volunteer State University in Tennessee where he was a member of the school’s baseball team. He later was offered invitations to try-out for several professional baseball organizations.

Mr. Contini was employed as an assembly technician at Ford Motor Company’s Lorain Assembly Plant for more than seventeen years.

He attended Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and enjoyed serving as a parent volunteer at Longfellow School in Lorain. His hobbies included sports and breeding West Highland Terriers.

He is survived by his companion of ten years: Jackie Chalfant (nee King), daughters: Jessica and Janel Contini both at home, step-sons: Matthew Chalfant, Steven Chalfant, and Joshua King all of Lorain, his mother Gisele (nee Denis) Contini of Lorain, brother Vincent Contini, Jr. of Lorain, sisters Anne Peters and Vincena Gut both of Lorain, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Vincent Contini, Sr. in 1978 and by a sister Nadine Contini in 1964.

Friends may call Tuesday from 3 to 5 & 7 to 9 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway – Lorain. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel with the Reverend Joseph West, O.F.M. Conv., pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery – Lorain.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made in his name to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gluvna.net.