John F. Szatala, 84, Mechanic Repairman
John F. Szatala, 84 of Lorain died Sunday, March 23, 2008 peacefully while in the company of his family at the New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph following a long illness.
Mr. Szatala was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 28, 1923, the son of the late Mary (nee Poruban) Szatala. He has lived in the Lorain area for more than 50 years. He received his honorary high school diploma from Lorain Admiral King High School in 2002, following a gubernatorial decree by former Governor Robert Taft, honoring servicemen that were unable to complete their education due to military commitments.
He was a US Navy veteran serving during WW II. He was a retired mechanic repairman at Ohio Edison in Elyria. He had also worked at several area auto dealerships and was an excellent diagnostician.
Mr. Szatala was a member of Hungarian Reformed Church Lorain, He also attended the former Delaware Avenue United Methodist Church.
He was a member of the Ely Lodge # 424, F & AM in Vermilion, Scottish Rite Valley Of Cleveland, Al Koran Shrine, Hillbilly Lodge and was past master of the former Charleston Lodge # 702 and a member of the Queen City Chapter of Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 66. He was also a member of the Golden Crescent High 12, VFW # 1079 in Elyria, IAW Post 1, a former cub scout master and Indian Guide, an accomplished Ballroom Dancer, member of Columbia Ballroom and a former member of the Knights of Pythias.
He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, camping, fishing, golf, and sports.
Mr. Szatala is survived by his sons Glenn A (Christina) Szatala of Huron, Kevin J (Sharon) Szatala of Lorain, daughter Cathy L (Ross) Szatala-Cuffari of Lorain, grandchildren Ashley E. Szatala, Cameron P. Szatala, Danielle C. Szatala, Brittany N. Szatala, Jeremy J. Szatala, Matthew R. Cuffari, a sister Irene P. Kissi of Lakeland, FL, a daughter-in-law Diane M. Szatala, several cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn H. (nee Tompos) Szatala, and a son Darryl J Szatala in 2007, a sister Mary "Yo" Yolanda Buhl.
Friends may call Wednesday, March 26, 2008 from 2-4 & 7-9 in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain. His Masonic Lodge will provide a memorial service at 7:30 PM.
Funeral Services will be on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM in the funeral home with Rev. Peter L. Toth, pastor, officiating.
Burial will be in the Ridge Hill Memorial Park Cemetery Amherst Township with full military honors provided by a joint honor guard provided by the American Legion Post 30 and the Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 451.
The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the Hungarian Reformed Church, 1691 E. 31st Street, Lorain, Ohio 44055, or the musical activities program at Kinston of Vermilion, 4210 Telegraph Lane, Vermilion, Ohio 44089 or New Life Hospice, c/o Community Health Partners Foundation, 3700 Kolbe Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053.
Online condolences at www.boyer-cool.com.