John A. Suhy, 89, Avid Golfer

He was born Nov. 30, 1919 in Cleveland and was raised in Elyria where he graduated from the Elyria High School Class of 1939. John golfed on his high school state championship team and was an avid golfer who always maintained his love for the sport. He also was a Golden Glove lightweight boxer.

Following his graduation from high school, John proudly served his country in the United State Army during World War II reaching the rank of staff sergeant in the Fighting 69th. He served throughout the European Theater.

John worked in the landscaping business, for Concrete Masonry in Elyria, as a brakeman for the Lake Terminal Railroad in Lorain and at the Elyria Courthouse. He also served as box office manager for the Workshop Players for 15 years.

He is a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church in Lorain, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 in Lorain where he served as “Forget Me Not” chairman, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars #451 in Lorain and a past member of the Multiple Sclerosis Association. John served on Governor Richard Celeste’s task force advocating rights for the handicapped as well as serving the city of Lorain under Mayor Bill Parker supporting handicapped accessibility for the disabled in Lorain. Along with his wife Mary they established and were very active in the Cerebral Palsy Center in Lorain which is now the Children’s Developmental Center in Amherst.

John enjoyed engaging in politics and watching his grandchildren in their sporting, scholastic and professional endeavors. He served as an inspiration to all with his grace and positive spirit, his amazing attitude towards life and his ability to touch all who he crossed paths with.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Mary Suhy (nee Mann), son C. Daniel Suhy (Darlene nee Farley) of Lorain, daughter Judy Maldonado (Rolando) of Lorain, granddaughters Julene Simko (nee Knick) (Jeremy), Jennette Knick and Rachel Suhy, grandson Matthew Maldonado, brother Walter Sukey of Grafton and sister-in-law Audrey Sukey of Elyria. He was an honorary grandfather of Lisa Lewandowski (Robert), Rodney Knick (Kris) and Todd Knick.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Julianne Suhy, parents Anna and Alexander Sukey and brother Mike & Pete Sukey.

The family will receive friends Thursday 4 - 8 p.m. at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain where a Parastas service will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral chapel on Friday at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. Bob Eddy officiating followed by the Panachida service at 10 a.m. The Divine Liturgy will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church, 2711 W. 40th St., Lorain. The Rev. Nicholas Rachford, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain where DAV Chapter #20 will conduct military honors.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church, 2711 W. 40th St., Lorain, OH. 44053, Church of Christ, 5075 Toledo Rd., Lorain, OH. 44052 or the Children’s Developmental Center, 150 Erie Ct., Amherst, OH. 44001.

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