Howard F. Chonko, 56, Youth Basketball Coach for the Amherst City League

He was born in Oceanside, California on October 12, 1953 and had been a resident of Lorain since childhood.

He was a 1971 graduate of Admiral King High School where he was a member of the varsity football team. He also played baseball in the Lorain Summer Youth Baseball League

Howard was a Parishioner of Mary Mother of God Catholic Church where he previously had served as a Eucharistic Minister and as a facilitator for the Just Faith Ministry. He was also active as a basketball coach for the Catholic Youth Organization there.

For the past 37 years he was employed as a electrician and motor repairman for U.S. Steel Corporation and its successor Republic Engineered Products. He was a member of United Steelworkers Local 1104.

Mr. Chonko was a fan of all sports and served as a youth basketball coach for the Amherst City League. In his free time he enjoyed following the athletic accomplishments of his two sons.

He is survived by sons Matthew D. and Brian C. Chonko both of Amherst, by his parents Donald F. And Ruth E. (nee Perrault) Chonko of Lorain, and by sisters Susan (Joseph) Wengryniuk of Woodstock, Georgia and Stephanie (Victor) Takacs of Lorain.

He was preceded in death by his brother Keith in 2009.

Visitation will be Monday from 2 p.m. until time of funeral services at 7 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. The Reverend Jimmy Madsen, Co-Pastor of First Evangelical Lutheran Church will officiate.

To leave on-line condolences for the family please visit www.gluvna.net.