John Leshinski, 93, U.S. Navy Veteran & Accomplished Musician

John was a highly decorated World War II U.S. Navy veteran who fulfilled duty assignments in the north Atlantic on anti-submarine patrol; he later served aboard the USS Biloxi, as well as a host of other ships, in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was a life member of Mullen-Murray VFW Post # 451 as well as the Polish Legion of American Veterans.

John was a retiree of the Ridge Tool Company in Elyria from which he retired in 1982 following 28 years of service.

He was a parishioner of the former St. Stanislaus Catholic Church where he served as a councilman and was a member of the Holy Name Society. He was currently attending Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Lorain.

Mr. Leshinski was an accomplished clarinet and saxophone musician who served as director of the John Lesh Orchestra; he also performed with a variety of other area bands.

John was a member of the Elyria United Polish Club and was a life member, former treasurer, and recording secretary of the Lorain U.P.C. In addition, he was a life member of the Lorain Polish-American Citizens Club where he had held the offices of both President and Vice President. He was also crowned Lorain County Fair Senior King at the 2011 Lorain County Fair.

An avid Ohio State University football fan, Mr. Leshinski enjoyed listening to 1940’s era big band and polka music in his free time.

Survivors include his daughter Barbara (John) Getz of Amherst, his son David J. (Rosemary) Leshinski of South Amherst, and grandchildren Katharine Getz, Mark Leshinski, and Dawn Leshinski. He also leaves brothers Stanley, Allen, and Franklin Leshinski, and sisters Lucille Waldecki, Florence Horinek, Dorothy Majer, and Marcella Grumbos.

John was preceded in death by his wife Helen (nee Dembinski), by his parents Ignatius and Wanda (nee Habant) Leshinski, by brother Edward Leshinski, and sisters Virginia Kudlo, Frances Brumback, Irene Racz, Marian Hughes, and Theresa Sorok.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain where funeral services will begin Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. in Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church, 1454 Lexington Avenue with the Reverend Robert Glepko, Pastor of the parish officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery where joint military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post # 30 and VFW Post # 451.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages contributions in John’s memory to either the Resident Activities Program at the Golden Acres Lorain County Nursing Home or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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