John Gresko, 92, World War II Veteran & Purple Heart Recipient

He was born in Mala Poloma Czechoslovakia on May 19, 1920 and had been a resident of Lorain since 1924. John was a 1938 graduate of Lorain High School.

He was a World War II veteran of the United States Army where he fulfilled duty assignments as a squad leader holding the rank of Sergeant while attached to the infantry. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart as well as the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Campaign Star, along with the Combat Infantry Badge, the American Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was a life member of Louis Paul Proy Chapter # 20 of the Disabled American Veterans and also served for many years on that organization’s memorial honor guard. He was also a life member of Amvets Post # 47 of Lorain.

Mr. Gresko had been employed as an electrician for Moen, Inc. from which he retired in 1982 following a career that spanned thirty years with the manufacturer. While at Moen, he was active with both the United Autoworkers Local 101 as well as the company’s credit union.

John was a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church where he had served on the church council for a number of years. He also was a member and former President of the United Lutheran Society Branch # 82.

In his free time he was an avid golfer who recorded three holes-in-one during league play; he also enjoyed league bowling as a member of the City Hall League.

Mr. Gresko is survived by his son Gerald L. “Jerry” Gresko of Lorain, and by daughters Janice (John) Sedely of Berlin Heights and Jerelyn (Bill) Scott residing in Lorain. In addition, he leaves four grandsons, two great grandchildren, his brother Andrew Gresko of Los Angeles, and his sister Sue Orosz of Elyria.

He was preceded in death by his wife Irene (nee Laney) in 1994, by his son John R. “Ron” Gresko in 2006, by his parents Andrew and Suzanna (nee Stigala) Gresko, and by his sister Martha Gresko.

Visitation will be Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. Additional visitation will take place Monday in Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church 4501 Clinton Avenue from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Reverend Laurie Miller, Pastor of the Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park with military honors conducted by Disabled American Veterans Chapter # 20.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages your donations to either Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4501 Clinton Ave., Lorain, OH 44055 or to the New Life Hospice, 3700 Kolbe Rd., Lorain, OH 44053.

To share your memories and condolences with John’s family, please visit www.gluvna.net.