John Evansco, 89, U.S. Army Air Corps Veteran

He was born in Lorain on December 13, 1923 and remained a life-long resident of the city; Jack was a graduate of Lorain High School.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps where he fulfilled duty assignments attached to the 3505th Base Unit in Panama. He was a life member of American Legion Post # 30 in Lorain.

Jack was employed as a carpenter foreman at U.S. Steel Corporation’s Lorain-Cuyahoga Works. He retired on April 1, 1983 following 42 years of service with the steel producer.

Mr. Evansco was dedicated to his faith and his family. He was a long-time parishioner of St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church where he was a member of the church council, a former member of the church choir, and had also previously served as a bus driver for the parish school. In addition, he was a member of the Holy Name Society and was acknowledged as Parish Man of the Year in 2011.

A member of Greek Catholic Union Branch # 77, Jack’s skills as a carpenter, master woodworker, and handyman were enlisted in the remodeling of the convent at the church complex, installing the tile floor in the gymnasium, and in the fabrication of a multitude of props that were used in religious programs and displays in both the church and school. Following his retirement, he made daily trips between Lorain and West Virginia for more than one year to assist his former pastor with projects at the Byzantine Church in Weirton.

For fifteen years he volunteered countless hours in preparing the doe that was used to bake bread used in various parish functions as well as baking nut rolls that were used for fundraising.

His remaining free time was dedicated to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He liked playing softball in his younger days, and also enjoyed golf and league bowling in more recent years Additional interests included woodworking and following local sports. A member of the Lorain Senior Fellowship, he was an accomplished dancer who illustrated a special fondness for both polkas and waltzes.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years Helen (nee Coteff), his son John Michael Evansco (Barbara) of Sheffield Lake, and daughters Elaine Ostang (Larry) of Lorain, and Jacquelyn Pasadyn (Mark) residing in Oberlin. He also leaves grandchildren Nicholas, Brittney, Stephanie, Matthew, Ryan, and Michael, and great granddaughters Samantha, Rebecca, Paige, and Lucy along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Barbara (nee Megila) Evansko, brothers Michael and George “Ben” Evansco, and sisters Anna Tomsic, Mary Tomsic, and Barbara Altman.

Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday with Parastas services in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel and continue until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday beginning with Panachida at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel; the Divine Liturgy will follow at 10:00 a.m. in St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church, 2711 West 40th St. The Very Reverend Nicholas R.A. Rachford, J.C.L.. pastor of the parish will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to St. Nicholas Byzantine Rite Catholic Church.

To share your memories and condolences with the Evansco Family please visit www.gluvna.net.