Leonard J. Zilko, 72, Former President of the American Slovak Club

He was born August 28, 1947 in Lorain and had been a lifelong area resident.

Len graduated from Admiral King High School. He was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany in the Quartermaster Corps. He attended Baldwin Wallace University where he graduated with a Bachelor Degree.

Len was recently elected to a four-year term as auditor for the First Catholic Slovak Union in Independence. In January of this year, he retired as president of the American Slovak Club in Lorain having served for seven years. He had worked at Lorain Products in Lorain in accounting for 10 years.

He was an active member of the former Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Lorain where he sang in the church choir and served as an usher. He was president of United Slovak Societies, had served on the board of the American Slovak Club for almost 15 years and was a member of St John/Holy Trinity Lodge #228.

Len was an accomplished musician having played many instruments in which the accordion was his favorite. His band, the Len Zilko Trio, covered Top 40 songs during the 1970’s at many local establishments.

For many years, Len enjoyed coaching his children in softball, t-ball and baseball.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years Joyce, children: Stephanie Zilko of Canton, Jamie (Christina) Zilko of Amherst and Cynthia Zilko of Parma, granddaughters Lilly & Natalya Zilko and grandson Stephen Edward Leonard Zilko. He was preceded in death by his parents Stephen & Irene Zilko (nee Trnian) and brothers Edward & Stephen Zilko.

Due to restrictions on public gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, private family funeral services will be held. The Rev. John Retar, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Lorain will preside followed by entombment in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain. A public celebration of life will be announced and held at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to Mercy New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Rd, Lorain, OH 44053.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain. Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net.