John A. Teleha, 87, U.S. Army Veteran

Born February 21, 1939, he graduated from Clearview High School in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Army with a friend after a brief conversation. He spent time in Germany and was hired by B.F. Goodrich in 1965, shortly after marrying the love of his life, Rosemary Marino, at St Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, where he was a life-long member; he retired in 1999 following a career that spanned more than three decades.

Together, they volunteered at the church making pirohi, baking nut rolls, volunteering at Bingo, decorating the sanctuary for the holidays, and helping with the grounds keeping. He was a member of the Holy Name Society as well as an usher. He taught his children and grandchildren that if you’re going to do something, you do it right, or you don’t do it. He enjoyed passing down the annual tradition of a Slovak bacon roast. He was a firm but loving and generous Dad, but never did provide them a “rumpus room”.

After retirement, his focus was on his grandchildren and his garden. He attended their baseball and softball games from grade school through high school. He’d pick them up after school as often as he could, helping with homework while dinner was being prepared. After, they’d relax while watching “Crashbox”, “Little Rascals” or the Cleveland Indians games on TV.

John is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rosemary, his sons Mark (Mary), grandchildren Michael (Jausia), Kristen (fiance Wesley Weatherholtz), and three great-grandchildren, and Tony (Luciane), grandchildren Nicholas, Elena and Aiden, and Vincent, Victoria and Vivian Gonzaga, and brothers Andrew and Charles, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Mary (nee Yalik) Teleha, his brothers Paulie, Paul Jr, Ronald and Timothy, and sisters MaryAnn Ludwig and Betty Jean Pasterak.

There will be no visitation. Please join John’s family for conduction of The Divine Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. on Friday October 16th in St. Peter Parish - 3501 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain. Fr. Vasyl Kupar will serve as celebrant. Extended fellowship and a post-funeral luncheon will be provided immediately following services at the American Croatian Club – 4846 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain.. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory are encouraged to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation – 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 (T2T.org) or any charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel. www.gluvnashimohromada.com.