Emil Kostelny

Emil Kostelny Jr., 85, of Lorain, died Oct. 3, 2011 at Golden Acres Nursing Home in Amherst after a lengthy illness.

He was born April 26, 1926 in Lorain, where he resided most of his life. He also lived in Brook Park for more than 20 years.

Emil attended Oakwood, Whittier and Lorain High schools in Lorain. At age 16, he was admitted to Lorain County Tuberculosis Sanitarium. During his 18 month-stay, he finished his high school studies and began a career in art. He continued his education at the Cleveland Institute of Art, taking night classes in both fine and commercial arts.

While in Lorain, he worked as a sign painter at The Thew Shovel Company, and at Smith and Gerhart Department Store, where he was an award-winning window trimmer. He also worked as a self-employed sign painter and created stage settings for the annual Mary Lee Tucker shows. He went on to work for Photocomposition and Carpenter Reserve Printing in Cleveland, where his artwork earned the company a Benny Award. He retired as art director in 1991.

He also formerly co-owned the short-lived Leisure Time Magazine of Cleveland.

In Lorain, he was a member of the former Lorain City Club. As a young man, he belonged to The Jesters, a South Lorain social club. Throughout his life, he was known by many as a prankster and was often considered the life of the party.

An avid photographer, he took photos for several local Miss America pageants. He loved to travel and made many trips to Europe, Mexico and Cuba. He also took a trip around the world.

He was a member of SS Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Lorain and was an active member in the Federated Russian Orthodox Club (FROC) for 45 years on both district and national levels. He sang in the Russian Male Chorus for several years.

Survivors include his sisters, Olga (Emil) Guzy of Akron and Natalie (Raoul) Ceja of Lorain; niece, Donae Ceja of Akron; nephews Aaron A. Ceja of Lorain and Christopher E. (Kimberly) Ceja of LaGrange; grandnephew, Aaron T. Ceja; and grandniece, Ashley Ceja-Goeller. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Rose Kostelny.

Friends may call Wednesday from 3-8 p.m. at Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain. A parastas will be Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends may also call Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of funeral services at 11 a.m. at SS Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, 2238 E. 32nd St., Lorain, the Rev. Basil Stoyka officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.