John S. Machnik

John S. Machnik, 93, of Lorain, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2012 at New Life Hospice Residential Center, Lorain, following a lengthy illness.
A life long resident of Lorain, John was born Feb. 6, 1919 in Lorain to the late Anthony and Mary (nee Habrat) Machnik. He graduated from Lorain High School in the 1937B class then worked as a machinist apprentice at National Tube in Lorain for four years. He then served in the US Navy during World War II as a fireman first class aboard the USS Bearss. He received the World War II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with one star. Following the service, he returned to National Tube where he completed his machinist training. In 1948, John left National Tube to work as a mail carrier with the US Postal Service, retiring in 1984.
He was a member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, a member of the former St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, the Postal Union 583, the Polish Alliance, and was a member of the former St. Stanislaus Holy Name Society.
He and his wife traveled extensively through out much of the United States and Europe. John enjoyed working around the yard, watching wrestling and sports on television, especially the Cleveland Browns and Indians.
Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Regina "Jean" (nee Tomasic); his children, Kathy and Dale Smitek, of Avon, Thomas and Becky Machnik of Strongsville, Dr. Gregory Machnik of Chino Hills, Ca., and David and Darlene Machnik of North Royalton; grandchildren, Jennifer Smitek, Dr. Rachel Smitek, Brad Smitek and Anthony Machnik, sisters, Helen Scislowski, Ann Tomawski and brother, Joseph (Ernestine) Machnik.
Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Ted and a sister Frances.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 - 6:00 pm in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, where funeral services will be Monday at 9:30 am, followed by mass at 10:00 am at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 418 W. 15th Street, Lorain. Rev. Fr. Robert Glepko, pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. The Veterans of Foreign War Post 451 combined with the American Legion Post #30 of Lorain will conduct military honors.
Contributions can be made to the building fund at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 418 W. 15th Street, Lorain, 44052 or to New Life Hospice, 5255 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.