John Milas

John Milas, age 88, of Lorain, died Saturday, January 22, 2005 at Specialty Hospital of Lorain.


Born Sept. 26, 1916 in Lorain, he was a life long resident here. He attended Lorain High School.


A World War II veteran, John served from 1941 through 1945 in the US Army in Company B, 39th and 37th Infantries. He also served in the Army's 9th Division in the European Theater and at the Dachau concentration camp following its liberation. He participated in battles and campaigns in Rhineland and Central Europe. He received the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, and the World War II Campaign Ribbon.


At the age of 14, John worked for A&P grocery store in Lorain as a stock boy, advancing to assistant manager before entering the military. Following the military, John worked at Lorain Works US Steel as a millwright until being promoted to General Service Foreman in the Seamless Pipe Mill Maintenance Department. He retired in 1979 after 32 years of service.


He was a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Lorain, where he helped in various activities within the church. He served on the Board of Directors of the Lorain Works Management Club from 1971 to 1979, and was a member of the American Legion Post 30 of Lorain and the Lake Erie Moose Lodge 552, both for 57 years. He was also a member of the AMVETS post 47 of Lorain, the Black River Historical Society, Senior Fellowship Club, the Lorain Seniors Club, AARP, and a charter member of the National World War II Memorial.


An avid photographer, John bought his first Brownie Kodak box camera in 1940. He enjoyed taking pictures of Lorain landmark's, and was especially known by many for his photos of the Lorain Light House. A rare and unique photo John took pride in was of the sunrise over the Lorain Light House. He had taken pictures of every Lorain International Parade and Festival. John displayed his photos at the International Festival Bazaar, the Lorain Port Authority Festival and many area craft fairs and bazaars.


A dynamic bowler for 50 years, John had been active in the Lorain City Bowling Association and arranged many of the city tournaments. He bowled on the National Tube and US Steel Management teams having scored numerous series in the mid 600's.

He enjoyed gardening and took great pride in growing roses.

Surviving is his sister; Helen Zagorsky of Lorain, and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Margaret E. (nee Darvas), in 1999, his son; Air force Airman Specialist Ronald John Milas in 1969, and son Allen who died in 1949 in infancy, his parents; Michael Milas in 1933, and Helen (nee Buben) Milas, brothers; Joseph Milas in 1968, and Andrew Milas, and sisters; Anna Sekerak in 2003, Mary Milas and Margaret Milas.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain, where a parastas service will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home followed by Divine Liturgy at 11:00 at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Lorain, 2711 W. 40th St. Lorain. Rev. Fr. Nicholas Rachford, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. The American Legion Post 30 will conduct military honors.