John M. Zelina, age 73, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Mercy Regional Medical Center, Lorain, following a short illness.
He was born April 16, 1944 in Lorain, Ohio and was a longtime resident there, graduating from Clearview High School in 1962. He has lived in Vermillion since 2000.
John worked at the American Slovak Club in Lorain for over 35 years, in many roles. He also owned and operated John's Barber Shop in Lorain from 1965-1985, where he served many U.S. Steel workers and employed several other barbers during the busy U.S. Steel era. He also worked at Fruehauf Trailer Corporation in Lorain.
He was a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokols, and enjoyed fishing, outdoor activities, and family vacations camping, visiting historical sites, and traveling with close friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Marie (nee Benczi); two step sons, David Fitzgerald of Vermillion and Danny Fitzgerald of Huron; step daughters, Sherri Guyeska of Vermilion and Chris Null of Hudson. From his previous marriage, he has four surviving children, Michele (Michael) Hiatt of Avon, Joseph (Libby) Zelina of Waynesville, John (Karen) Zelina of Macedonia, and Michael (Stacy) Zelina of Lakewood; 14 grandchildren; and brothers, Alan Zelina of Westlake and Daniel Zelina of California.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret (nee Sikora) Zelina; and a step daughter, Terry L. Arvantis in 2014.
Private visitation and services were under the direction of the Dovin Funeral and Cremation Specialists, 2701, Elyria Avenue, Lorain. To send online condolences, go to
www.dovinfcs.com.