Obituary of John Tkacik

God had an opening in his beautiful garden so he sent his angels for our precious John. John J. Tkacik, Jr., 83, passed away on Saturday, August 21, 2010 peacefully in his home with family at his side. John was born in Barberton on October 14, 1926, and was a Barberton resident all his life. He graduated from Barberton High School in 1944. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired from PPG after 39 years of service. He was a member of the now closed Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church. He was preceded in death by his dear parents John and Zofia Tkacik and infant brother Frank. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 59 years, Evy (Zekan), and his wonderful children Debi, Joy (partner Sheree), Chrissy, Mary and Casey; grandchildren Hillary (U.S. Air Force), Jessica, and TJ and great-granddaughter Jada. He also is survived by sisters Sophie Kinsala, Midland, MI, and Helen Koteles of Barberton, sister-in-law Margie Yanik of Myrtle Beach, SC; plus numerous nieces and nephews and friends; his dog Gunther and cat Cooper; and also niece Tina Buehrle who brought Uncle John his favorite Chicken Pot Pie and Banana Nut Bread. John had the most beautiful flower and vegetable garden. You would never find a weed and every row was perfect. He was a 28-year cancer survivor and 4-year dialysis survivor. John wanted his doctors to know how much he appreciated the wonderful care and support given to him over the years. They are Doctors Herb Croft, Joseph Iemma, Susan Ray, Daryll Anderson, Ralph White and John Petrus, and the White Pond Dialysis Center. He especially wanted his loving children to know how he appreciated all the loving care they gave him driving him to dialysis 3 times a week, caring for his garden this year, and taking turns staying all night. The family will receive friends at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main Street, Akron on Tuesday 5 to 8 P.M. where Parastas Services will be held 7:30 P.M. with Rev. Miron Kerul-Kmet. Funeral services will be held at I P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home with Rev. Fr. Edward F. Lajack officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, 5232 Broadview Road, Richfield, OH, 44286, or the Kidney Foundation of Summit County, 1889 Indian Hills Trail, Akron, OH 44313. Goodbye to our Miracle Man, with love, your kids.