Obituary of John Thomas Blike

John T. Blike Sr. born January 18, 1932, to Michael and Julia Blike, went home to be with the Lord on May 21, 2017, after a brief illness. John graduated from Garfield High School in 1950. He worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. and served 2 years in the army as a paratrooper during the Korean War. Upon discharge, John returned to Firestone until he joined the Akron Police Department on September 5, 1957 and served until June of 1984, when he retired at the rank of Captain. He then served as the superintendent of the City of Akron Workhouse, until he retired in June of 1995. John was always an avid golfer and enjoyed his annual golf trips to Myrtle Beach with his golf buddies. Preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Helen; his parents Michael and Julia; sisters Ann Valeri and Mary Moran. He is survived by his brothers, Joseph and Michael Blike and sister, Jeanette Clegg. John also leaves his loving children; John Jr. (Rose), Elizabeth McGuire, Julie Pitzer (Paul) and David (Gina); 9 Grandchildren: John III (Caitlin), Craig ( Ashley), Heather (Jeff), Megan McGuire,Tommy McGuire, Katie McGuire, David Blike Jr., Nich Pitzer and Jessica Pitzer; 5 Great Grandchildren: Zach, Anna and Grant, & Vincent and Thea Blike. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, 5-8 pm, at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron, where a Parastas will take place at 7 pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday, 11 am at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 1051 Robinson Ave, Barberton, OH 44203, where John will lie in state for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 1051 Robinson Ave, Barberton, OH 44203.