John J Velk

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Canfield for John Velk of Canfield who passed away on Saturday morning at Omni Manor Care Center. John was born February 24, 1919 in Youngstown the son of George and Mary (Kaschak) Velk. He attended both Holy Name and Chaney High School before joining the CCC Camps to support his family. A Coast Guard Veteran of WWII, John participated in the Invasion of Normandy. He then worked for forty years at U.S. Steel where he was a craneman in the open hearth and retired in 1980. A charter member of the church, John was also a charter member of the former Leffingwell Hills Country Club and Canfield Country Club. He was an avid golfer, card player and managed little league baseball when his sons were young. Besides his wife, the former Mary Eschman, whom he married in December of 1949 John leaves four children: Randy (Kim) Velk of Lake Milton, Jack Velk of Greenford, Elizabeth (Richard) Shutrump of Poland, and Vicki Bittle of Pasadena, CA. He also leaves three brothers: George Velk Jr. of Youngstown, Edward Velk of Canyon Lake CA. and Dr. Eugene Velk of Rancho Bernardo, CA, as well as a sister Verna Jakupcin of Youngstown. John leaves six grandchildren: Richard Shutrump Jr, Whitney Bogan, Clayton Bittle, Molly Velk, John Andrew Velk, and Corey Velk, as well as four great-grandchildren: Brianna, Ethan, Madeline, and Colton. He was preceded in death by his son Gregory on May 13, 2006, a daughter in law Joan (Barich) Velk, and two sisters: Mary Gibala and Arlene Ramsey. Friends and family may call from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Lane Funeral Home Canfield Chapel. Interment will be in Green Haven Memorial Gardens immediately following the Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of the Valley at 5190 Market St. Boardman OH 44512.