John Greskovich

John Greskovich (9-30-43 to 5-11-24) lived and died his way. John’s family and friends—and anyone who spent the duration of a Natural Light or a cigarette with him—knew what to expect of him. His alloyed nature was equal parts obstinacy, determination, love, and an utter devotion to his truth. If he loved you, he loved you fiercely, unconditionally. If he respected you, a simple handshake was a contract for life. His late wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Leanne; and his granddaughter, Madeleine, were his North Star.

John was born to Andrew and Susan Greskovich, who owned and operated Andy's Service Station on Warren's west side. The Greskovichs had a Slavic, Old Country scrap about them, and John was no exception. Their drive to establish themselves in Warren made John both a lover and a fighter, with a singular focus on growing into a man who could provide abundantly for his family. Warren was his home, for life, and he was dedicated to his community. An active member of Warren’s Lion’s Club for decades, John was the recipient of an award for his outstanding service. While John was never one to seek accolades, the plaque given to him on behalf of the Lion’s Club still hangs in his kitchen.

John’s nose to the grindstone character was perfect for a job at Packard Electric/Delphi that spanned over 40 years. A diligent factory worker, John never turned his back on the integrity of hard-scrabble, blue collar work.

The first thing John did when he got home from work was to play with Leanne. He was a tireless, hands-on father, and Leanne was the gas that made the car go. A gearhead who cut his teeth at Andy’s Service Station as a child, John especially loved to teach Leanne how to keep the family vehicle in tip-top shape. He was intent on Leanne becoming a strong, independent woman; and he was especially proud as she grew up to be an ICU nurse, keeping people in tip-top shape.

When John wasn’t at work or spending time with family, he could be found singing baritone with his barbershop group, Just Friends. As a barbershop harmonist, John excelled: his voice had a warmth and compassion that complemented his character and spoke to his deep religiosity. He infused the sacred in the secular, his voice resonating with his sense of the divine in the everyday, the extraordinary in the ordinary. For him, Truth and Beauty could be found in the barbershop, the bar, the family room, or the car singing with his daughter, as much as they could be in the Church.

John Crossed Over while covered in a blanket made by his granddaughter, Madeleine. Collaged with pictures of his family, he was warmly embraced in the love he shared and cultivated with them.

Details for his memorial are forthcoming, but it will surely be a joyous, raise-a-glass affair. Attendees may or may not be asked to sing a rousing rendition of “Shenandoah.”

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.