John J. Mrofchak Sr.

John Mrofchak enjoyed golf. He used to say, “I only golf on days that end in Y”. Like many golfers, the friends he made golfing weren’t just friends, they were his golf life. League golf, Saturday golf, Sunday golf, watching golf; if it involved golf, John was there. But one day, he stopped golfing. When asked why, he said all his golf friends have died. Making new friends wasn’t the same. It was a sad comment, but it revealed something deeper. For John, it wasn’t about the game, it was about those lifelong loyal friendships.  Friendship and family love, that’s what drove everything in his life.

Among his buddies, John was known as “Pokey”. He earned the nickname honestly, as he was rarely in a hurry. A favorite Pokey quote was, “I don’t want to rush into it”. Whether it was golf, the many home projects, or with life itself, John believed in taking his time. He did take his time with life, as he passed away at 96.

But there was more to John than golf, he was a great family man. He married Marlene Teresa Tomko on May 9, 1959, the best day of his life. Together they built a home filled with warmth and love that would outlast a lifetime. His faith was equally steadfast. A devoted member of Saint Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, John sang proudly in the choir, helped in the kitchen for pirohy sales, served on Parish Council, was a long-term usher, and even designed the church’s entrance sign.

John J. Mrofchak Sr. was born December 16, 1928 and rejoined wife Marlene in eternal life on November 13, 2025. The fourth of seven siblings (Joseph, Mary, Steve, Paul, JoAnne, & Bill), the family grew up by Republic Steel in Warren Ohio in a modest 2-bedroom home with a single bathroom in the basement. Parents Josef and Anna married in Czechoslovakia before immigrating in 1923 (Josef) and 1924 (Anna with Joseph & Mary). The family didn’t start with much, but they instilled a firm work ethic along with the love of God, family & friends. Values that shaped John for a lifetime. 

He is survived by his children, Michelle (Marty) Cristo of Cincinnati, Marty (Kathy) Mrofchak of Warren and John (Keli) Mrofchak of Columbus. Grandchildren Stephanie (Jason) Kokrak, Adam (Danielle) Mrofchak, Molly (Jake) Mrofchak-Buszek, Anna Cristo, great grandchildren Allie and Emma Mrofchak, Declan and Landon Kokrak along with baby Kokrak due next month. Wife Marlene, grandson Nathan Mrofchak, and all his siblings preceded him in death.  

At just 17, John enlisted in the U.S. Army. He and a few friends were enlisted early. They were told to sign up now because the College Tuition program may end soon! As part of the 21st Infantry, 24th Division, he was stationed in occupied Japan just after WW2. Fate landed him a fortunate assignment as a chaplain’s assistant and driver. After being honorably discharged in 1948, he finished high school at Warren G. Harding. Then he studied engineering at the University of Detroit and Youngstown State University. During his college years, he spent time working out west on a land survey crew, helping mark the state border between Colorado & Wyoming.

John spent his entire professional career at Wean United, a manufacturer of steel mill equipment originally based in the Youngstown-Warren area. Starting as a draftsman and designer, a 3-year assignment placed both John and Marlene in Bihar, India. A massive new steel mill was being built in Bihar where he helped supervise the installation of mill equipment designed and built by Wean. After retiring, John returned to work in Murano, Italy, passing his design knowledge of rolled steel processing lines to the next generation of now Danieli-Wean United employees.

No matter where he went, John’s heart always returned to his family and his faith. John built a legacy that will be remembered by all who knew him. He leaves not only memories, but a blueprint for how to live: take your time, love deeply, and if you don’t like tennis, it’s ok John would joke, because he can’t stand the racket.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to John on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 9 to 10am at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish - St. Mary’s Church, 232 Seneca Ave NE, Warren, OH 44481.

A Funeral Mass will follow at the Church at 10am with Rev. Christopher Cicero presiding.

Inurnment will be at All Souls Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in John’s name to St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish - St. Mary’s Church, 232 Seneca Ave NE, Warren, OH 44481.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Mrofchak family.

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