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WARREN -- John J. Mrofchak Sr., born Dec. 16, 1928, rejoined wife Marlene in eternal life on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025.
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 SS. Cyril and 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.
The fourth of seven siblings -- Joseph, Mary, Steve, (John), Paul, JoAnne and Bill -- the family grew up by Republic Steel in Warren in a modest two-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 and Mary). The family didn't start with much, but they instilled a firm work ethic along with the love of God, family and 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 and Anna Cristo; great-grandchildren, Allie and Emma Mrofchak, and Declan and Landon Kokrak, along with baby Kokrak, due next month.
John's wife, Marlene; his 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 would end soon. As part of the 21st Infantry, 24th Division, he was stationed in occupied Japan just after WWII. Fate landed him a fortunate assignment as a chaplain's assistant and driver. After being honorably discharged in 1948, he finished school at Warren G. Harding High School. Then he studied engineering at the University of Detroit and at 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 and 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 three-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 okay, John would joke, because he couldn't "stand the racket."
Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to John 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-St. Mary Church, 232 Seneca Ave. NE, Warren, OH 44481, where a funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Christopher Cicero presiding.
Inurnment will be in All Souls Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in John's name to St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-St. Mary 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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