John Stanley Elewski Jr.

John was a self-made man and a patriot who served his country and loved his family. The youngest of three siblings, John attended Parma High School where he met and fell in love with the smart and determined woman with whom he would share his life, Alberta Gulish. After graduation, John enlisted in the Air Force, serving as a radio operator and teacher during the Korean War. Upon returning home, John worked at Republic Steel before partnering with Alberta’s father to build a thriving machine shop known for its precision and inventiveness.

As hard as John worked to grow the business, the years he spent raising his four daughters were the heart of his life. Together, John and Alberta created a dynasty of women, granddaughters and great grandchildren. John overflowed with pride for every member of his family.

John was many things, all self-taught: an inventor (he held various patents), machinist, poet, pilot, fisherman, prose writer, baker, builder, golfer, painter and bridge player extraordinaire. He loved learning and teaching, problem-solving and sharing his knowledge with others. He could make and fix almost anything and particularly excelled at crafting beautiful and useful things from metal and wood.

Although the last few years brought their share of pain and loss, John was a fighter who faced challenges with stoicism. He was surrounded by the love and tireless support of his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and the many good and faithful friends who stood by him through life’s ups and downs. To everyone who was a part of John’s long and remarkable life, his family extends its heartfelt gratitude.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Alberta and his precious daughter Diane Roten. He leaves behind Boni Elewski (Thomas O. Hoover, deceased), Rick Roten (Diane Roten, deceased), Joannie (Scott) Slack, Carol Elewski (Colin Fieman), 5 adored granddaughters Christi (Nick) Bradac, Caroline (Jim) Sulayman, Leah (Sean) Stratmoen, Madeline Slack, Anna Elewski; and 6 beloved great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may join us at St. Hilary Parish Church, 2750 West Market Street, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333 on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. to celebrate John’s life in a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment services to follow at Rose Hill Funeral Home and Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or St. Hilary Parish.