John Lloyd Merichko “Bo”, age 74 of Orland Park, Illinois passed away Friday, July 10, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on May 17, 1946 to John and Mary nee Steinogle Merichko in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. John served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart.
When he was 12 years of age, the family relocated to Munhall, PA. John graduated from Munhall High School in 1964. John received his B.S. in Psychology at Roosevelt University in Chicago and completed post-graduate studies at Gestalt Institute of Chicago.
He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Kristeen Elizabeth nee Scarry, his son Michael Lloyd (Kimberly) nee Goranson, his son Joseph Lee (Rebecca) nee Strehl, daughter-in-law Valentina (Kevin) Burke, and his son, the late John Leo Merichko who preceded him in death on November 9, 2002 and sister-in-law Kathleen Scarry of Benton Harbor, MI. John was the loving Pap Pap of Angelica, Josiah and Anna, Liam and Lily. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Diana) nee Shambers of Munhall, PA and nephews Bobby (Erin) and Brian (Tiffany) and Jennifer nee Merichko Perhac, Justin, great-nephew Hunter, great-niece Dominique and great-great-niece Jade. Additionally, preceding him in death were his siblings Mary Ann, Matthew and Mark.
He worked for Parkview as an addiction counselor and devoted his life to serving the chemically dependent and hurting people from every walk of life. He was a member of Freedom Church. John and his wife led the Rapha Addiction Recovery Program at All Nations Community Church for 12 years. He held an unwavering faith in God which he shared with everyone he met.
John was an avid reader, a sports enthusiast (Steelers, Bears, Pirates and Cubs) and a former member of St. Michael’s Men’s Golf Club and he loved Rock ‘n Roll. He was a lead singer for a Bebop oldies group. John and his family enjoyed many summers in Michigan together. John retired in 2009 from Rush Behavioral Health.
Services and interment at Palos Oak Hill Cemetery were private.
Arrangements by Orland Funeral Home Directors, 708-460-7500.
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