John Francis Lendvay

John (Jack) Lendvay, born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 2, 1935, passed away on December 15, 2025 at the age of 90. He was a 32 year resident of Orlando, Florida. John’s wife Donna and both sons, Mark and Steve, were blessed to be with him when he passed.

John grew up on the east side of Cleveland where he attended school at St. Agnes. His siblings, Mary Buckius, nee Lendvay, and Richard Lendvay predeceased him. He loved sandlot baseball and street football more than he loved school. Amongst his neighborhood buddies he earned the nickname “Jack the Arm” for the distance he could throw a football. He loved the outdoors. Though he wasn’t crazy about being stuck in a classroom, he maintained life- long friendships as far back as elementary school.

Jack, as his family and northern friends called him, was selected by Uncle Sam in 1958 to serve his country. He attended Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He liked to tell people he was called up the same time as Elvis Presley, who attended basic at Fort Hood. Jack’s duties were different from what Elvis did but the haircut was the same and probably both lost weight. He held a deep love for our country and all those who serve it. One of his favorite songs “The House I Live In” was recorded by Frank Sinatra. Look up the lyrics. It’ll tell you a lot about John/Jack. He came a long way from the Hough area in Cleveland to a beautiful home in Florida and was so thankful.

In 1969 Jack took a job as a Driver-Salesman with Pepsi Cola in Willoughby and later Highland Heights. His route covered areas in Lake County from Mentor to Painesville to Chardon. And again, his loyalty and humor gained life-long friends. Many thought he missed his calling as he had a real talent for “bad” jokes and “dad” jokes.

John, as his in-laws and southern friends called him, retired to Florida. Here he worked part-time for a car rental company and sometimes even liked doing yard work but preferred going to lunch with his buddies and neighbors. He loved to travel either by car, plane or ship. He loved the theater, concerts, but attended one, and only one, ballet. His music choices ranged from big band to Disco to show tunes and classics. He would try it all. He loved old family restaurants and new foods. He was the first one in the car if you mentioned going out for dinner.

On September 26, 1970, John and Donna were married. It was a full and good life. Steve and Melissa married in ’96 and gave him two granddaughters, Olivia and Paige, which he adored. Mark and Peggy were married in ‘04 and, with the same eagerness as John, joined in adventures and new, fun experiences. John and the family were devastated when Peggy passed away in August.

John was a really special man…kind, loving, generous and witty, who will be missed by many family and friends alike.

His family would like to extend a special appreciation to John’s many healthcare providers. He had several providers for more than 25 years who were so caring. The Veteran’s Administration, CenterWell Home Health, Cornerstone Hospice, and particularly the EMT’s who were always so compassionate and patient. To all of you, thank you for your dedication to ensure his comfort, safety and a quality to his life. God bless all of you.

Family and friends are welcome to join us between 12:30 and 4:30 and share in celebrating John's life. A service will be held at 2:00 pm at Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill, 2420 Harrell Road, Orlando, Florida 32817