For My Dad!
As it was becoming apparent that life would be changing for our family soon, I wanted John, (my dad) to know how much I loved and appreciated him.  As most of you know, Father’s Day falls within the week prior to his birthday and I wanted him to know how much I appreciated the Father he became for me.    It was never fair for him to get 5 almost grown kids along with his marriage.  I was the oldest and within 2 years and 2 months, I was married and starting my own family.  Most dads have at least 18 years to make that transition.  And then in a couple of more years, the grandbabies came and he was a granddad.  Major shock to that the new dad/granddad’s life.  Then just like dominos, everything began to connect with another and on and on it went.   I must say he handled it better than most.  
I like this picture, because it shows a time when he was and looked happy to me.  I hope he feels that way now with the love of Our Heavenly Father! 
 
So, what are my memories of John.  I can remember not wanting the change, marriage was going to bring because, I didn’t know him and didn’t want my life to change.  Then he helped me with my FFA Chapter Hog project.  And my FFA Chapter Heifer project.   Every morning, I would drive over to the farm and feed up before school. Remember that change I didn’t want, I was loving it.   I found a tender-hearted friend in Dad.  He looked out for all the orphans and handicapped animals as well as people.  I remember, helping him with the dogs while mom was in Idaho for a family emergency.  He mentioned that he had a puppy who could not lift it’s head and he was going to have to put it down.  My heart broke for this little pup.  As, we were working, I decided, I would build it a brace to hold it’s head up.  So, we took her away from her elderly mom and proceeded to design a brace.   Before we were able to build a brace, she started moving her head and watching us walk thru the room.  Needless to say, she overcame her handicap 

I remember Grandpa Slovak enjoyed cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the family and he was very good at it. Not only did we have traditional turkey and mashed potatoes, he included shrimp and crab legs for a proper Florida Thanksgiving. I always looked forward to those holidays, eating his food and enjoying the Florida weather outside as a family. 

 It's funny the things we learn as kids become our norms. I remember having meat of every kind for Thanksgiving dinner, turkey, ham, shrimp, and lobster just to name a few. It wasn't until I was much older that I learned not everyone has more than one meat option beyond turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.  I was always so impressed with how much Grandpa loved to cook.  Another "norm" for me I learned wasn't so normal was our food table.  I remember it was often a 4'x8' piece of plywood sitting on top of saw horses in order to fit all the food that Grandpa prepared. There was never a short supply of options and a pie sure to please everyone. 

I remember Grandpa keeping the porch refrigerator well stocked with gallon jars of dill pickles and grabbing one or two as often as I could. 

I remember learning how to climb trees at Grandma and Grandpa's house. The pear trees were the best and tallest for climbing. The cedar trees proved to be more difficult and painful to climb but my stubborn self wanted to prove it could be done and I'd get all scratched up as a result. 

Grandpa didn't hug much but I'll always remember the last few times I saw him  he'd give me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. 

For many years the farm was the center of our annual summer family vacations.  There was always a discovery to be had when we visited.  On the drive down  sometimes my dad would "brief us" on what Uncle John was up to, specifically what animals he was raising.  One year it was bunnies, he called them rabbits.  Bunnies were pets.  Rabbits, well they were something else in his book.  He must have been aghast when he found out what the suburbanites from Long Island had in mind for his rabbits.  Why are these rabbits running through the farm house?  When he saw the smiles and happiness it brought to us, he was OK with it.  But he was probably more OK with us returning them to the cages.    I'm sorry that we didn't get to visit more often.  I will always hold on to those memories and keep them alive in my heart.    Rest in peace and know you were loved.

                                         THE FARM   
When Cyril said we are going to the FARM next Sunday Pedro, Daniel, Noe and Yamani knew exactly where they would be going . The FARM is where all the animals and birds live. There are funny looking chickens that lay little green eggs to those laud noisy peacocks, cows and deer in the pasture, wild turkey everywhere and yes the humming of Bees in the Spring and those cute little lambs, Pedro’s favorite. Yes the FARM was that and much much more as we would watch people coming and leaving the FARM mostly driving pickups trucks. I would explain  who each person was  and how they all fit into our large family . There was always one person who stood out among the rest. Dan would ask me who that guy was who always sat in the chair in the shade, Wearing Suspenders? I told Dan that was my brother Johnny. Dan Said he looks like he is in charge here as he directs everyone to do different tasks, It was almost like a fine tune symphony orchestra .
        Now Johnny is in a better place it is called “GODS GARDEN”.  It’s a beautiful place except it had a empty space it needed a caretaker. When God called Johnny home He said this is My Garden now it is  yours and you are the caretaker and of course it has Honey Bees. Johnny finally answered and said to God  “THIS IS MY KIND OF PLACE”!
       Noe sends his sympathy and love from South Korea where he is serving his country on the U.A Army. We will  still make our regular trips to the FARM but is won’t be quite the same. Now the FARM has a empty space, it’s Johnnys favorite chair outside in the shade. Our hearts are still broken to see him leave but God had a better place for him in His Garden. We will miss him dearly but just for a short time until we are all joined together again on the other side.                  WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL     SERVANT - WELL DONE 
Pedro, Daniel Noe Rosales
Yamani Carias, Zion Rosales 
GOD SPEED- John Slovak 
Love your Bro. Cyril 

Tilling the land and shepherding are two of the most noble pursuits.  Uncle Johnny did both with the utmost humility and respect.  If others could take a cue from this, the world would be a better and richer place.  Let us be of those who tread lightly on the Earth.

Johnny spent a lifetime working morning noon and night to maintain a working farm, a farm he truely loved, through whatever times, good or bad.  To us he created the ultimate outdoor Disneyland for childhood memories and adventure.  The farm was where we learned about animals, nature, fishing, planting,  and harvesting. Just checking out all the cool stuff in the barn was exciting.  We also witnessed true grit, determinfation, perserverance, and dedication.  His life was a true model to live by.

His work spanned many generations and thankfully our children were able to experience the farm as well.  If having one puppy wasn't amazing enough as a kid  getting to hold your pick of many puppies was pure magic. I know my children will never forget it. Every daytrip to the farm for our family was met with anticipation not knowing what new plant was being grown or animal would be found.  All of this  was what daily life was like for Johnny and his family, but for us it was something that we could only experience on their farm.

To Johnny's family:  we are truly sorry and we know how much he will be missed.  He will always be in the hearts of my entire family. 

Love,
Joe, Ann, Victoria, Joseph, and Ciarra Criscione

One of Almighty God’s Prophets said, “All people are God’s household. And most loved by Him and His Creation is the one treats well His household.” John Leonard Slovak was naturally blessed with that sense. He became doubly blessed when he married Jean, for she too is blessed with similar dispositions. Johnny had no prejudices and treated everyone with kindness, hospitality and a smile on his face.

Our children loved him and his farm. They anticipated visits to “Uncle Johnny’s Farm” just as they would a special place like a secret garden, full of opportunities to be in touch with all of God’s creations from the menagerie he had collected. He was patient and involved with them as they asked him countless questions about all of his efforts in keeping the farm thriving, making the children have the utmost respect for such a dedicated and hard worker.

He was self-reliant and enjoyed having his daughter Laree always by his side, lending a helping hand. Devoted to serving family members who needed help, he took care of his elderly mother and younger brother Leo lovingly to their last breaths.

Johnny will be missed by all, children and grown ups alike, but his legacy will continue to bring joy to all you visit “Slovak Farm”.


Lovingly, 

Khalid, Theresa, Sohaib, Musa, and Maryam Awan and Family. 

OBITUARY

John L. Slovak

June 23, 1931 – June 11, 2020

Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home & Flagler Memorial Gardens

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