John Onoff

JOHN W. ONOFF age 71 of Portage formerly of Merrillville passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday May 1 2012.Survived by wife Mary (nee Brown) of 39 years two daughters: Christine (Sean) Bowman of Schererville and Kimberly (Mark) Hollis of Zionsville four grandchildren: Jack and Allison Bowman Morgan and Sophia Hollis two sisters: Dorothy Graser and Mary Anne Trapanese both of New York four brothers-in-law: Jim (Betty) Brown of Crown Point Bill (Pat) Brown of Whitestown IN Johnny (Maria) Brown of Nevada and Joey (Karen) Brown of Crown Point three sisters-in-law: Carolyn Brown of Nevada Margaret (Rick) Moseley of Munster and Phyllis Onoff of New York and many nieces nephews great-nieces great-nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents Frank Sr. & Mary brother: Frank Jr.John was a retired teacher and coach from the Highland School System for over 30 years. He also taught at Nobel Elementary School in Gary. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Indiana State University where he also played college baseball. John had a special connection with children and young adults and was affectionately known as J.O. After retiring in 2001 he was a drivers education teacher at Certified Driving School. John was an avid sports fan fisherman and gardener who was particularly proud of his garlic. He also loved animals especially his dog Buddy. He was a devoted husband father and grandfather who loved spending time with his family. Each summer he enjoyed traveling to the Syracuse New York area to gather with family and spend time at the lake. Family and friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service (6360 Broadway Merrillville) on Friday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday May 5 2012 at 12:30 p.m. from Pruzin Brothers Chapel and 1:00 p.m. from St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church (801 W. 73rd Ave. Merrillville) with Rev. Brian Chadwick officiating. At rest Calvary Cemetery Portage.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jdrf.org in Johns memory.

John Onoff

May 1, 1941 - May 1, 2012