JOHN POLOKA Obituary
"MR. SLAVJANE"
Age 71, of McKees Rocks, unexpectedly on March 16, 2010, beloved husband of Teresa (Papinchak) Poloka; dearest father of Mark (Marion), Beth (Michael) Liberatore, Sue Anne (Eric) Kosol, Dean (Kerri), grandfather of Sarah (Chris), Nicholas, Jonathan, Mickayla, Anna, Jonathan. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. Friends received Thursday & Friday 2-4 & 6-8 at the VALERIAN F. SZAL FUNERAL HOME INC., 238 Helen St., McKees Rocks. Parastas Fri. 3:30pm & Fri. evening at 7:00pm. Funeral Sat. 9:45 followed by a liturgy of Christian Burial in Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, 10am.
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nancy fardo
April 3, 2010
Dear Poloka family,
Thank each and everyone of you for sharing Jack with us.
It was wonderful to know how much he loved his family and how much he loved and took care of every child in the group. He really cared.
It was a rich experience for my Grandkids and so many will miss his concern and committment.
God Bless you all for allowing him to follow his dream and for always sharing with him.
Easter, such a special time Jack loved, today Olivia, Luke and the rest of us are telling tales with tears and joy. God Bless you all and comfort you in your loss.
Nancy Fardo
Easter, a time he loved
Blessed repose and eternal memory, from The Singing Revilak Family.
The Singing Revilak Family
March 30, 2010
Dearest Jack,
It feels as thou it was just yesterday, when we met for the first time. The man of ultimate creativity, positive energy and optimism. You with a heart of Gold and a strong Rusyn spirit. You were one of the first people who gave us a helping hand, back when our family was unknown in America.
It is very difficult for us to be standing here and speaking of you in the past tense, and that’s why we want to thank you for who you are and who you will forever remain. Your dancing feet seemed to never touch the ground, your clear melodious voice brought peace to our souls and your organizational skills were unsurpassed. Your feet will no longer dance with us nor will we sing in harmony; sadly you will no longer schedule us for a concert. May all of your incredible talents that lifted our hearts, transform themselves into a golden key that will open the gate to our heavenly kingdom.
How strange was the United States for us back then, not much different than this journey you’ve now taken? You no longer feel pain; there are picturesque trees and flowers blooming for you this Blessed Easter Season. Your new home is unknown to all of us, but our imagination can only give us a glimpse of your contentment. The road is straight and narrow, but yet no one ever returns. Let this sea of tears cried out for you today transform themselves into pearls of prayer.
May the ‘Our Father’ carry you on angel’s wings to greet the Face of The Most High, and once again in the future we will all rejoice, together, Jack, in our musical heaven.
May The Angels sing you to Paradise, and may your family find peace of heart and mind.
Stephen Namesnik
March 28, 2010
To the Poloka Family -- After we got back from Ohio and family, sorry that we found out about Jack's passing...
Jack and I often worked together in days gone by with the Tammie groups & even Slavjani -- he was tireless and absolute in his dedication to the Rusyn culture. I am proud to have had him as a friend (as well as other Poloka family members, too) -- he will be sorely missed, but never forgotten for he will always be in our hearts.....
-- Steve & Ginny Namesnik
Samantha Fejka-Cassanova
March 23, 2010
Teresa, Mark, Beth, SueAnne, and Dean and the rest of the family.
Jack always seemed a little larger than life to me when we would come up there to visit. Most (if I'm honest all) of my favorite times were spent in the company of your family. I loved going to the Slavjane practices and watching Jack teach and wishing I lived up there so I could be part of the group because Jack was so charismatic and so full of pride in our Carpatho-Rusyn heritage. I will so miss him when I do finally get up there to visit again. All my love and Prayers are being sent to you all. I love you all Samantha
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March 23, 2010
To the entire Poloka Family,
You have my deepest sympathy in the recent passing of your husband & father. I have many fond memories of Jack when he was my dance instructor for the Trafford Junior Tamburitzans. He brought such talent and ambition to each and every practice, and always wanted us to do our best! He will definitely be missed!! May God grant him life eternal.
Sincerely,
Larissa Crnkovich
March 22, 2010
Dear Theresa and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. We just learned of Jack's passing and were stunned. He was such a pleasure to work with each year at the Holiday Open House. We will dearly miss him.
Fondly, Susan, Cristina and Miriam
Nationality Rooms Program
Kim Harsh Ruud
March 21, 2010
To All of the Polokas,
My heart and prayers are with you all. I remember a time when Jack was telling me of all the preparations for Christmas Eve dinner. He was so proud and it seemed as if he just loved to do it. We were getting our pictures taken for the Church book. Everyone else was so overwhelmed, but not Jack. I always said, Jack made the best holuski. I will always remember the dancing and how he was always smiling during a performance. He will continue to smile from Heaven.
Beth Ross (Kovaly)
March 21, 2010
My years in Slavjane will always hold great memories of song, dance and friendship! Jack was a wonderful teacher and I will always be so grateful to him for that amazing experience. He touched many, many lives and made us better for having known him
Stephanie (Doerr) Chubarov
March 21, 2010
I remember when I went to Holy Ghost School and dancing with Slavjani these were some of the happiest times in my childhood jack didn't make you feel like you were different even coming from my family which was very large he always made me proud to participate in his group I am not Carpatho Russian i am German and Irish but being part of his dance group was something to be proud of i am so sorry for your loss I shared some pictures of myself and the group with my children and also tried to share the dance and music with other children in my daughters classes in Napa, CA when they wanted to show diversity in this country for that i am proud to have known Jack as much as anyone who was touched by him
March 20, 2010
To Jacks family
Im very sorry to hear about Jacks passing. He will be missed.
I also forgot to sign the book that I was there on Thursday evening.
There was too many people that it slipped my mind. Again much love to all of you. God Bless.
Mary Ann Mikula
Katherine Fedor (Wusylko)
March 19, 2010
Dear Dean, Mark and the entire Poloka Family,
My deepest sympathies to you all. I was very sad to hear of Jack's passing. He indeed was one in a million; a person who truly made this world a better place. I'm sorry that I was never a part of Slavjane (one of these days I'll get back to the violin, I promise), but our paths did cross over the years.
May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Vicnaya Pamyat.
David Pcsolar
March 19, 2010
As one of the few men in the Pittsburgh Byzantine Archieparchal Choir I truly appreciated Jack's voice and singing talents. He was always supportive and complimentary of my efforts as I was of his. Since I was a baritone singing with the basses he was always recruiting me to sing with the tenors. But his shoes cannot be filled. I extend my deepest sympathies to your families. All in the choir will miss him.
Maria Taravella
March 19, 2010
To the Slavjane Family, Our prayers are with you all. We had alot of wonderful times when we were all younger, in Slavjane. Every time I would turn the corner on thursday nite to come home after work, I would glance in from my car as I drove by and see the practices, singing, dancing, playing the instruments and Jack talking to everyone. Oh the memories that flashed through my mind as fast as we did our spinning, and dance steps. Jack was Great Man. He was Great with his family, Great with all of his talents as he taught us how to perform in Slavjane He is with Jesus singing and dancing in Heaven. Maria, Helen, and Gay Taravella ( Mrs. T.)
" Cherish the MEMORIES"
Sharon R. Gaitens
March 19, 2010
Dear Poloka Family~
May the wonderful memories of your Dad be cherished today and always. The work ethic, cultural appreciation, and love of dance and music which Jack perpetuated in every member of Slavjane has truly been a life-long treasure. Heaven will surely be filled with song and dance as Jack shares his beloved "Spiral Choreography Notebook" with all of its X's and O's! Love, Jack and Charlene Rusnak, Sharon (Rusnak) Gaitens, and Stephanie(Rusnak) Len
Charlotte & Joe Orient
March 19, 2010
Dean and Family,
How very schocked we were to receive the news of John's death. He served God and CRS so faithfully. His presence at all the activities will certainly be missed. May our Lord keep all of you in His loving care during this difficult time. Our prayers are with all of you.
March 19, 2010
Dear Dean and family,
We were so shocked and saddened to learn of your dad's passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. May you all be comforted in the knowledge that your dad left a magnificent legacy in helping so many people learn more about the beauty of our Rusyn heritage. He will be sorely missed, for so many reasons, but "for those who have been faithful, oh Lord, life is not ended, but merely changed." Memory eternal.
Sincerely,
Bill and Mary Anne Mistick
Warren Reznicek
March 19, 2010
Dean and the Poloka Family,
Sending you my Deepest and Prayerful Sympathy at the death of your Dad, Jack. Even though I have only recently gotten to know him through the Radio program, I know how very much he was devoted to all things Rusyn. Vicnaja Jemu Pamjat'.
Anne & Dave Dayton
March 18, 2010
Dean and all your family,
How sad we are to read of the death of your dad. He was such a dear, helpful, and cheerful man, and ALWAYS helped us in any way he could at Slovak Folk Crafts. We shall miss his smile at Slovak functions and feel a loss of his friendship. May God's peace be with your family in your time of grief. But how wonderful that he died suddenly, and you all did not have to suffer a long illness. I guess I had never realized that he was just the age that Dave and I are.
Blessings on your family. Remember him with a smile for all the joy he brought to so many of us. Anne and Dave Dayton, Grove City, PA
Megan, Estelle, Rob Dhayer
March 18, 2010
To the Poloka Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you. I was shocked to hear of Jacks passing. We were a part of the Slavjane family for many years and Jack will be missed in our hearts. He was such a strong figure in the Rusyn culture. We have many memories of Jack,especially about Thursday night practices. Good bye Jack. We will miss you.
Bernadette Luketich-Sikaras
March 18, 2010
I was quite shocked to hear of Jack's passing and want to extend our sincere sympathy from the entire Luketich-Sikaras-Kochis family. Jack was a staple in the folklore world in Pittsburgh and enriched hundreds, if not thousands, of children's lives through his love of all slavic folklore. May he dance forever with the angels in the peace of the Lord.
Our prayers are with you at this time of sadness.
Deb, Joe, Alex and Kasey Chapla
March 18, 2010
Dear Poloka Family,
We were very saddened to hear of Jack's passing. We were part of the Slavjane family for many years and have some very fond memories of that time and they all include Jack. He will be sorely missed.
We offer you all our deepest sympathy and pray that God gives you strength and courage during this time.
Andrea Leone
March 18, 2010
Dean and family: I felt really bad when I heard Jack passed away. He was a wonderful person and did so much for us Rusyns. We'll really be at a loss with him gone. Andrea Leone
March 18, 2010
Darlene Fejka
March 18, 2010
Teresa, Mark & Marion, Beth & Mike, Sue Ann & Eric, Dean & Kerri, Sarah & Chris, Nicholas, Jonathan, Mickayla, Anna, Jonathan.... your loss is so great ... thank you for sharing Jack with the rest of us for so many years.
Jack was more than family … he was … teacher … mentor … partner … sounding board … confidante … creative muse … so much more … I’ve often pointed out that I’ve been Jack’s Slavjane “partner” longer than I have been married to my own husband – over 30 years … Jack was truly one-of-a-kind in all the world … I can’t yet imagine our world without him, but I know that the world is definitely a better, more passionate and interesting place because he lived ... and lived fully. Now and ever (and forever) - thank you, my friend … Vicnaja Pamjat’.
Michelle Marie Kotsagrelos
March 18, 2010
May his Memory be Eternal!
andy Kovaly
March 18, 2010
Dear Poloka Family -- "Eternal Memory and peaceful repose." I met Jack in the '60's, when we danced with his group at the Pittsburgh Folk Festival (I remember well the Syria Mosque shows in Oakland!) Later, my daughter Beth had the opportunity to also sing and dance with Slavjane. Jack never seemed to change, or loose his energy and love for his students and families. Recently, it was always good to see him at Mt. Macrina for the Pilgrimage, working with the sisters in the book store. He always had a smile for everyone.
S'Bohom! -- Go with God!
Andy Kovaly and Family -- Florida
Lori (Pachasa) Wischmann
March 18, 2010
Dear Poloka Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Poloka was such a nice man who I remembered, with fondness, from my childhood neighborhood.
Jim & Sandra Fullerton
March 18, 2010
Dear Teresa, Children & Grandchildren,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences, Jack was one of kind what a true gentleman. I was blessed for the past 10 years to have Jack as my neighbor. The neighborhood will never be the same not only did we lose a neighbor we lost a great friend. Jack will no longer have to fight over his parking space now he now has his space right next to the Lord. I will miss him so I will miss our talks. I will always remember Jack as one of the kindness persons I knew I have so many great memories of him. Rest In Peace Jack May God be with his family and may Jack's memory be eternal.
~With much love~
Susan Palombo Strauss
March 18, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Poloka Family. As former Jadran Tamburitzans, we had the opportunity to learn from the best. Jack will never be forgotten!
Gil & Helen Faye Palombo
Jeff, Susan & Brian Palombo
Bob & Joyce Spontak
March 18, 2010
Our deepest condolences to all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Vicnaja pamjat.
Richard Roscoe
March 17, 2010
For "JACK" and his family the sorrow will pass but the memories will last forever.
Mary Ann Belo
March 17, 2010
To the Poloka Family: Jack holds a very special place in the hearts of the Belo family and I think of him often and all our family learned from him. I don't think you really know how much of an impact he made on our lives and the lives of so many others. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. There is no doubt that the angels are dancing in heaven tonight and Jack is beating the rhythm on his drum for them. God Bless!
Don Kerr
March 17, 2010
Dean and all of the Poloka Family, Deepest condolences. Meeting and talking to Jack and you a couple times were enriching and wonderful moments for me. His involvement in Slavjane, the Carpatho-Rusyn Society, the weekly Rusyn radio program, the Carpatho-Rusyn parishes has left a lasting imprint upon us all and promoted our appreciation of our heritage and faith. Vicnaja pamjat'. Vicnaja pamjat'. Blazennyj pokoj; vicnaja pamjat'. Eternal memory. Eternal memory. Blessed repose and eternal memory.
March 17, 2010
Teresa,Mark,Beth,Sue,Dean,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Jack touched so many peoples' lives,mine being one of them. His friendship and memory will always be cherished.
Blazhenni pokoj,vicnaja jemu pamjat.
B.W. Ziobro
Mike & Lee Hrehovcik
March 17, 2010
Please accept our heartfelt condolences, We were shocked to hear of his passing. His presense will be missed in the whole CRS world. May his memory be eternal. Mike & Lee Hrehovcik, Little Falls NJ 07424
March 17, 2010
Dear Teresa , Dean & Family, Our sincerest sympathy to you on this most heart wrenching occasion. Jack lit up the room when he entered it. May the Angels sing him to his heavenly reward, and may he dance forever for the Greater Honor & Glory of God. Know you are in our prayers & in our hearts forever. We will truly miss him, he was one of a kind. Blessings, many people walk thru our lives, but only a few leave footprints on our hearts. Jake & Stephanie Paul St. John E.E.C.C.
Barbara Kushner
March 17, 2010
Greetings Teresa and family...so very sorry to hear about Jack's passing...he was such an inspiration to us all and our Carptho Rusyn heritage....I personally remember his instruction at St. John Chrysostom hall back in the 60's...May the Lord provide you all with the strength you need during this time of loss...Pls know that he was loved by us all...God bless....Kushner Family/Canonsburg
Bishop John Kudrick
March 17, 2010
Sincere condolences to all Jack's family. Jack Poloka knew who he was and wanted others to grow into what they were and could be. I shall not soon forget his help to me. May his memory be eternal. Vicnaja jemu pamjat.
Jack and Julie Rhyner
March 17, 2010
We would like to send our condolences and well wishes to the Poloka family and to let them know that Jack will be in our prayers, and remember - "They who go feel not the pain of parting, it is they who stay behind that suffer." And to Jack - Adieu my friend, Adieu. Jack and Julie Rhyner
March 17, 2010
My sympathies to the Poloka family. Jack was a big part of the Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Archieparchial Choir and will be greatly missed. May his memory be eternal.
Mary Ellen Dudick
March 17, 2010
We would like to send our condolences and well wishes to all of the Poloka family and we will keep you in our prayers. Remember - "They who go feel not the pain of parting, it is they who stay behind that suffer." and to Jack - Adieu my friend, Adieu...Jack and Julie Rhyner.
John Kohanski
March 17, 2010
I enjoyed listening to Jack weekly on the Rusyn Heritage Program, he will be missed by all. May his memory be eternal. Vicnaja pamjat!
March 17, 2010
Teresa, Know that Jack will be in our
thoughts and prayers. I have many fond
memories of our days at Duquesne Univ.
Vicnaja Pamjat!
Gene and Niki Loya (St. Augustine Fl)
Jordan Trecki
March 17, 2010
To Dean and Family,
It is with great sadness to learn about Jack's passing. His legacy and contribution to the Slavic community was monumental. Rest in peace.
Janice Radovick-Dean
March 17, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the entire Poloka family! I have so many great memories of Jack whether at Slavijane or at your house, its hard to pick a favorite. Jack will be missed by all. Memory Eternal.
Janice Radovick-Dean
Mary Caryl Planiczki
March 17, 2010
I'm sure that Jack is using that wonderful tenor voice to sing with the angels. May his memory be eternal.
Liz Haight
March 17, 2010
I was so saddened to hear about Jack. We first met him when he and Dean came out to Tucson to teach Rusyn dances and songs to our fledgling dance troupe, and he was such an inspiration to us. We will miss him very much. Blazhenni pokoj, vicnaja pamjat.
The Employees at Jim Crivelli Chev.
March 17, 2010
Teresa,
We were so shocked to hear about Jack. We extend our deepest sympathy to you & your family. We will keep you & yours in our thoughts & prayers.
Fredi Miller
March 17, 2010
Beth,
I was shocked to read about your dad's death. I so looked forward to seeing him in the Registrar's Office when I worked at Pitt Law. He always had a smile on his face and I know how much he enjoyed being able to spend the time with you. I am so sorry for the loss to you and your family.
Fredi Miller
Bob Addleman
March 17, 2010
My deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to all of the Poloka family. Jack was a true gentleman, and a wonderful artist, teacher, and preserver of the Carpatho-Rusyn culture. He was an inspiration to so many.
May you find peace in knowing that his legacy lives on in the lives of his children, their children and the many others from Slavjane, who now not only span generations, but will pass on the culture to generations to come.
March 17, 2010
We were so saddened to hear of Jack's passing! Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. Love, Brad & Millicent Novic
Diana Howard
March 17, 2010
Jack was one in a zillion! He will always be a part of so many children's lives. He will be greatly missed. Our sympathy-
Randy, Diana, Madalin & Reid Howard
Rattay Family
March 17, 2010
May God rest his soul. We will keep him and the Poloka family in prayer. Jack was very kind to our family and we were so sad to hear of his death.
He truly cared about young people, and was a wonderful influence on their lives.
March 17, 2010
Memory Eternal
March 17, 2010
deeply shocked and deeply sorry our prayers are with you his passing leaves a huge hole in the wider community I know we will be places where we expect to see Jack and he won't be there and we will feel his loss anew Know you will have a lot of support when you least expect it Yvonne and George Schexnayder
Danella Winovich
March 17, 2010
I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Jack's family. He was a dear man who contributed greatly to Pittsburgh's ethnicity and culture. Memory Eternal.
Bob and Danella Winovich
Megan Crosby
March 17, 2010
Dean and Family,
I am very sorry about the passing of you dad. I have many great memories of you Dad and Slavjane. Your Family is in my thoughts and prayers
March 17, 2010
Teresa
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I've known Jack just a short time but your family and many, many ,people will miss him and his great contribution to his heritage.
Rita Benya
Barberton, Ohio
Dana Tomcanin
March 17, 2010
I just wanted to send my personal thoughts and prayers to the family of Jack Poloka. I have been in the choir with Jack since we started and have enjoyed listening to his wonderful tenor voice. We will miss him terribly as I know many will. Know that I have you all in my prayers and may God grant to his servant Jack, blessed repose and eternal memory. May God be with you and comfort you in your grief. We all at the choir will be thinking and praying for you.
George Schexnayder
March 17, 2010
Jack touched the lives of so many young , including our son Sean-Michael, that he will ge greatly missed.
Anthony Roscoe
March 17, 2010
Jack was like a father to so many of us in Slavjane. He taught us so much more than just the dance steps. He taught us dedication, appreciation for our heritage, how to cook, how to laugh and many other life lessons. He will be sorely missed by the countless people his life has touched, but his memory and influence will never fade because these will all continue to be passed on to generation after generation. Dakujem Jack!
March 17, 2010
To know Jack was to love him and few if any taught Carpatho Russian Choreography better. It was a privilege to know him and be one of his students. He was and always will be Mr. Slavjane to me! May God be with his family and may Jack's memory be eternal.
With deepest sympathies,
Danny Vucelich
Fr. Valerian Michlik
March 17, 2010
V pokoisci Tvojem Hospodi, idize vsi svjatii Tvoi upocivajut, upokoj i dusu raba Tvojeho, jako jedin jesi celovikolubec.
In blessed repose grant eternal rest, O Lord to Your ever-remembered servant Jack, and make his memory eternal!Vicnaja Pamjat!
March 17, 2010
One of the greatest Rusyns ever. May he always dance before the Lord.
John A. Mihaloew
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