John Viorel Ghinder

John Viorel Ghinder, 97, a devoted family man, passed away peacefully at home in Strongsville, Ohio on Monday, February 5, 2024.

Born in Canton, Ohio on December 11, 1926, to Romanian immigrants, Ioan Ghindea and Ana Stefan. John grew up in a Romanian, Italian and Greek neighborhood where his first language was Romanian. He learned English upon entering school. John was extremely proud of his Romanian heritage.

Beginning at age 9, John played bugle in a drum and bugle corps. He traveled to Los Angeles in 1938 with the group to participate in the American Legion national championship.

John later played the trombone in band at McKinley High School. He also sang tenor in choir and performed in the school musicals, including having a lead role in the operetta, "The Desert Song." John was a member of the high school competitive swim team where he broke several records. John graduated from McKinley in 1945.

After high school, and at the encouragement of his father, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he became a radar instructor. John continued playing the bugle as part of his naval duties. He completed his training at Great Lakes, Illinois and then finished his service in Corpus Christi, Texas.

After his honorable discharge in 1947, John attended Case Institute of Technology on the GI Bill. While attending Case, he became a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. John continued as a competitive swimmer where he broke state records. He earned a letter for his achievements in swimming.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1952, John had a successful career in Aerospace Engineering for many years at Goodyear Aerospace and with the U.S. Department of Defense. For several years, while working for Picker International, John worked as an Electrical Engineer participating in the early development of the CT Scan. He and his family have been very proud of his work on the CT Scan.

John also obtained his Master of Science in Engineering Administration from Case Institute of Technology in 1962.

John was a faithful blood donor for the American Red Cross during his young adult life. At one time, John served as President of the Aircraft Federal Credit Union.

John met his future wife at the Feast of the Assumption in Cleveland's Little Italy in August 1951. Six years later John married Phyllis Pearl Olson on August 17, 1957 in Canton, Ohio. Together they had four children: Patricia Ann, Janice Loraine, Thomas Alan, and Robert John.

John's love for family was evident in his active involvement in their lives, from teaching his children to swim to attending countless musical, theatrical, and sporting events. His generosity extended beyond family, exemplified by his willingness to help others.

John and his wife were avid bowlers and bowled together for over 50 years in many leagues and at many alleys in NorthEast Ohio. They were active in bowling league organizations. During the last 30 years, they bowled on various leagues with their children and their families. Their teams won many league championships

Johnny, as he was called by his family, is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis, daughters, Patti Skvoretz (Mark) and Janice Soster, sons, Tom Ghinder (Daralee) and Bobby Ghinder (Nick Vannello), eight grandchildren, Michael Soster (Kristi Lister), Melanie Rogers (Justin), Jared Soster (Elena), TJ Ghinder, Kelsey Macke (John), Christine Ghinder, Jordan Soster, and Kaitlyn Skvoretz, seven great-grandchildren, sister, Marjorie Mooar Perduk and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John D. and Ana Ghinder, brother, Filaret, and sisters, Virginia and Eleanor. His impact on the lives of those around him will be cherished and remembered.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Tomon & Sons Funeral Home in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, followed by a memorial service at 12:30 PM. Interment will take place at Woodvale Cemetery in Middleburg Heights. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the Compassus Living Foundation or The Singing Angels.