John Bleil Sr.

John "Jack" Frederick Bleil, Sr., age 85, of Mentor, OH., passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024. He was born in Erie, PA., on March 21, 1939, a son of the late Frederick and Rose (Olsafsky) Bleil.
In his youth, he enjoyed spending summers at his grandparents' farm in Edinboro, PA., working and selling corn door to door. He graduated McDowell High School in 1957. He was a member of the Air National Guard and of his favorite car club, Gearers Inc. of Erie, PA. He was the photographer at the P.I.T.A. Drag strip in Wattsburg, PA. Some of his photos, along with articles he wrote, were published in various racing magazines and books.
He worked for Sanida Dairy in Erie with his dad and uncle. From there he worked for Firch/Strohman Baking Co. as a delivery driver then supervisor until the age of 55. After that he decided to travel to various states selling racing photos, restoration decals and stickers, and models. He continued until 2020. He enjoyed spending time with his large family telling lots of stories from the past. He also loved spending hours in his garden and just being outside. He was a talented artist, painting many beautiful landscapes, various vehicles and signs.
John was preceded in death by his father Fredrick A. Bleil, mother, Rose (Olsafsky) Bleil of Erie, PA., and his grand-daughter-in-law, Jenna (Johnson) Bleil of Ashtabula, OH.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane (Sabota) Bleil, brothers, Jim Bleil, wife Nancy of Rutledge, GA., David Bleil, wife Sue of Landisville, PA., Sister, Gloria (Bleil) Gaudreau, husband Jimmy of South Riding VA. His children, Jeanette (Bleil) Lacy and husband Kermit, and Jeff Bleil and wife Mischelle of Ashtabula, OH., John Bleil and fiancé Bonnie of Longmont, CO., Jane (Bleil) Housel and husband David of Honea Path, SC., and Jackie (Bleil) Waldron and husband Glenn. His eight grandchildren, John Bleil, Santina Bleil and fiancé Jeff of CO., Abby Waldron-Bush and husband David, and Tucker Waldron of SC., Jacob and Josh Bleil of OH., Eric Housel and Tanya Cape of SC. His four great-grand children, Summer Cape and Harley Petry of SC., Julianna Bleil of OH., and Shelby Steinbaugh of CO., and one great-great grandchild, Weston of SC.
Friends may call on Tuesday, April 2, at the Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 2502 Sassafras St. from 9am until the time of the service at 11am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.autismspeaks.org