John Cycyk

You know, if you took Jerry Lewis, Red Skelton, and José Jiménez - three of the funniest comedians from the 1950s - and rolled them into one, you´d come close to my brother John. He could have you squealing with laughter and fill your heart, and your belly, with his endless jokes.
John wasn´t just the life of the party - he was also a musician. He played guitar and even had his own band called The Respected ONEZ. They played all the big hits from the ´60s - "Little Black Egg," "Wooly Bully," and of course the Beatles songs we all loved, like "Help," "Ticket to Ride," and "I Feel Fine."
Even though we were four years apart - and yes, we had our share of sibling squabbles because he loved to tease me - they never lasted long. Those disagreements would melt away like the bubbles on The Lawrence Welk Show, especially when he´d try to give me dance lessons to the music.
At night, we´d watch The Ed Sullivan Show, and then stay up way too late for the horror show Ghoulardi. When I´d start to get scared, John would always reassure me, "Don´t worry - it´s not real, it´s just a spooky movie." He had a way of making me feel safe, even while I was jumping out of my skin.
As we got older, John really became my protector - my supporter through things that were sometimes beyond my control. He always had a way to make things better - whether it was with a joke, a goofy stunt, or just his kindness and compassion.
One thing I´ll never forget: we were at the Mahoning County Country Club, and John and our cousin Marian - who was usually his partner in mischief - decided it would be hilarious to rearrange the golf poles on the course so that none of the numbers matched. Imagine the poor golfers the next morning trying to figure that out!
That was John - full of humor and mischief, but with a heart bigger than anyone´s I´ve ever known. He loved unselfishly, without judgment, and always gave of himself without expecting anything in return. And of course, he seasoned all that kindness with a few jokes along the way. He truly saw the good in everyone.
And I have to say, he found his perfect match in Sher - my amazing sister-in-law - who shares that same humor and loving spirit. Sher, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love and care you gave him.
I thank God every single day for giving me the best brother in the world.
And when my time comes to meet our Maker, I just know John will be there waiting for me - holding out his hand and saying,
"Doretta, I druv you."
And right beside him will be my husband, Giro, saying,
"Ti amo. Welcome home."

To my cousin Johnny who was always one of my favorites. You gave me comfort by reminding me when God says it’s your time thats when he’s ready for you.God and our family and loved ones are going to be so thrilled to see you. I miss you so deeply and love you gave to me. Your kindness, your laughter, and thoughtfulness will always remain with your family. Thank you for letting me come over and spend the day with you when I got out of the hospital so I wouldn’t be alone and bringing me wedding soup .Thanks for calling me and talking to me a few days a week . We shared so many memories. Bless Sher and Loretta and everyone who will miss you so much until we join you in heaven.

It is with a sad heart that I must say goodbye to a gentle man that I have come to know over the past few months. Thank you for your friendship and times together. Hope to see you in heaven.