John Albert Bakos

1932 - 2018

John Albert Bakos

NEWARK - A Funeral Mass for John Albert Bakos, 86, of Newark, will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 12 Noon, Tuesday, January 16, 2018 with Rev. G. Michael Gribble as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

John, a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, died at Chapel Grove surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 11, 2018. He was born in Newark, Ohio on January 10, 1932 to the late John and Mary (Varga) Bakos.

John attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and was a 1949 graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School. A graduate of the Ohio School of Banking and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin Madison, John retired in 1998 as the Senior Vice President of Park National Bank where he worked for 49 years and was instrumental in their establishment of the credit card. He was past chairman of the Ohio Banker's Association Consumer Credit Committee, was appointed to the VISA Legislative Advisory Committee, and attended the first American Bankers Association Executive Retail Banking Seminar. Over the years, John had also been an instructor for several American Institute of Banking courses and was on the faculty of the Ohio School of Consumer Credit, Kent Sate University.

For many years, John was actively involved in the local community and served as past president of Newark Jaycees and past campaign chairman of the United Way. He volunteered with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Licking County, Family Service Association, Crippled Children and Adults, Catholic Child Welfare, and was a life member of the Salvation Army. John was also a member of Newark Kiwanis and former treasurer and member of Moundbuilders Country Club.

With his wife and family, John enjoyed many years at his Hilton Head Retirement home in Sea Pines Plantation, S.C. and was a member of the Sea Pines Beach Club. He loved to read, play golf, and travel with the Freedom Years.

John was a family man who was greatly devoted to his wife and children. He was generous by nature, and spent his life giving of his time and sharing much love with those around him. He will be greatly missed by his high school sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Mary Jane (Dolan) Bakos, whom he married on April 18th, 1953; his children, Beth (Michael) Lusk, Jeff (Kim) Bakos, and Amy (Joseph) Turk; his 6 grandchildren, Emily (Kevin) Battle, Keegan Bakos, Joseph, Josh, Samantha, and Mary Kate Turk; his sister, Rosemary (Joseph) Schilder; and several nieces and nephews. John also leaves behind many longtime friends from Park National Bank whom he considered part of his extended family.

Friends and family may call from 4-7 P.M., Monday January 15, 2018, at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, where a Vigil Service will be held at 6:30 P.M.

Memorials in John's name can be made to the Salvation Army, 250 East Main Street, Newark, Ohio 43055; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908; The Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio, PO Box 430, Newark, Ohio 43058.

The family of John would like to thank the caretakers at Chapel Grove, Hospice of Central Ohio, and Home Instead Senior Care for their dedication, care and support provided, especially Emily, Cindy and Diane.

To share your memory of John or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.