John Adam Molodet

JOHN ADAM MOLODET CROWN POINT, IN John Adam Molodet, 87, of Crown Point, IN, formerly of Hammond and East Chicago, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 5, 2014. He leaves behind to cherish his memories daughters: Dawn (Mariano) Flores, Dana (Jeff) Kiral; beloved brothers: George (Sharon) and Vic (Ruth Ann). Loving grandfather to Martin, Matthew, and Christa Flores. Devoted best friends Jim and Mary Lou Platis; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Patricia Kaminsky; and sons Mark and David; his parents Adam and Marie; and sister Eugenia. John came to the United States as a young boy from Romania with his family. He grew up in East Chicago and attended East Chicago Washington High School participating in swimming, track, basketball and baseball. He graduated in 1945 and was drafted into the Navy and served on the U.S.S. North Carolina. After his military service, he worked at Inland Steel and coached an industrial league basketball team and won the Nation Steelworkers Championship. He received a baseball scholarship to Indiana University and achieved a BS and MS. While there, he earned 3 letters as a pitcher. After graduation in 1952, he was hired as assistant basketball and varsity baseball coach at Hanover College. This started his coaching career. He returned to the region to marry Patricia and joined the East Chicago School System, starting as freshman basketball coach. He eventually worked his way up to the head coaching position in 1968. His team won the State Championship in 1971 (undefeated) and has been revered as one of the best teams ever. They also played in the final four in 1976 and 1977. After coaching, he worked as an administrator at the DeLa Garza Career Center and was inducted in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995. John continued to stay active with swimming and golf until the last few years of his life. He enjoyed spending time with his grand children, family and friends. Visitation Sunday, October 12, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Lincoln Ridge Funeral Home, 7607 W. Lincoln Hwy., Schererville (Rt. 30 East of Cline Ave) . Funeral, Monday, October 13, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, Merrillville, IN Rev. Peter Muha officiating, cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to Share Foundation With the Handicapped, P 0 BOX 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371-0400.