Search by Name

Search by Name

John Niezgoda Obituary

NIEZGODA John J. John J. Niezgoda, 58, of Curtice, Ohio, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2008, in the Cleveland Clinic. John was born in Toledo, Ohio on December 17, 1949, to Leonard and Virginia (Palecki) Niezgoda. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Toledo. While at UT John played linebacker and was a member of the famous 35 - 0 football team. Mr. Niezgoda was employed as a foreman for over 30 years at Allied Building Products. He and his wife Carol served as foster and adoptive parents with the Lucas County Children Services for over 20 years. His great pride as the father of 14 children and 3 grandchildren was only outweighed by the sacrifices he made every year to make his children's dreams come true. John was a member of the Varsity T Club at UT and the Cooley Canal Yacht Club. He loved fishing, gardening and model trains but might be best known for his outstanding pie baking ability. He will be remembered for his incredible strength and persistence as he fought valiantly against his cancer for over 5 months in the Cleveland Clinic. Surviving are his loving wife, Carol; mother, Virginia; children, Audrey (Mike) Jones, Chad, Brittany, Deanna, Andy, Daniel, Sabrina, Micki, Miranda, Marissa, Chris, Mariah, Kyle and Marcus; grandchildren, Angelita, Makenzi and one future granddaughter on the way; sisters, Mary Ann (Jim) Perko, Diane (Mario) Leguizamon and mother-in-law, Ruth Vogelbacher. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard and father-in-law, Daniel. Visitation for friends and family will be held Tuesday from 2 to 9 p.m. in the Eggleston Meinert Pavley, Millbury Chapel, 1111 Woodville Road. Cooley Canal Yacht Club services will be at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in St. Peter Lutheran Church, 17877 W. State Route 579 in Martin, Ohio. Interment will follow in Elliston Cemetery. Memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to the John Niezgoda Family Fund at the Huntington Bank. www.egglestonmeinert.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Niezgoda

Not sure what to say?





Larry Russell

October 13, 2023

One of Central Catholic's best. Sorry I didn't stay in touch. He was a humble, happy and friendly team mate.

Jack Martin

December 11, 2020

Spending my youth with John was a great adventure.

Craig Jacobs

December 1, 2008

John was always a gentleman. I graduated with John in 1968 and even though I saw him maybe once a year after that,the memories were strong. He will be missed by all. I wish I would have been able to go to the funeral but I found out too late. All my prayers are with his Family. John you definetely left a strong Impression on all of Us.

Donald Vogelbacher

November 27, 2008

My deepest sympathy goes out to all., God speed with all my blessings.
Donald Vogelbacher

Ron Davis

November 27, 2008

My regards to the entire Neizgoda family.John was a teammate who had a "quiet greatness", no talk, all action.However,his greastest gift,contribution, was that he was a family man who loved and cared for his wife,and children.They are his legacy and his spirit.John's spirit will always be remembered.

Lori Sadowski

November 26, 2008

I am so sad to hear of John's passing. I knew him a long time ago.
He was a very kind and wonderful man.
My thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife and children.

Jacque Bergsman

November 26, 2008

My thoughts are with you and yours. I have the fondest memories of Niezy from TU that I can keep in my heart forever

Kathy Kurtz-Coffey

November 25, 2008

Carol & family:
My prayer's are with you during this trying time. John was a wonderful and loving person who opened his heart as well as his home for many children. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

Dinah Connell

November 25, 2008

I'm so very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband John. It's very difficult to lose someone you love. My heart and my thoughts are with you. Dinah Connell (Dolores Patton's daughter)

Nancy Blust Chew

November 25, 2008

Just wanted the family to know, how wonderful John was at CCHS. He was in several of my classes and my American History class with Mr Rozanski was the best. John was forever picked one and he loved it. Also my sister married a football player of that Toledo University team and they do keep in touch with each other. It was from Charlie Burgbacher that I heard about your illness. Peace to the family, and ALWAYS TREASURE THE MEMORIES.

Deb Novin

November 25, 2008

Dear Carol and family,
What a journey it has been for you. I am so saddened by your loss. Such a kind and loving man John was. You were the perfect couple with the largest of hearts. God be with you at this hard time, and hope you can all gather strength from Him. Hold on tight to your memories of your wonderful husband. It was an honor to have known him. God bless you and the kids.

Valerie Virag

November 25, 2008

Carol, Chad and Niezgoda kids,
Our heart is breaking for your loss. Pierce sends his love to you all from Iraq. John was the best man a family and woman could want. He will live on in our hearts forever.
Love Val, Paul and Pierce Virag

Dan Simrrell

November 25, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to John and his family. Thanks for the memories John, and for taking me along on the ride, back in the Fall of 1971.
Dan Simrell

Joanne Jaber

November 25, 2008

Dear Carol, Kyle and children, My heartfelt condolences extend beyond words to you. You are in my prayers. John was a kind and warm gentleman. Your father loved his children and wife first and foremost. He was a blessing to you and those who knew him. You made memories to last a lifetime and cherish. May you be comforted by family, and friends. With love, Joanne and Suzanne Jaber

Jan Fought Brown

November 24, 2008

I am so saddened that a good life was taken too soon. Some of my best and funniest memories are of Niezy in college. I will remember him as an outstanding athlete and a sensitive and caring man with wonderful sense of humor. It seems like yesterday. My sympathy to John's family and to his closest friends.

Dale Vogelbacher

November 24, 2008

Carol and Kids,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. John will always be in our prayers. May you and the kids take comfort in the fact that his suffering is over, and he is in Gods hands now.
All our love
Dale and Barb

Deborah Steinline

November 24, 2008

I was very saddened to hear of your husband's death, Carol. Carol Ward called me this morning. My thoughts are with you and your family. Deb Steinline (Dolores Patton's daughter).

Lorrie Festa

November 24, 2008

Dearest Aunt Carol, Our Deepest thoughts are with you. He will be missed.
Love You much Your Neice
Lorrie, Lou,
Brandon,Trina

Tammy Battista

November 24, 2008

Peace be with you and your family through this very hard time.

Patty Sopko

November 24, 2008

My sincerest condolences to the family. I did not personally know John, only through my father who had only wonderful words of praise for him. One of the last projects my father, Ducky Lewis, was working on before he died was a letter to get U.T. to retire John's number (#56). I have never seen my dad so determined and it was at that moment that I knew John was someone special to him.

andy Langenderfer

November 24, 2008

My deepest sympathy for the Niezgoda family. You and your entire family are in our prayers.

Nichole Gerschutz

November 24, 2008

John meant so much to so many people. I am so sadden for your loss. My thought and prayers will be with you and your family.
God Bless

Su Drake

November 24, 2008

Dear Carol and all the children,
I want you to know that it has been a great honor to work with John and your family and to know John as a father and a person. He taught me so much about the meaning of family and acceptance and love and laughter. His example of what a father should be will live on forever.
He will be greatly missed. My heart is with you.
Sincerely,
Su Drake

judy noonan

November 24, 2008

with deepest sympathy.
Pat & Judy Noonan

PAT ROBINSON

November 24, 2008

DEANNA AND FAMILY,DEEPLY SORRY ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER,GAD HIS MEMORIESLIVE ON IN ALL YOUR HEARTS,AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL,LOVE UNCLE PAT AND FAMILY

Marvin Dunseth

November 24, 2008

My condolences to the Niezgoda family. I knew John from the "Glory Days" at U. T. when I was part of the wonderful "Family" that went 35 - 0. May God Bless You All.

kristen little

November 24, 2008

i am very sorry an our thoughts an prayers are with the family ... the littls ...

Robin Reese

November 24, 2008

To Carol and the Niezgoda children, I was so sadden to hear about Mr. Niezgoda's passing. It is not often that you meet a couple that is so dedicated to making life better for others. Mr. Niezgoda was a man amongst men; he was a leader on the athletic field, in his community and in his home. He will be greatly missed by the staff in the Placement department at Children Services. I am sure he will soon hear the words "well done my good and faithful servant".

adam eilerts

November 24, 2008

My condolences are with the family I worked with John from 98 to 2005 at allied building products, i will miss him.

SSGT Eilerts Adam S
USMC

Becky Kidd

November 24, 2008

We are terribly sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Wayne & Becky Kidd

Al Baker

November 24, 2008

My sincere condolences to the entire Neizgoda family. John was a great teammate and an even greater husband and father. He was truly a unique person that "walked the walk", seeking no recognition for the unselfish manner in which he conducted his life. He will never be forgotten.

Mark Myers

November 24, 2008

So sad. Peace be with you.

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

Make a Donation
in John Niezgoda's name

Memorial Events
for John Niezgoda

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support John's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor John Niezgoda's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more