Obituary of John Martin Szarek

SZAREK, John Martin - Passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Niagara Health System at the age of 82. Beloved husband of Mary (nee Vetrecin) for 50 years. Cherished father of Mark and Lynn and Susan and Mike. Loving grandfather of Austin and Alyson. Special brother of Walter of Kingston, Ontario. Brother-in-law of George and Shirley, John and Irene and the late Steve and Ethel. He is predeceased by his parents Anthony and Sophie. John was a Maintenance Machinist at TRW (Thompson Products) until he retired in 1999. He was an accomplished musician and played in several dance bands in the Niagara area from a young age. John was an excellent craftsman, especially in woodworking and furniture building. He was an active lifelong member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in St. Catharines. John's spirit of devotion and caring will be sorely missed by his family and countless friends. The family wishes to extend a sincere thank-you to all of the Medical Team for their care and compassion. The family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Tuesday, March 22nd from 2-4p.m. & 7-9p.m. Vigil Prayers will take place on Tuesday at 3p.m. in the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 5 Oblate Street, St. Catharines on Wednesday, March 23rd at 10a.m. Rite of Committal at Victoria Lawn Cemetery to follow. Memorial donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.