John Lako, Jr.

With his son, John, by his side, John Lako, Jr. “Tick”, age 96, of Jere, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024, after a brief illness.

Born on August 2, 1927, in Jere, John was a son of the late Mary Gorsky Holepit Lako and John Lako, Sr. In 1949, after being honorably discharged as Sergeant with the United States Marine Corps, John began employment with Christopher Coal Company Pursglove No. 15 Mine, where he would work until his retirement in 1989.

Roman Catholic by faith, John was a a prior member of St. Ursula Church and one of the parishioners who helped to start St. Ursula’s Food in Pantry Pursglove. After St. Ursula’s closure, he a became member of St. Mary Church, Star City. John was also a member Of UMWA Local Union 2122.

In his younger years, John was an avid small game hunter and fisherman. He always looked forward to the spring when he could begin planting both his vegetable and flower gardens. John was willing to lend a helping hand to those who might need any type of help or assistance.

John is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Sophie Growsky Lako, and his son, John (Jean Marcouyeux) of Morgantown, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Gizella Barko, Irene Burian, and Cornella Kun Sparks, and brothers William and Bailey Lako and Joseph, Lewis, John, Robert, Edward, and Steven Holepit.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Blatt and the nursing staff and Assistants, 4th Floor, Mon General Hospital, for the kind comfort and care they provided John during his final days.

Private burial services for the immediate family were held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Father Brian Crenwelge officiating. Donations in John’s memory may be sent to St. Ursula Food Pantry and Outreach, P.O. Box 18, 87 Pursglove Road, Pursglove, WV, 26546.