John Lesko

John Lesko, 94, of Girard died on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Fairview Manor.

He was born, May 24, 1930, a son to the late John J. and Anna M. (Groff) Lesko.

John graduated from Rice Avenue Union High School in 1948, where he was a standout baseball player for the Yellow Jackets. His love for the game led him to play with the Washington Senators in Florida and in 1950 he became a professional baseball player with the New Castle Senators.

As the Korean War began, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1951. He served honorably and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. After his honorable discharge, he returned home to Girard.

On April 24, 1954, John married the love of his life and lifelong partner, Dorothy M. (Sursely) Lesko. He worked various jobs to support his growing family, and with his wife's support and his sons by his side, he founded Lesko Enterprises in 1976; a manufacturing company that produced plastic parts and shipped them across the country. John dedicated his life to the company, continuing to work there until the age of 89.

John was an active member of his community, involved in many organizations throughout his life. He served as the Lake City Tax Collector and was a Fourth Degree Faithful Navigator with the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Girard American Legion Post #494 and a faithful parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where he was deeply involved in church activities. He was also a member of St. Jude's the Apostle Church after moving to Millcreek Township.

Above all, John cherished the time spent with his family. Together with his wife, he traveled to all 50 states, creating memories that would last a lifetime. He adored his grandchildren, always ready with a joke or two to share. A true do-it-yourselfer, John took pride in being self-sufficient. He cared deeply for his home, spending countless hours in the yard alongside his beloved wife, always striving to make it just a bit better.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy M. (Sursely).

He will be greatly missed by his family which includes his sons, Stephen Lesko (Valeria Huya) and Eugene Lesko; daughter, Margaret McCaslin (Kirk); grandchildren, Mark Lesko (Randy), Matthew Lesko, Christopher Pearson, Alex Pearson (Angelia), Sara McGovern (Kevin), Daniel McCaslin; great-grandchildren, Micha Lesko, Jackson Lesko, Wyatt Brown, Zachary McGovern, Abigail McGovern, Logan Pearson; brothers, Robert “Ted” Lesko, Jerry Lesko (June); and sister, Joyce Kulyk (Larry).

A special thank you to Renee and Jessica, who showed so much compassion during John's final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Lake Fire Department, 3762 West Lake Road, Erie, PA 16505, or to Because You Care, 6041 West Rd., McKean, PA 16426. 

Friends may call on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Edder Family Funeral Home, LLC, located at 309 Main St. E., Girard. Prayers preceding mass will be held at the funeral home the following day, Thursday, at 9:30 am followed immediately by a Catholic Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church located at 1001 Main Street East, Girard. Burial will take place at St. Johns Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Lesko, please visit our floral store.