Emil J. Saloka
Emil J. Saloka, age 95, of Munson Township, formerly of Claridon Township, peacefully passed away on April 20, 2024, at Maplewood of Chardon in Munson.
Born Oct. 28, 1928, in Johnstown, Pa., to the late John and Johanna (nee Piroch) Saloka, Emil moved to Cleveland in 1953 and then off to Geauga County in 1974, where he built the family home.
Emil was a self-employed finish carpenter who, in addition, subcontracted for Snyder Homes, Living Homes, Williamsburg Homes and Payne & Payne Builders. He was one of the hardest working guys you’ve ever met, and everything was a “piece of cake.”
Emil was the personification of the American Dream. He was the son of a Pennsylvania coal miner, knew what hard work was and started at an early age. His famous saying was “measure twice, cut once.”
If you don’t count polkas, he loved four things: faith, family, country and work. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany.
Post retirement, Emil volunteered at St. Helen’s Catholic Church as a carpenter/handyman. His hobbies were fishing, deer bow hunting, bowling, gardening, apple orchard, cigar chewing and teaching his children how to dance the polka.
Emil is survived by his wife of 68 years, Margaret (nee Zahuranec) Saloka; children, Joseph Saloka, Teresa (Jim) Adamic, Annemarie (Jeff) Wenner and Susan (Marc) Pillot; grandchildren, Jay Adamic, Gregory Wenner, Mary Adamic, Tim Pillot, Heather (Max) Beukeman and Donald (Tabatha) Adamic; and great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Willow, Fern and Trevor.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Frank, John, Edward, Genevive, Ethal and Mary Jane.
The family will receive family and friends on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., at St. Helen Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon Township.
The family wishes to thank extended family, staff at Maplewood of Chardon, Assisted Living and Hospice of the Western Reserve for the care and help afforded them.
The family requests donations to St. Helen Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury, OH 44065.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
