Obituary: John M. Goloback (1924 – 2011)

Posted By on June 7, 2011

I debate including obituaries of people I know, but after remembering the 67th anniversary of D-Day yesterday, it seems appropriate to recognize the life of John M. Goloback. Brenda and I want to offer our condolences to Mark and his family on the passing of their father … and I wanted to share the life someone deserving my admiration and respect as a husband, father and as an American.

johnmgolobackJohn M. Goloback

Born in Escanaba, MI on Dec. 13, 1924
Departed on Jun. 5, 2011 and resided in Royal Oak, MI.

John was born December 13, 1924 in Escanaba, MI to Marco and Bertha Goloback.
John’s family was, by far, the most important thing in his life; everything else paled in comparison. He was married to his wife, Beverly, for 65 years, and cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. John’s favorite hobby was woodworking. He often worked with oak and pine, and crafted many pieces for his home, his family, and his friends. John and Beverly have lived in Royal Oak since 1949, and raised their family there. One other important part of John’s life was his faith. He believed it carried him through his tours of duty in World War II, and he never turned his back on that faith ever since. He was a founding member of St. Dennis in Royal Oak, and most recently, was a parishioner at Holy Name Church in Birmingham.

It is very fitting that John’s funeral service is this week because he was a part of the D-Day invasion in World War II of Normandy, France Specifically, he was a part of D-Day +2. John was drafted into the Army just after his 19th birthday. In addition to Normandy, John fought in northern France, the Rhineland, the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), and central Europe. John was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Good Conduct Medal for his service. He was honorably discharged from the Army Oct. 7, 1945 with the rank of Corporal.

John worked for the Burroughs Corporation for 34 years. He retired in 1981 as Manager of Production Control for the company’s International Division.

Beloved father of Mark, Mary Schaum (Richard), Michael (Deborah), Maureen Metz (Keith) and Michele Myles (Scott). Loving grandfather of nine and great grandfather of five. Brother of Mary Thivierge. Preceded in death by his parents Marco and Bertha, brothers Joseph and Steven and granddaughter Beth Schaum.

Family will receive friends at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward (btwn 13-14 Mile) Wednesday 2-8p.m. Rosary 7p.m.
Funeral Mass Thursday 10a.m. at Holy Name Church, 630 Harmon at Woodland, Birmingham. Visitation at church begins 9:30am.

Memorial tributes to Hospice of Michigan

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