John R. Sobieralski, 80, of Redfield Road, Niles, passed away on Thursday morning at his home, surrounded by his family, after an extended illness.

He was born on March 9, 1929 in East Chicago, Ind. to the late Felix and Florence (Dombrowski) Sobieralski.

On Oct. 7, 1950 John married Harriet Kiell at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Niles.
In 1953, John built his own home where his family lived for more than 50 years. He continued to share his passion of woodworking with his wife. As a family, John, Harriet and their children had many wonderful camping trips.

John retired from Bendix in 1993 where he had been a supervisor of the brake division. He also served for many years on the Brandywine School Board. After retirement he was able to spend some of his time on his hobbies including fishing, playing golf and traveling. John loved farming and enjoyed spending time on his tractor.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard Sobieralski.
John is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Harriet Sobieralski, of Niles; three daughters, Debbie Gruenhagen (Craig Scott), of Merritt Island, Fla., Carol Colligan (Gilles Gervais), of Austin, Texas, and Sandy Birczak (Todd Birczak), of Bradenton, Fla.; three grandchildren, Derek Gruenhagen, Chelsea Birczak and Nathan Birczak, all of Florida; great-grandson, Rowan Gruenhagen.

A time of visitation will be held Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, Niles with a rosary service at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles at 11 a.m. Monday Nov. 23.

A committal service will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions can be made in John’s memory to St. Mark Catholic Church.
Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.