Obituaries

John Robert Lavery, was born December 8, 1931, to Bill and Leila Lavery in River Rouge, Michigan. He met the love of his life in high school, Blanche Thomas, and they were married on June 13,1953. John received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University where he was a member of the varsity swim team.

John and Blanche spent two years in Washington DC while John served in the United States Air Force. Following his discharge from the Air Force they returned to Detroit area to settle into life as a married couple. Together they were blessed with two daughters, Jane, and Alice. John’s rapid career advancement moved the family of 4 to Dayton, OH where John worked in quality control at NCR. He received his MBA from University of Dayton in 1969. His career took him and his family to Canton, OH, St. Louis, MO, Cincinnati, OH and Tampa, FL. Upon his retirement, John and Blanche settled between Toledo and Cincinnati, living close to their daughters and grandchildren.

He was a longtime active member of the Elks Lodge. The most memorable thing about John and Blanche was their ballroom dancing. What started out as a neighborhood dance group became a lifelong hobby for them both. They enjoyed it immensely, dancing several times a week and competing in national competitions. Blanche is one happy gal, as the love of her life has joined her again for a nice fast cha-cha!

John was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche of 55 years; beloved daughter, Alice Lavery; brother, William Lavery; sister, Judy Peterson; and special friend, Jane Tucker. He is survived by his daughter, Jane (Steve) Wurth; grandchildren, Robert (Cindy) Wurth, Stephanie (Blake) Pilgrim, Emily Kramp, and Kelsey (Kyle) Lally; 7 great-grandchildren; nephew, Bill (Luann) Driscoll; and special friend, Poly Tate.

Arrangements for John will be private. Memorial donations may be given to the Maumee Elks Lodge #1850.