John Hercules Gliatas

Surrounded by his loving family, John H. Gliatas, age 86, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. He joined the love of his life, Minnie, with whom he shared fifty-two years of marriage. Throughout his lifetime, he struggled with numerous illnesses and fought his way back each time, living up to his middle name, “Hercules.” We called him our Energizer Bunny.

John was born in Racine, October 13, 1924, son of the late Hercules J. and Panagiota (Nee: Marcopoulos) Gliatas. He was a graduate of Park High School “Class of 1942” and furthered his education at the University of Madison, earning a business degree in June of 1950. John always said that he lived the American Dream and he proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. On August 7, 1948, John was united in marriage to Minnie DeLorenzo at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She preceded him in death, March 18, 2001.

Throughout his career John was employed by John Hancock as an Insurance agent and by Massey Ferguson for many years until his retirement in 1985. He was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. John enjoyed gardening, Lucyniors, watching Sunday professional football games, especially the Green Bay Packers, family reunions, an occasional glass of Metaxa and above all, being with his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather who lived for his family and was truly an inspiration to each of us. His kind and gentle spirit, as well as his sense of humor, will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Survivors include his five daughters, Barbara (Terry) Doebereiner of Racine, Linda (Noel) Dahlke of Union Grove, Diane (Dr. Richard) DeFurio, Patricia (Robert) Magruder, all of Racine, Kathleen (Les) Horvath of AZ; his thirteen grandchildren, Michael (Jaime) Doebereiner, Jenni (Scott) Kirn, Katie (Todd) Witek, Dan (Candie) Dahlke, Becky (Levi) Conley, Sarah (Matt) Blazek, Liz Dahlke, Gina (Dave) Schmitz, Katie DeFurio, Marie DeFurio, Dr. David DeFurio, Kayleen Magruder (fiancé, Ryan Moll), Kris Magruder; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary (John) Gouris of Racine; brother, Themy H. (Margaret “Midge”) Gliatas of OH; Godchildren, Catherine Ledford and John Beggi; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his Godson, David Marino.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 24, 2011, at 10 a.m. at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 10 a.m. Memorials to St. Lucy Catholic Church have been suggested.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Michael Mullane and staff, Homewatch CareGivers, Union Grove Veterans Home – Boland Hall 3 West Staff (past two years), Dr. Berce and Med 3 Staff – Wheaton Franciscan-St. Mary’s Medical Center and Hospice Care (past two weeks) for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888