John G. Macala, 80

John G. Macala

CAMPBELL – John G. Macala, 80, died on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, after a short illness. Family and friends paid their respects at the Wasko Funeral Home Sunday, Oct. 31.

A Panachida was held Monday, Nov. 1, at the Wasko Funeral Home and a Holy Liturgy with a funeral Mass was held at St. Michael Byzantine Rite Catholic Church.

Mr. Macala was born in Campbell, on April 13, 1930, the son of John and Helen Purda Macala.

He graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1947. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948 and proudly served until 1953, attaining the rank of sergeant.

Following his service in the Marine Corps, he returned to the area and on May 16, 1954, married the love of his life, Mary Lou Baka. They made their home together in Campbell and a daughter, Linda was born, followed by a son, Brian, to complete the family.

Mr. Macala worked for the Allied Chemical Company of Youngstown and subsequently for Malone-Day Company for 25 years in industrial sales. He retired from employment in 1989.

He was a lifetime member of St. Michael Byzantine Rite Catholic Church and was very proud of his Carpatho-Rusyn heritage, being fluent in his native tongue. He was a member of the church’s Civic Club for 50 years and served as president of that organization from 1965 to 1975. He also was active in Greek Catholic Union Lodge 360, being a lifetime member.

Mr. Macala was involved in civic matters in Campbell for many years. During the 1960s, he was active with the “Dollar for Scholars” college scholarship program in Campbell. He served as the president of the original Charter Commission of Campbell in 1969 and led the effort that brought Home Rule Government to the city. Mr. Macala was twice a candidate for mayor of Campbell in 1971 and 1973. He served on the Campbell Charter Review Commissions in 1975 and 1985.

Campbell Memorial and Youngstown State University athletics, politics, golfing, Cleveland Indians baseball and basketball were all interests in his life, but his real passion was toward his family. He spent many hours and days engaged in and around his family and in his later years, especially centered upon his grandchildren.

Mr. Macala is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Lou, and his children, Linda Macala of Boardman and Attorney Brian J. Macala of Campbell. Also left to preserve his memory are his grandchildren, Leslie Cusano and Craig Cusano of Boardman; his sister, Dorothy Lisko of Campbell; and sisters-in-law Ann Matvey of Villa Maria, Pa., and Mary Macala of Florida.

He also will be remembered by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Peter Macala.

The Macala family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home. Visit waskofamily.com to view this obituary.