John Terlesky, 92

YOUNGSTOWN - John Terlesky, 92, former Youngstown police chief, passed away Monday, Jan. 1, 2007, at Park Vista Retirement Center where he had been a resident for the past two years.
He was born June 9, 1914 in Youngstown, the eldest child of the late Wasyl and Anna Terlesky.
Mr. Terlesky graduated from The Rayen School in 1934, where he was a member of its football team, and lived on Youngstown’s north side his entire life.
He was a member of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church on Rayen Avenue, where his father was a charter member and helped establish the parish.
Mr. Terlesky joined the Youngstown Police Department in 1941 and rose through the ranks to sergeant in 1950, lieutenant in 1953, and Chief of Detectives in 1962. In 1964, he was appointed Chief of Police by then Mayor Anthony B. Flask, a position he held until 1970. Following Mayor Flask’s administration, he returned to the post of Detective Chief until his retirement in 1976.
During his 36-year career, he received numerous citations and recognitions for his work in the department. He was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police both during his career and in retirement, as well as of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Mr. Terlesky’s great interests in life centered around his family, his garden, bowling, and his favorite pastime of golf which he enjoyed for over 75 years. He will be remembered for his wit, humor, wisdom and the love he showed to his family and they take comfort in the knowledge that he provided them with an exemplary life upon which to build.
He leaves to cherish his memory two sons, William (Nancy) Terlesky of Boardman and Thomas Terlesky (Pat Treganowen) of Naples, Fla.; two daughters, Nancy Terlesky of Alexandria, Va., and Jean Kimmel of Poland; five grandsons, William (Anne) Terlesky of Cincinnati, David (Laura) Terlesky of Dublin, Ohio, Atty. James Kimmel of New York City and Andrew Kimmel and Martin Kimmel, both of Columbus; and two great-grandchildren, John William Terlesky and Sofia Katherine Terlesky. He also leaves many nieces and nephews to whom he remained close his entire life.
His wife, the former Ethel Polovischak, whom he married on Oct. 23, 1937, died on March 26, 1980.
He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jill Kimmel; sisters, Mary Terlesky and Ann Cepin; a brother, Michael Terlesky; and a daughter-in-law, Christine Heames Terlesky.
Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road in Youngstown, where a prayer service will be at 4:45 p.m.
Funeral services will begin at 9 a.m. Friday at the funeral home and continue at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church.
His family wishes to express their appreciation to the many physicians and care givers who attended to Mr. Terlesky during his illness, especially Dr. Ned Underwood, as well as the staff of Park Vista and Hospice of the Valley.
John’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to Park Vista Retirement Community, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, or to Hospice of the Valley in care of the funeral home.
Please visit www.kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary may be viewed and send condolences.