NEW MIDDLETOWN- A service will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 3900 Villa Marie Road in Lowellville, for John J. Mraulak, 85, who died Friday March 31, at Masternick Memorial Health Care Center, surrounded by his family. John's daughter, Eva Smith was his care taker.

John was born in Bessemer, PA, on Feb, 5, 1932, a son of John and Catherine Burick Mraulak. He lived in the area his entire life and attended Struthers High School, but did not graduate in order that he could help support his family.

He worked at Pssarelli Body Shop as a sander and then went to work at Pittsburgh Coke and Chemical, followed by Sharon Steel and then Youngstown Sheet and Tube.

John was of the Catholic faith and was a member of the United Steel Workers union.

His nickname was "Gypsy" because he enjoyed wandering around on his own terms. He enjoyed poker machines , playing games on the computer, puzzle books and playing 500 bid. The senior groups he traveled with were St. Nicholas Arco Club and AARP. He lit up the room with his smile and big blue eyes. The ladies loved him.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation for the care John received from his doctors, nurses and aids, especially Red and Black.

John leaves a son John M. (Laurie) Mraulak of East Palestine, a daughter , Eva (Steve) Smith of Poland; a brother , Peter (VITA) Mraulak of Struthers; and two grandchildren, Katie and Nick Mraulak. John was preceded in death by his parents.