John Holko

John Holko, 84, lifelong resident of Stamford, CT, peacefully passed away on Saturday afternoon, February 7, 2015, with his loving family at his side. John was born in Stamford on June 11, 1930 and was one of six children born to the late Paul and Mary (Kushubar) Holko. John attended Stamford Public Schools and graduated from Stamford High School with the Class of 1948. He then went on to proudly serve his country with the 172 Infantry Division of the United States Army and was based in Munich, Germany during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return home, John worked for Conde Nast Publishing and married his beloved wife, Arline Svrchek in 1958. John left his job at Conde Nast to attended the Police Academy and he joined the Stamford Police Department in 1960 where he served the community for 30 years as a police officer. After retiring from the SPD John worked for Stamford Parks & Recreation as the tram driver at Cove Island Park, and most recently as a school crossing guard for K.T. Murphy Elementary in the Cove area of Stamford. John was a humble, quiet and caring man. Throughout his life he liked to bowl and loved to play and watch the game of baseball, which earned him the nickname of "Longball". He especially loved following and watching his beloved NY Mets. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed planting flowers and many varieties of vegetables. He was a faithful member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, a church he loved, and where he served on the board of trustees and as an usher. Above everything, John was a dedicated son, brother, husband and father and a proud family man who loved nothing more than spending time with his loved ones. John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Arline Holko, of Stamford, and his children; Susan Stratoudakis and James A. Holko, both of Weston. He is also survived by three sisters; Margaret Munko, of Cranston, RI, Helen Stratoudakis, of Stamford, and Marion (Jack) Jablonski, also of Stamford, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his son, John Paul Holko, two brothers, Joseph and Paul Holko, and a brother-in-law, Paul Munko. Friends and family may offer their condolences to John's family on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 from 4pm to 7pm at Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Ave., Stamford, CT 06902. A funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 11th at 11am at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 265 Seaside Avenue, in Stamford, CT. The Rev. Jack Breznen will be officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service at Woodland Cemetery, 66 Woodland Place, in Stamford. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider making a contribution in John's memory to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 265 Seaside Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT.

John Holko

June 11, 1930 - February 7, 2015