John Ciko, Jr.

John Ciko Jr. left this world on April 27, 2020.  He was a great man.  He was not great because he was a famous person or a public figure, he was great because of how he lived his life and how he treated all the people around him.  He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend.

His life was very difficult from the start, yet he never mentioned the challenges he endured.  His parents died when he was very young and he was taken in by relatives. Through hard work and perseverance, he found a way to attend college - the University of Pittsburgh, Class of 1952.  Thereafter, he served in the Army in the Korean War.  He then attended Dickinson School of Law, Class of 1957.  His legal career led him to H.J. Heinz where he proudly worked in the legal department for over 30 years, becoming a highly respected senior corporate lawyer and beloved colleague.

More impressive than his career was his dedication to his wife, family and anyone in need.  Having been an orphan, he had a place in his heart for the less fortunate.   In addition to being a devout Catholic, who prayed for countless people over time, he supported anyone in need.  He felt blessed and appreciated everything in his life and was always willing to share that blessing.

As a husband and father he was without equal.  He was the most dedicated and loving husband for over 60 years to his wife Mary.  They were the best of friends and  shared a six decade romance like few others. While they traveled the world, tended their gardens and enjoyed their friends, he always treated her with love, respect and devotion.  As a father he took care of his children, teaching them through positive actions and hard work. He worked hard to ensure that his children were educated at the best colleges and had everything they needed.

Everyone who met him came away feeling more positive about their lives and how they could overcome any tough situation.  His life was a glowing example of how a single individual can make the world a better place.  May we all learn by the example of how he lived his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Kapetan Ciko, his son, John Ciko III and his wife Sherri, his son Christopher Ciko and his wife Veronica and his daughter, Eva Ciko Carman and her husband Jim.  He will be missed every day by his nine grandchildren John and Luci (father, John III), Samuel and Kate (mother, Eva), and Joshua, Chana, Ruthie, Daniel and Avraham (father, Christopher) and by his many friends.

A wake will be held in his honor in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, May 6th from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.  During that time, the family will welcome anyone wishing to pay their respects at Laughlin Cremation and Funeral Tributes, 222 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon (Pgh), PA 15216.  As church services are not currently an option, a blessing service will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m.  For those who, due to these challenging times, do not wish to attend in person, you may attend the 11:00 blessing via live stream at laughlinfuneralhome.com

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