John Ocepek

John Ocepek, 71, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on September 22, 2020. He is survived by his adoring wife and soulmate of 40 years, Jane, (nee Pendleton), and their two devoted children Julie (Steven) Genter and Jason (Kimberly) Ocepek.

John was born on October 12, 1948 in Cleveland, Ohio, the city he called home. As a young man, John enlisted in the Air Force and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.

"Johnny O” worked as an Ironworker for over 30 years. He walked high above on the steel beams helping to shape Cleveland’s beautiful skyline. His fingerprints are on Cleveland’s tallest buildings and most treasured landmarks including the Medical Mutual Building, the entire Gateway Complex and the Orangutan Cage at the Cleveland Zoo just to name a few. One of his proudest accomplishments in this city was building Key Tower from the ground up and signing the top beam upon completion.

John, a true Clevelander and proud Slovenian, enjoyed everything his city offered including the heritage, the sports and the walleye in Lake Erie earning him the nickname “Johnny Walleye”.

John was a brother-in-law, a cousin, and a friend to so many. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Ocepek, and his brother Jerry.

John was an exceptional husband, father, and man. He was the love of Jane’s life. He was loved deeply by his family and friends and his death brings them a tremendous loss. His legacy of hard work, family and love will live on through them. Funeral services will be private. A celebration of John’s life, legacy, and love is being planned for a later date.

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