Frank Wojtko, 88, Auto-Racing Enthusiast
Frank Wojtko, age 88, of Lorain, died Wednesday August 14, 2002 at Anchor Lodge Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mr. Wojtko was born in Hemlock, Ohio and had been a resident of Lorain since 1921.He was the proprietor of Wojtko Garage, which was originally located at 2847 Fulton Avenue; and later moved to Oberlin Avenue. Prior to starting his own business, Mr. Wojtko was employed as a foreman in the Blast Furnace Dept. of US Steel's Lorain Works.
He was a parishioner of St. Ladislaus Catholic Church where he was a member of the Holy Name Society.
Mr. Wojtko was an auto-racing enthusiast and he raced stock cars locally from 1952 through 1962; he helped in the conceptualization and construction of the Lorain County Speedway and was a charter member of the Lorain County Speedway Association. He also served on the speedway's Safety Committee. He was a member of the South Lorain Businessman's Association as well.
Survivors include his daughter: Beverly Tokarczyk of Lorain, sons: Charles and Richard both of Vermilion, 6 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, one great great grandson, and sisters: Mary Belgreaves of Lorain, Bertha Reisner of Amherst, and Irene Tricoff of Mansfield.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Julia (nee Kelly) in 1995, by his parents: Alex and Elizabeth (nee Beres) Wojtko, and by sisters: Elizabeth Jobigy, Julia Nieznik, and by brothers: Alex and Steve.
Friend s may call Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel - 3224 Broadway - Lorain. Funeral services will be Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel and will be followed by his funeral mass at 10 a.m. in St. Ladislaus Catholic Church - 1412 East 29th Street - Lorain. The Rev. Patrick Shields, administrator of St. Ladislaus Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery - Lorain.