John M. Harkelroad

HURON - John Milton Harkelroad, the Lord’s faithful servant, has gone to his heavenly rest Saturday, November 2, 2019. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He was born March 9, 1940, the oldest of three children, to Milton and Alma Harkelroad, and was raised in Sandusky.

John attended both elementary and high school at St. Mary Central Catholic where a strong faith and close friendships were forged with the Class of 1958. He was a standout athlete, earning basketball SBC most valuable player.  Upon graduation he went to work at Lorain Ford and also served in the United States Army. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Sharon Legando. Together they raised six children, devoting their lives to God and family.

John is fondly remembered as a long-time Huron businessman who built and opened Huron Harbor Drive Thru, Pizza House carry out, and Dockside Pizza, the latter of which he owned and operated from 1980 to 1995.  Among his joys in life were cooking (especially Thanksgiving dinner), attending his children and grandchildren's many events, travel and vacations with his wife, family, and friends, and Monday night league bowling at Star Lanes followed by a game of cards at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Though quiet, he truly loved being surrounded by family and friends.

He is survived by his six children: daughters Amy (Mark) Claus, Lee Ann (Rick) Reinbolt, Molly (Kerk) Ryan, Katie Harkelroad; his two sons, John (Laura) Harkelroad, and Joe (Amanda) Harkelroad; 16 grandchildren; sisters, Mary (Robert) Hanck and Kathleen (Greg) Gearhart.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Sharon, and his parents, Milton and Alma.   

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at St. Peter Church Gathering Space, 430 Main St., Huron. Funeral mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at St. Peter Church. Burial will be in Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky 44870, Cancer Services, 505 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870, or to St. Peter Church, Huron.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, 410 Main St., Huron, is handling the arrangements. Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be shared with the family at fosterfh.com.

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