John Garbo

JOHN ROGER GARBO, SR.Born: October 10, 1916 Died: December 22, 2006 Born the son of Philip and Lilla Garbo in Cleveland, Ohio on October 10, 1916. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He served in the United States Army for four years during World War II, rising to the rank of First Sergeant. His entire tour of duty was spent at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Maryland. After the war, he returned to Cleveland with his wife and three young children to work at his father ’s company, The Garbo Decorating Company. John started his own painting business in 1952, and he owned and operated the J.R. Garbo Painting Company for nearly fifty years. John grew his business into one of the largest paint contracting companies in Cleveland, carrying out many projects in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois.Next to his family, the pride of his life was the land he purchased from ‘Doc ‘ Cutler in Willoughby Hills, Ohio in 1955. Consisting of twenty-four acres, the land contained a small brick house, two beautiful barns and several utility buildings. Along with his two sons, Phil and Jack, he worked tirelessly for many years transforming the property into a beautiful estate, on which he lived until moving to Sarasota, Florida in September of 2006. He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Michaelene ‘Micki ‘ Garbo, his three children, Nancy, Phil and Jack, and two stepsons, Jim and Bob Lighthizer. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, four of his seven sisters, Ina Henderer, Beatrice Burkhardt, Eleanor Majestic, and Olga Cassiere as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, three sisters, Grace Garbo, Diva Etzler, and Eva Fike and three grandsons, Bobby Lighthizer, John Roger Garbo (who was named after him) and Conor Lighthizer. John was much loved, and deeply respected. He was a man of principle, dedication, and duty. He was quick-witted, hard working and he was remarkably generous, particularly with his family and friends. He took quiet pleasure in the success of the many people he helped throughout his long, unique, and interesting life. He is deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 10 AM at DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home, 28890 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, where family will receive friends Friday, 4-8 PM. Entombment following in Knollwood Mausoelum.