John Anton Kostelnik “Karnak” 60, of Medina, Ohio, passed away on May 27th after a long and courageous fight with Pancreatic Cancer. He was born on July 9, 1959 to Elmer (Nick) and Elsie (Durst) Kostelnik in Queens, New York. His family moved to Medina in 1968 and he was a 1977 graduate of Medina High School, where he loved being a part of the band. After graduation, John began working for USAir Airways, where he worked for many years before “retiring” from the airlines. He later spent time working for 3M and Sunless.
John met his wife Linda when living next door to her best friend in Berea, Ohio; they wed on July 11, 1987. They have two daughters, Christy (Jeremy) Gabler and Lindsay (Nick) Wilkins; four “Grands” as he called them, Jesse, Jacob, Aoife, and Maebh.
John had a great love of trains, planes and automobiles! He was an active member of N.O.R.M. (Northern Ohio Railway Museum) and enjoyed working on antique cars and going to car shows. But John’s biggest love was doing things with his family. He enjoyed spending time together as family, especially traveling. If he got to pick the vacation, everyone was heading on a cruise! In his down time, John enjoyed photography, drawing and painting, and was excited to share some of those pieces last year at the Medina County Fair. John was an active member of St. Matthew Church in Medina.
John was predeceased by his mother, Elsie, grandparents and many Aunts and Uncles. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, he is survived by his father and stepmother, Nick and Joyce Kostelnik; sister, Laura Beattie; brother, Matt (Laura) Kostelnik; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations to be made in John’s honor to your choice of St. Matthew Church (Youth Programs) 400 N. Broadway St., Medina, Ohio 44256 or the Northern Ohio Railway Museum P.O. Box 458 Chippewa Lake, Ohio 44215-0458. A private family graveside funeral will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery, and a Celebration of Life will be announced, when it is safe for us to gather in person.
The family would like to thank all who have helped during this difficult journey with meals, care, love, and support. Condolences and special memories can be shared with the family online at https://www.heritagecremationsociety.com/
Heritage Cremation Society
800-864-2295
Ken DeMichael says
I loved when he referred to his grandchildren as “grands.” I couldn’t have asked for a much better neighbor! RIP John. You will be missed.
Linda says
Thank you Ken
Christy says
Love that smiling face!
Bob Mitchell says
John was a great Guy. Loved working many years with john at USAir.
I loved following him on FB. He worked so hard refurbing his home and just got it finished. I loved sharing with him about his 56 Ford and his love for Trains, Planes and cars. Was glad I got to see him last year. Rest in Peace John and God keep you in his care.
God Bless Linda and all your family.
Linda says
Thank you Bob, I know he thought highly of you
rose murphy says
so sorry for your loss! my prayers are with your whole family!
Anonymous says
Thank you Rose
Brian McKeighen says
I worked with John at Sunless Inc. and so enjoyed talking with him. He greeted me my first day and made me feel instantly welcome. Just a great guy, and he will be missed
Faye Marie Curtis says
To John’s family, our sincere sympathy to all at this loss, John used to attend church Prince of Peace Lutheran in Medina with his family , that is how we got to know all the family. We have been praying for him and God has given him peace and no more pain. God be with all the family at the loss of John.fiends Dale and Faye Curtis, family Dale(Buck) and Judy Curtis, Lora (Curtis) and Brian Kluk and Gary (Woody) Curtis
Keville and Dave Miller says
Linda,
So sorry for you and the girls loss. You and I go back a long way. John and I were co-workers at USAirways. Always loved Karnak’s dry humor and genuine caring nature. Blessing to all of you in this tough time.
Anonymous says
Thanks