HALOSZKA, John J. “Streaky”, 91, of Wheeling, W.Va., died Sunday, February 15, 2015 at Wheeling Hospital.
He was born December 4, 1923, in Wheeling, a son of the late Thomaz and Catherine Haloszka. He was a member of St. Joseph Cathedral in Wheeling and a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a 1943 graduate of McKinley Vocational School. He was a retired Dental Technician for the Wheeling Dental Laboratory and also worked for Wheeling Jesuit University. He was inducted into the OVAC Hall of Fame in 2010. He was also a member of the Cain Club and the Cave Club in Wheeling.
Streaky was a dedicated and colorful individual who was easily recognizable by his nickname. He spent 40 years as an official in the Ohio Valley, working high school games in football, basketball, softball, baseball, and track. He also officiated in the Wheeling Outdoor Basketball League which featured such players as Ohio State University greats John Havlicek and Jerry Lucas and West Virginia University legends Jerry West and Rod Hundley. He also worked many years in the St. Vincent’s Tournament and the Sistersville Independent Tournament – both widely recognized for attracting top collegiate players from throughout the tri-state area.
He worked a host of West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission SSAC tournament games at the sectional, regional, and state levels. He also officiated in the West Virginia Catholic State Tournament.
Among the honors he received were an SSAC Service award at the state basketball tournament in 1975; an SSAC Meritorious Award for 30 years of officiating football and basketball in 1984; Meritorious Award for outstanding service to high school athletics from the Ohio High School Athletic Association OHSAA in 1985; recognition from the Ohio Valley Board of Football Official for his many years of service in 1988 and the Ohio Valley Board of Basketball Officials in 1990.
He was also honored by the Upper Ohio Valley Dapper Dan Club for outstanding achievements and contributions to high school sports in the area in 1989 and recognized as an honorary official at the 31st annual Rudy Mumley OVAC Charity All-Star Football Classic in 2002.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Stanley, Michael, Walter, and Anthony, four sisters, Mary, Agnes, Irene, and Helen, and his son-in-law, Etz Rine Jr.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Audrey Stahl Haloszka; three children, Janis Bo Gillenwater of Wheeling, Terry Karen Haloszka of Wheeling, and Molly Jeff Cieply of Wheeling; nine grandchildren, Jason Heather Rine, Justin Becky Rine, Jade Tim Megher, Joshua Rebecca Rine, Alysha Nichols, Jazlyn Haloszka, Cayla Tyler Morando, Cameron Cieply, and Alexandra Haloszka; sixteen great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
At Streaky’s request, there will be no visitation. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 10 am at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home Chapel in Wheeling with Rev. Dennis Schuelkens as celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, West Virginia Branch, 119 Westwood Drive, Elkview W.Va. 25071.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at altmeyer.com
Audrey and family,
I remember your dad from the Kain Club. I use to wait on him every friday. My husband and I really liked Streaky. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Jennifer and Robbie Henry
From the Lesak family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Streaky as I knew him growing up was a good man.
I remember Streaky always smiling when I ran into him….nicest guy….RIP
It was a pleasure to work with Streaky during my younger years as a basketball official. He was fair and really related well with the players and coaches. It was an honor to work with him, but if working local, could never shower as he had to be at the Cain Club by 10 for the drawing…Peace be with you…Andrew Cross
Jan,
My sympathy and prayers for your loss.
Patty
Jan, Terry & family:
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. You and your family are in our prayers.
Joe & Mary Thomas
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of John J. Haloszka, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your work on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of…..
US Coast Guard Veteran, John J. Haloszka, “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
My condolences to Streaky’s family. While playing basketball for CCHS when we saw he was our referee, we knew it was going to be a well officiated game. I am sure he will be missed by his family and friends. I will keep you in my prayers. Dan Blake
My sincere condolences to the entire family of “Streaky”. Denny Albaugh
My thought and prayers to Streaky,s family
Terry, Molly and family, What a kind and gentle man. So sorry for your loss. Jim Lloyd
Terry, Sorry For The Loss Of Your Dad. I’ll Always Remember His Umpiring Days. Tom O’Kelley
To all the family, so very sorry to hear of your loss.You will all be on my mind and in my prayers.
To the entire family
My deepest sympathy at this most difficult time. I have many fond memories that I will cherish forever.
Gone…. But never forgotten.
May he rest in peace.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of “Streaky”.
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Personally, I remember him when I was a youngster in Elm Grove and “Streaky” umpiring fast pitch softball games at Bridge Street.
Eternal Rest grant to him, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon him. May he rest in Peace. Amen.
With deepest sympathy,
Pete & Erin Cuffaro