John Corona Polak

January 14, 1940 - January 12, 2021

SAN DIEGO — John Corona Polak was born on January 14, 1940 in San Diego, California. He died peacefully and loved on January 12, 2021. He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Antoinette, his brother Peter (Ginger), his children Darlene, Antoinette and Joshua (Julieann), grandchildren Madonna (Kevin) Anthony (Elli), Christian-moreno, Anthony (Elle), Mary and Marina and great grandchildren Isabel and Ana. John was born Jack and for most of his life was half of Dolly and Jackie. He grew up in Logan Heights with his parents Mike and Virginia and older brother Jimmy. In his last days he could still remember his address on Sampson Street. After his brother Peter was born, his family moved to Virginia. At 15, he “updated” his birth certificate and enlisted in the Army. At 16 he was a paratrooper, stationed in Germany. At 18 he completed Non Commissioned Officer Training. After his service he returned to San Diego, met Antoinette and married in 1959.

His family grew and settled in Del Cerro. John was a 50+ year parishioner and former usher at St. Therese church. Over the years he was a coach, class parent, ballet dad, attempted skateboarder- and overall a doting father and husband. He worked for his Uncle Abe’s moving company, as a longshoreman and at Solar Turbines. He eventually retired from SDG&E. A hard worker his whole life, he went on to start Jaad-moreno with his family and ran the successful company for 20 years. In his last years he took care of his wife who had taken care of him for so many years.

As Dad to his grandchildren he spent endless days at soccer, football, wrestling, tennis and cheer; driving carpool and going to recitals, games and school events. He proudly watched 8 graduations from St. Therese , 4 from Our Lady of Peace, 3 from

St. Augustine and 1 from Army Navy. He was blessed to see his children and grandchildren graduate from college, get married, start families and become Army officers. He proudly wore a shirt and baseball hat from every alma mater, team and army base of his kids.

Dad was strong and resilient. He survived a heart attack, shoulder, hip and knee replacements; our bionic man. He said he would outlive the expectations and he did by 2 months. He spent those days in the home he loved, cared for by the family he took care of his whole life. He was an unmatched example of unconditional love, a generous spirit, a hard working soul and incomparable wit. We will miss him every moment from here on out. Due to coronavirus we will delay the celebration of life. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the schools he loved: The Academy of Our Lady of Peace, St. Augustine High School or Army and Navy Academy

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