Peter Kobasher

Peter Kobasher passed away on September 10, 2021, surrounded by his family in the home he’d built himself in 1953. In his 94 years, “Pete” never encountered a fuzzy navel or polka he didn’t love, or a washing machine he couldn’t fix, or a trip he didn’t want to take. Perhaps his greatest achievement was that he managed to make people laugh on six continents with his witty one-liners while helping his wife Mary lead guided tours through numerous countries. He will be deeply missed by his four surviving children, three stepchildren,14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and great-great grandchild.

Born to John and Eva Kobasher on June 26th, 1927, Pete was raised in Lorain with his sister Mylana and brothers Paul, Alexander, Steve, and Joseph. He graduated from Clearview Highschool in 1945 and then served in the Army Medical Corps at Ft.Custer, Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he made artificial limbs for injured soldiers. In 1951 he married Christine Belsito, with whom he had five children: Colleen (Bruce) Caro, Melanie (Larry) Horton, Darryl (Gale) Kobasher, Mike (Carolyn) Kobasher, and James Kobasher. Christine and James preceded him in death, as did his second wife, Mary (Guinin), who he married in 1982, and his stepson Chris.

While Pete proudly worked multiple full-time jobs most of his working years, he spent the most time at Bendix Westinghouse, where he retired in 1983 after 33 years as a machine operator.

After leaving Bendix, he and Mary operated Maytag Cleaning Center in Elyria, OH and Mary Kobasher Tours. His grandchildren often accompanied him to the laundromat, helping him repair damaged machines and playing with the cash register that always had a few spare quarters for them. When he wasn’t working or with his own children and grandchildren, Pete could often be found in his garden, visiting his stepchildren (Marshall, Maureen, Bill, Chris), or sitting next to Mary on a plane, train or bus in one of the hundred plus countries they visited. Of all the places he went, Russia and The Czech Republic were his favorite, which is fitting given the latter is the birthplace of his beloved polka music. He’s no doubt dancing along to those accordion-laden songs in heaven right now, taking a break here and there to listen in on the Indians or ask, “Howdy do?” of all the folks he’s been reunited with.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 17, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, Ohio.

Closing prayers will be held on Saturday, September 18 th . at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral center followed by Divine Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 3335 Grove Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44055. Rev. Nektarije Tesanovic will officiate. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Lorain.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www. dovinreberjones.com

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to send their condolences can make a donation to Crossroads Hospice.