John Vilkoski

John Vilkoski, age 93, of Hamilton, passed away Friday, November 3, 2017. He was born in Powhatan Point, Ohio, the son of William and Stella Vilkoski. After graduating from high school, John enrolled at the University of Cincinnati. Before starting his sophomore year, he answered the call to serve our country in World War II in Italy. When John returned from the war, he resumed his studies and football career at UC and helped lead the Bearcats to victory in the 1947 Sun Bowl. While at UC, he met his wife of 67 years, Bertha Hetterich. After his initial teaching job at Bellaire High School, he and Bertha moved to Hamilton where they chose to raise their family. John spent the majority of his teaching career in the Hamilton City School District where he later retired. He was an avid golfer, fisherman and card player. He will be remembered as a kind and generous man who never met a stranger. John was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include his seven children: Ted (Tina) Vilkoski, Mary (the late Tom) Eichhold, Jeanne (Jeff) Finck, Vince (Sandy) Vilkoski, Bill (Jane) Vilkoski, Vivian Sullivan, Mike Sullivan and Mike (Debbie) Vilkoski; 26 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Flo Hetterich and Peggy Hetterich; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Vilkoski, who passed away on April 29, 2017; his parents, William and Stella Vilkoski; and five siblings: Ralph (Sophie) Vilkoski, Sophia (Clarence) Cahill, Irene (Raymond) Delongo, Violet (Russell) Carpenter, Wanda (Art) Armann. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Parkinson’s Support and Wellness at 260 Stetson Street, Suite 2300, Cincinnati, OH 45219 or Honor Flight Tri-State at 8627 Calumet Way, Cincinnati, OH 45249. Prayer Service will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at the Colligan Funeral Home, 437 S 3rd Street, Hamilton, OH 45011. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hamilton. Burial in St. Stephen Cemetery. Visitation will take place Monday, November 6, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Online condolences to www.colliganfuneralhome.com.The Vilkoski family would like to thank the entire staff at Bradford Place for the loving care they provided to John as if he was a member of their own families.