John J. Pesta Sr. 76, of Elyria passed away at home on Thursday September 26, 2019. He was born May 21, 1943 in Cleveland. John retired from General Motors following thirty years as a press operator, and had been working as a custodian at St. Mary Church for the past twenty two years. He was a member of St. Mary Church in Elyria. John had a great sense of humor; he was an avid model train collector, and enjoyed amusement parks. Survivors include a daughter; Tammy Lamie (Robert) of LaGrange, a son; John J. Pesta Jr. (Kristin) of Port St. Lucie, FL. Additional survivors include five grandchildren; Sara Reno, Becky Lamie, Maggie Romo, Joseph Blevins, Stephen Blevins, eleven great grandchildren, and his beloved fur friends; Peanut and Caroline. John was preceded in death by his wife of forty one years; Margaret M. (nee: Hale), his parents; Edward C. and Pearl A. (nee: Forbes) Pesta, three sisters; Margaret, Delores, Veronica, two brothers; Edward and Thomas. The family will receive friends from 1-4 PM Sunday September 29, 2019 at The Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57) where closing prayers will be at 10:30 AM on Monday. (John requested that guests dress causal for visitation) Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Monday September 30, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church 320 Middle Ave. Elyria where Reverend Father Charles T. Diedrick, Pastor will be the Celebrant. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park. Memorial contributions in John's memory can be sent to the Hot Meals Program at St. Mary Church. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com