John M. Barto, 84, of Lorain, died Friday, June 20, 2008 at Autumn Aegis Nursing Home, following a brief illness. He was born in Lorain February 12, 1924 and remained a life-long resident of the city.
John attended the Lorain Public school system and went on to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He fulfilled duty assignments as a Corporal during World War II and received numerous awards and commendations for accomplishments throughout the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He participated in campaigns in Guam, Iwo Jima, and the Volcano Islands, as well as in the occupation of China. He was currently a member of American Legion Post # 30 and Amvets Post # 47 both of Lorain.
Mr. Barto was employed in the maintenance division of the American Ship Building Company. He had previously been employed by the United States Steel Corporation and also as a merchant seaman and fireman for the Great Lakes Shipping Company where he served aboard a variety of vessels including the Roger Blough.
Regarded as a talented water color artist, John attended the Columbus Art School and later graduated from the Central Academy of Commercial Art in Cincinnati.
He is survived by his brother, Robert "Danny" Barto of Lorain; sisters, Anna Schnurr of Elyria and Margaret Skarupa of Lorain; along with a variety of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anna (nee Zatroch) Barto; brothers, Andrew, George, and Joseph; twin sister, Mildred; and  another sister, Eleanor.
Visitation will be Monday, June 23, 2008 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain, where services will be Tuesday at 1 P.M. with the Reverend Edgar Anthony, Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, presiding. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery where joint military honors will be conduced by the officers and members of American Legion Post # 30 and VFW Post # 451.
The family encourages memorial contributions to Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, 1500 Lincoln Boulevard, Lorain, OH 44055.
To leave on-line condolences for the family, please visit www.gluvna.net

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