John T. Hojnacki

A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, John T. Hojnacki of Centerville, Ohio passed away on Monday, October 31, 2022 at age 85. John was born on April 12, 1937 to the late John E. and Balbina (Guzik) Hojnacki in Chicago, Illinois, He spent his childhood on the south side of Chicago and was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. John earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1960 and a MS in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton in 1983. He moved to Dayton, Ohio in 1960 for a position at Delco Products, transitioning to a role at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 1961. John worked in the Propulsion Directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory where he spent 42 years until his retirement in 2003. John’s career involved a diverse set of projects ranging from in-house R&D of hypersonic vehicles and ramjet engines to being the Propulsion Directorate's first Corporate Development Officer.

While at Delco, John met his wife, the late Margaret (Peg) Baltes. They wed in May 1962 and were devoted partners until her passing in 1997. John and Peg settled in Beavercreek, Ohio in 1968 where they raised five children. They were long-time members of St. Luke’s Parish where John led the Christ Renews His Parish program for many years. Family time was a priority for John, which included tossing the ball in the backyard, Sunday hikes in Yellow Springs, an annual trip to Shawnee State Park to view the Fall colors, and regular family trips to Chicago to visit extended family and to share the museums and culture with his children. He was a constant presence at his children’s sporting events, and became an active volunteer with USA Swimming, regularly officiating at high school and college swim meets. Having overcome numerous health challenges as an adult, John was a huge proponent of the power of positive thinking. He shared this passion for mental fortitude and recognizing one’s true potential to motivate his children and others throughout his life. John served as national director of the National Management Association and was a regular volunteer with the organization upon retirement.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Peg, and siblings Betty Zurek and Tom Hojnacki. He is survived by his five children, Katherine (Larry) Butkus, Barbara (Terry) Bendrick, John (Michelle) Hojnacki, Paul (Danielle) Hojnacki, Gregory Hojnacki (Jennifer Kealy); 14 grandchildren, Claire, Grace, and Camille Butkus, Jacqueline Bendrick, and Zachary, Dylan, Hunter, Skyler, Margaret (Maggie), Peter, Daniel, John Michael, James, and Corinne Hojnacki; his sister Patricia (Pat) Wagner; and extended family and friends.

John’s family would like to thank the staff at St. Leonard Traditional Assisted Living, Centerville, Ohio for their devoted love and care over the past five years and to the doctors and staff at Miami Valley Hospital South for the medical care and kindness they shared during John’s final days.

A viewing will be held at 10AM on Saturday, November 5 at St Leonard Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kreative Korner, St. Leonard 8100 Clyo Rd, Centerville OH 45458 or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society-St. Susanna Conference, Attn: Jodi Tucker, 616 Reading Rd, Mason OH 45040.