John Filipiak, 69, of The Villages, Florida, passed away from lung cancer on Friday, December 9, 2016. He was born in Harvey, Illinois. He received an MBA from Loyola, University and worked for Allis-Chalmers for many years before moving to Seminole, Florida in 1984 when he and his wife, Barbara, purchased Hayes Florist in Pinellas Park. It was in Florida that they raised their two daughters, the pride of his life. His last fatherly responsibility was performed the day before he passed away when he gave his younger daughter’s hand in marriage.
John was born into a family of avid golfers, so it was no surprise that he became one too. John was hooked on the game at 12 years of age when he began caddying at Olympia Fields Country Club, and one of highlights of his life was caddying there during the PGA Tournament in 1966. Some of his best friendships were made on the golf course. In Illinois, he played at Urban Hills Minne Monesse, and there were decades of annual golf weekends in Saugatuck, Michigan. Upon moving to Florida, he once again made cherished memories and lasting friendships at Seminole Lake Country Club in Seminole, Florida. After retiring to The Villages, he no longer had a 2 or 3 handicap, but he continued to enjoy golf and, for the fourth time, new friends soon become old friends.
We’re not sure if John’s love of golf was superseded by his love of football, baseball, and hockey, but if not, it came close. He was an avid Rays, Lightning, Bucs, and Gators fan, but he also cheered for the Sox, Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks. He was thrilled to live to see the Cubs win the World Series.
Survivors include spouse of 42 years Barbara Filipiak; daughters Jody Langton (Richard) and Robin Neary (Louis); brother Frank Filipiak (Mary).
He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Frances Filipiak; sister Joanne Alexander.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 2 – 5 p.m. with a prayer service at 3 p.m., located at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd., The Villages, FL 32159. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 8:30 a.m., located at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Pl, Lady Lake, FL 32159.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the LUNGevity Foundation, https://www.lungevity.org/ or Cornerstone Hospice, at https://web.cshospice.org/.
