John Paul Cichon

John Paul Cichon "Papa", age 95, passed away on May 19, 2019 at Northside Cherokee Hospital surrounded by his loving family. � A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Poole Funeral Home Chapel.� The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.� The family will be having a Mass at Saint Stanislaus Church in East Chicago, IN with burial to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 11:00 am.� In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John Cichon can be made to the charity of your choice. Mr. Cichon was born January 29, 1924 in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Walenty "Valentine" and Mary Dudek Cichon.� Mr. Cichon grew up in Hammond, Indiana with three other siblings.� After high school he was inducted into the Army on October 14, 1943 and served his country through December 24, 1945.� He was stationed in China and Burma during his service in World War II.� Upon his return, he settled in East Chicago, IN.� This is where he met his wife Mary Kolodziel who he married on November 15, 1952.� He worked for 40 years as a pipe bender at Combustion Engineering.� John was an avid golfer, playing several gold leagues and has won numerous trophies throughout the years.� He had a deep love of music, especially singing and playing the harmonica.� He also enjoyed playing the Bugle Mess call and Reveille while in the Army.� He was a member of the American Legion Post 369 in East Chicago, Indiana and also was part of the Honor Guard called the Burgundy Brigade. Mr. Cichon was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Cichon; his daughter, Adrienne Sitko; his siblings, Walter Cichon, Sophie Lupo, and Blanche Blaski; "Papa" is survived by his daughter, Donna Kay Charitat;� four grandchildren, Kevin Sitko, Marea Charitat, Blake Charitat, and Zachary Charitat;� also numerous nieces and nephews;