WILMINGTON — John Andrew Lorek Jr., 72, formerly of Castle Hayne, N.C., passed away Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, at his residence.
John was born on July 8, 1944, to the late John Andrew Lorek Sr. and Louise Trzepacz Lorek.
He is survived by his five children, John Lorek III, Sheila Lorek Hardison, and her husband, Danny, David Lorek, Brittany Lorek and Benjamin Lorek; and eight grandchildren, Ryan Hardison, Jacob Hardison, Carson Lorek, Nathan Hardison, Tessa Hardison, Juliette Lorek, Jaden Lorek and Gavin Lorek-Goss, all of Wilmington, N.C. He is also survived by his siblings, Edwin Lorek, and his wife, Evelyn, Mary Lesniak, and her husband, John, Andrew Lorek, and his wife, Joyce, Caroline Bordeaux, and her husband, Jim, and Ann Lorek.
John was an avid musician, both in church and the community. He is well remembered for his soulful piano music and lively accordion playing with various German bands, including the Sauerkraut Band.
John was a jack of all trades, and worked through the years at WWAY TV 3, CP&L, the U.S. Postal Service, Federal Express and as a farmer with Lorek Farms in Castle Hayne. He was also sought after for his private-accounting and tax-preparation services. John was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, proudly serving our country for 25 years, retiring as a master sergeant. He was loved and will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 South 41st St., Wilmington, N.C. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 4849 Castle Hayne Road, Castle Hayne, N.C. A presentation of military honors will be rendered in recognition of John’s honorable and faithful service to his country.
