Anton Sadar Jr.

Anton Sadar Jr., age 94, of Mentor, formerly of Willoughby Hills, died November 24, 2015, in Mentor with his loving family. He was born March 25, 1921, in Johnstown, PA, to Slovenian immigrants Anton Sadar, Sr. and Antonia (Breznikar) Sadar. One of the last of the “Greatest Generation”, Tony was taken back to Slovenia at the age of 6 months, where he lived on his grandparents’ farm with his siblings Olga and Rudolf while his parents lived in Johnstown. By the age of 10, he was completely in control of running the farm. Although it was extremely hard work, Tony loved being a farmer. Most of the time, Tony slept in the barn with the horses. By 1939, when Tony was 18 years old, the war in Europe was escalating. The United States government contacted him and gave him a stark choice: leave Slovenia and return to the United States or risk everything by staying in Slovenia. Tony decided to return to the United States. Back in Johnstown, Tony began working in the coal mines with his father, extremely hard and dangerous physical work. Tony then joined the Army in 1946. During his time in the Army, he was stationed at Fort Shafter in Honolulu and worked in the medical unit of Tripler Hospital, the largest hospital in the Pacific during World War II. During the 18 months that he was in the service, he was quickly promoted three times, ending his service as a Sergeant. After returning to Johnstown, he continued to work in the coal mines while earning his high school degree. By 1952, he had moved to Cleveland and settled into the Slovenian neighborhood. He moved to Willoughby Hills in 1954 where he enjoyed tending his large orchard and gardens. In 1955, he was fortunate to start work as a Tool and Die Grinder at the Fisher Body Plant on Coit Road, where he worked for 30 years. He was a proud member of the United Auto Workers, SNPJ Lodge #53, and the SNPJ Farm Board. Tony was a complex man who overcame many challenges in life. He loved the outdoors, read several newspapers everyday, was conversant on many subjects, fluent in both Slovenian and English. He loved music, especially polkas and button box music, and culture. He had a quick wit and wry sense of humor and loved to argue politics. He will be greatly missed. Survivors include his loving children Joanne (Jim Blackstone) Sadar of Mentor and Thomas (Stacy) Sadar of Richfield and loving granddaughters Rachel and Allison Sadar. Preceding Tony in death are his parents Anton and Antonia Sadar Sr., siblings Olga (Anton) Berk and Rudolf Sadar of Slovenia and Julian (Mary Lou) Sadar of Johnstown. A private family service was held. Interment was in Mentor Cemetery, Mentor. Contributions are suggested to the Lake Humane Society, Mentor, Ohio. Arrangements were entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave. Mentor, OH. 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Anton Sadar Jr.

March 25, 1921 - November 24, 2015