John R. "Buddy" Profant

Sheffield Lake - John R. Profant, 83, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 in Lorain.

John was born Oct. 18, 1933 in Lorain and graduated from Clearview High School in 1951 where he was a standout football player on both the offensive and defensive lines. He studied drafting and design at Bowling Green State University, and later was a draftsman at several major companies in the Lorain area.

As a young man, John -- known to many as "Pro" -- enjoyed living adventurously: riding his motorcycle, driving fast cars with his friends, and later serving on an explosives ordnance disposal (defusing mines) team in the U.S. Navy.

He then became a police officer in the Lorain Police Department where he served for over nine years, from 1957 to 1966. After leaving the force, he continued his support of and respect for law enforcement, organizing the Fraternal Order of Police Associates Lodge #46 in Lorain in 1968, a civilian affiliate of the Fraternal Order of Police. He led the FOPA as president for its first three years.

In 1973, John helped organize the Lorain Police Auxiliary, in which officers assisted police by providing traffic control and security for parades, festivals, weddings, parties, athletic events and more. He served as a captain in the organization for 13 years.

He parlayed his experience into work as a security guard, including 10 years at the American Ship Building Co. in Lorain. He rounded out his career as a corrections officer at Lorain Correctional Institution in Grafton, eventually retiring from the prison in 2000 after 11 years.

Early in his career, John earned his real estate license and enjoyed showing and selling homes to area families.

He was an avid sports fan and in his retirement rarely missed a game played by the Cleveland Indians, Browns or Cavaliers. His dedication paid off when the Cavs brought a championship back to Cleveland last year! He also had an interest in history and early civilizations and was a lifelong learner with a sharp sense of humor.

He will be dearly missed by all. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth "Liz" (nee Miraldi); son, John M. (Sandra); daughter, Kim; grandson, Jason; sister, Annette Segalavich; sisters-in-law, Mary Miraldi and Becky Profant; brother-in-law, Val Miraldi; loving cousins; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by son, Dennis; parents, John and Rose; brother, Allan; and brother-in-law, Tony.

The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2150 Broadway, Lorain (440) 244-1961 on Sunday, February 5, 2017 from 2:00 - 6:00 PM. Closing prayers will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 10:20 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, February 6, 2017 at St. Anthony of Padua, 1305 E. Erie Ave, Lorain, Rev. Edward Smith, Pastor, officiating. Christian entombment will be held at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon OH. Online condolences may be sent using www.rsgfuneralhome.com.