John Borgia Obituary

John Borgia

Jan 3, 1931 - Mar 22, 2023

Norwalk

John Borgia, 92, died Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Memorial Home, Norwalk, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born Jan. 3, 1931, in Cleveland, to Anthony and Mary Borgia. His mother moved John and his brothers, Ross, Joseph, and James, to Norwalk, where his grandparents settled after relocating to the United States from Sicily. John married the former Audrey Strong on July 4, 1952. They were happily married for 65 years. John was a graduate of Norwalk City Schools where he was a proud member of band and a varsity athlete who participated on the football and basketball teams.

After high school, he joined U.S Army. He was subsequently hired as a Huron County Sheriff's Deputy by Sheriff Harry Broom. Following Sheriff Broom's death, he ran for and was elected to the office of Sheriff and served six successive terms from 1961-1985. As Sheriff, John also served in several state level positions with Buckeye State Sheriff's Association, ultimately as President. John was a committed law enforcement officer and community leader who was sought by local, state, and federal level law enforcement and political leaders for his counsel. He also served one term as Norwalk Mayor. In his spare time over the years, he umpired softball, served as a basketball referee, worked as an officer of the Municipal Court, and volunteered to support school student events at St. Paul Catholic Church where he and Audrey were members.

He enjoyed fishing, playing cards with friends, and took the occasional trip to his favorite casinos.

John and Audrey had four children, Stan (Beverley) Borgia, Diana (John) McCarty, Donna (Steve) Barber, and Cindy (Drew) Holwerda. They had 10 grandchildren, Lindsey Borgia, Melissa (Chad) Engle, Christine (Troy) Flodin, Jackie (Scott) Haynes, Autumn Purdy, Kelly (Fred) Stevens, Tyler (Hope) Barber, and Graham Borgia, and 10 great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey; mother, Mary; his brothers; two grandsons, Nicholas Borgia and Jason Barber; and many dear family members.

Visitation for family and friends will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2023, at Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk, with interment to follow at St. Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio, 44857, or Southern Care Hospice, 9501 US Hwy 250 N., Suite 2, Milan, Ohio, 44846.