Obituary of John Albert Lesko

John Albert Lesko, age 80, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, on Sunday, January 29, 2023 in Viera, Florida. He was born on October 26, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York. He pursued his engineering education at the Pratt Institute and was employed by Republic Aviation before enlisting in the US Army.

John was a Vietnam War veteran. He was selected to attend the Field Artillery & Missile Officer Candidate School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He graduated and was commissioned as an Artillery 2nd Lieutenant in 1964. John is a graduate of several US Army schools, including the Field Artillery Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, Jungle Warfare School (Fort Sherman), and the Command and General Staff College.

John was awarded a Bronze Star and Air Medal for his service as a forward observer with the1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery of the 1st Infantry Division. He was also assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division during his service in Vietnam. Upon his release from active duty, he subsequently continued his service in numerous positions of increased responsibility in the 77th Army Reserve Command and the 1150th USAR School. He was an instructor in the Field Artillery Officers Course and the US Army Command and General Staff College.

During his military career John received numerous decorations and honors including the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters). He was also awarded The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara for his long-time service and contribution to field artillery. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Commandant of the 1150th USAR School in April 1994. Following his retirement from the US Army, John joined the New York State Guard and served in the Headquarters Army Operations & Training Staff (G-3). He was promoted to Colonel in the State Guard and received the following New York State awards: Conspicuous Service Medal, the Medal for Meritorious Service and the Military Commendation Medal.

John was a long-time resident of Short Hills, New Jersey. John retired from Verizon after a career spanning over 25 years as a telecommunications manager in the Bell System. He moved to Viera, Florida in 2014. He is survived by Janet Stauffer Lesko, his two sons and their wives: Christopher (Elizabeth) Lesko, and Thomas (JoJo) Lesko. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Sophia, Gavin, and Ava (children of Christopher and Elizabeth.)

John will be interred with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.