John W. Royal

May 8, 1929 ~ January 22, 2018

John W. Royal, 88, formerly of Huron, passed away on January 22, 2018 at the Ohio Veterans Home, Sandusky.

Born on May 8, 1929 in Terryville, Conn., John was the son of the late John M. and Mary (Moylan) Royal. As a youngster, he spent hours tinkering with engines, learning the accordion, and tossing toy airplanes from upstairs windows to observe their flight.

John earned a degree in mechanical engineering from General Motors Institute in Flint, Mich., in 1951 and worked in Research & Development at New Departure Ball Bearings in Bristol, Conn. John joined the US Army in 1953 and served on a survey crew in England. From there, he traveled often to London and his beloved Ireland.

John married Juliette Blais on October 12, 1957, and their daughters were born in 1959 and 1960. John transferred to the Sandusky New Departure Ball Bearings plant in 1967 and worked there until retirement in 1987.

John was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, the Huron Lions Club, and a Dial-a-Drive volunteer. He sought out small adventures, including teaching himself how to sail, exploring the Amazon River, and inventing gag gifts for friends and family.

John was a man of great integrity, humility, and kindness. He was beloved for his gentle sense of humor, which was often revealed by sly smile and a twinkle in his eye.

Surviving are daughters Cheryl (Len) Piropato of Fort Wayne, Ind. and Pamela Johnston (Ted Kemer) of Milan, Ohio; grandchildren Eric (Jamie) Johnston of Avon, Ohio, Rachel (Claudio) Patino of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Andrew (Lisa) Piropato of Indianapolis, Ind., Victoria Green of Philadelphia, Penn., and Meghan Green of Columbus, Ohio; great-grandchildren Elle Johnston and Sebastian Piropato; sister-in-law Irene Blais, brother-in-law Arthur Blais, and dozens of nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Juliette, and his sister Elizabeth Lewis.

Friends may call Saturday, January 27th at St. Peter Catholic Church, 430 Main Street, Huron from 12:30 p.m. until time of mass at 1:30 p.m. with Father Jeffery McBeth officiating.

Burial will be in Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron is assisting the family with arrangements.