Menko, John F. ("Johnny")
(1915 - 2009)CONNECTICUT - John F. "Johnny" Menko, 94, husband of Mary Krol Menko, passed away on Friday, July 10th at St. Francis Hospital.
Son of the late John and Katie Menko, he was born on June 13, 1915 in Windsor Locks and grew up in Warehouse Point.
He graduated from Enfield High School and studied music at the University of Kansas. He graduated from Baypath Institute in Springfield, MA, majoring in business. He was employed by M.H. Rhodes in Hartford in the quality control department for several years. John was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed following UCONN Women's Basketball.
In 1936, John started a polka band with his brothers Joe and Tony. The group soon gained popularity playing mostly in Northern CT, Western MA, Long Island and PA. In 1949 the band grew to nine members and two vocalists and became the Johnny Menko Orchestra. From 1949 to 1955 the orchestra had its own Sunday radio show, airing over WONS, a Hartford station. Most of the music played was written and arranged by Johnny and this gave the orchestra its unique sound. In the following years, several recordings were made of the orchestra's most popular tunes and in the 1970's, the orchestra appeared a number of times on a Springfield TV station. John retired as leader of the orchestra in 1977 but continued playing violin with the orchestra for several more years. In 1987 Johnny was inducted into the National Polka Association Hall of Fame which serves to honor outstanding Polka personalities who have made significant contributions to the advancement and promotion of polka music.
Besides his wife of 67 years, he is survived by his loving daughter Lorraine Menko of Wethersfield, a sister Francis Martini of Windsor Locks, a brother Joseph Menko of Glastonbury and many, loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Anthony Menko. A Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, July 14 at St. James Church, Rocky Hill. Burial was in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. Contributions in his memory may be made to Oak Hill School, 120 Holcomb St., Hartford, CT 06112. Rose Hill Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. The family would like to express its gratitude to John's doctors; Dr. Jacques Mendelson and Dr. Robert Bogacki.
Source: The Post Eagle, New Jersey - Wednesday, July 29, 2009.