John S. Vida

Mr. John S. Vida, age 92, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at a local hospital. He was born October 31, 1915 to Stephen and Rose (Santo) Vida in Big Rapids, MI. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and The Catholic War Veterans. He was proud to serve in the U.S. Army Cavalry during WWII. Mr. Vida retired from Teledyne Continental Motors where he was an engine inspector and welder. In 1954 he won the "Golden Hammer" from Mechanix Illustrated for his creation of a miniature automobile engine. On April 26, 1958, he married Shirley Wells in Muskegon and she preceded him in death on October 3, 1996. Survivors include 1 son, John (Annette) Vida, Jr. and 2 granddaughters, Miranda Vida (Sean Cummings) and Ariel Vida. He is also survived by 3 sisters, Elizabeth Fodrocy, Helen Vida, and Margaret Vida, many nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Dorothy Patterson. He was preceded in death by his son Joseph Vida in 1996, 2 brothers, Steve and Frank Vida, and 4 sisters, Mary Jozsa, Theresa Javinsky, Julia Vida and Rose Vivian. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 11, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Thomas Brown presiding. Visitation with the family will be at the church 1 hour prior to the service. Entombment will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial Contributions in honor of John may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.