River Ryan
It is with heartfelt sadness that we, the family of John Joseph Wolodka, announce his sudden passing on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in Palliative Care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, due to an aggressive form of cancer.
Born in Sydney, on August 14, 1978, Johnnie was the son of Ann Marie (Wells) Wolodka and the late John Wolodka. He grew up in Whitney Pier and was an associate agent for Cooperators – Tom Farr Insurance Services for the past 15 years.
Throughout his life, Johnnie enjoyed many past times, especially spending time with his family and creating memories. Johnnie loved kids and was a father figure to many. In his early years, he was a youth peer tutor as well as a volunteer with Scouts Canada. He held a position as the president of the Whitney Pier Youth Club for many years and was also the chair of the SAC at both Mira Road and Shipyard Elementary. Johnnie also volunteered at the breakfast program and was known as the “fruit man” and brought watermelon in for the kids.
Johnnie loved being surrounded by children and children gravitated to him. He loved throwing birthday parties and helping to create many of the core memories that he felt all children needed. He was a safe space, ensuring no child was hungry or cold or went without. Johnnie was a Big Brother with Big Brothers/Big Sisters Canada, and his Little Brother, Sean was important part of his life.
Johnnie was extremely proud of his Ukrainian heritage and loved celebrating holidays like old Christmas and teaching his kids about Ukrainian culture with food, especially since he loved to entertain people. He enjoyed his epic adventures being the strongest barbarian and the most mischievous pirate while playing his favorite video games, Diablo, and Sea of Thieves.
Johnnie will be remembered for his infectious smile and “Hey Buddy” greeting. You don’t know the definition of a hug until you’ve received a Johnnie Wolodka hug. Johnnie was known to give the best hugs and never let go first. We’ll always remember nights on the town bringing home treasures, summer barbeques and white Russian challenges. Who didn’t love daddy tickles, couch cuddles and movie nights. Not to mention dudes’ night, Beerfest, and being the master of surprises. Escape rooms, metal detecting with the kids, late night chats as well as random heartfelt messages that tugged at your heart strings. If someone has never had a “Johnnie” in their lives, they aren’t fully living theirs.
Besides his mother, Johnnie is survived by his fiancé and soul mate of 15 years, Andrea Hutchison; daughters, Emma and Molly; sons, Matty and William (Andrea Neville); sister, Wanita Wolodka (Joey); niece, D’Anna Wolodka (Steve) and their children; cousin, Boo Boo who is like a brother, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.
Besides his father, Johnnie was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Peter and Annie Wolodka and maternal grandparents, Frank and Annie Wells.
The right people for your soul hear you differently, show up differently, support you differently and nourish you differently. Without the mention of these people would mean forgetting our village: Allison Milley, Nadine Hutchison-Murray, Andrea Long, Jennifer Corbett and David Dean, Stephen Joseph, Jenn Gillis, Linda Hutchison, Jackie Carrigan, Parker, Cooper and Chloe Murray, as well as Autumn and Sebastian Mrazek.
Thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at QE2 in Halifax, New Waterford Consolidated Hospital and the Regional Hospital, especially 4B and the palliative care unit. We can’t thank you enough for the care Johnnie received. A special thanks to Leanne Assoun who came into his life as his guardian angel and took care of him and his family during his stay.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of John Wolodka will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 7 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating. Private interment will take place at a later date.
For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website.
Click Here: https://www.facebook.com/35925689617/live/
Donations in memory of John may be made to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Dear Marie and family: Glenn and I are so saddened to hear of Johnny’s passing. We dealt with him at the co-operators and he was always so helpful and would do anything he could for you. He always appreciated everything Glenn did for his Mom as we live across the street from her and he never forgot to say it. A wonderful young man gone way too soon 💔
From: Glenn and Susan Keough
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of John. May his soul rest in peace. Condolences to the family.
From: Autar & Vijay Munshi
Dear Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of John’s passing.
From: Ralph and Mary Neville
Prayers to all the family at this difficult time at John passing .
From: Elizabeth & Albert Murphy
Rest in peace cuz you will be missed dearly.
From: Debborah Wolodka
So sorry to hear this tragic news about John. I worked with John many years ago at the Delta. He was one of the first people I met there. Always upbeat with a big smile to greet you. Super nice guy.
From: Joanie Eldridge
I had the pleasure to know John as we worked for the same company for many many years. I didn’t get to see or interact with him often however when I did he filled my heart with positivity. He was so passionate about his care of, and relationships with his clients. He motivated others and knew that his role was to just always do the right thing for the client and he would succeed. It breaks my heart to learn of his passing. He was a amazing friend and I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his friends and family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Deepest condolences to Marie, Wanita and all of Johnnie’s family.
Janette(MacCuish) Magliaro
Deepest sympathy to John’s family, he was a gentle ,happy and caring person, and a great person to work alongside, I had the pleasure of working with John many years ago, he loved helping guests at the hotel. John’s presence will be missed greatly by everyone who would have had the pleasure of meeting him.
So sorry for your loss John always had a smile and kind word for everyone , worked together for awhile he made a lasting impression to everyone he met.
To say that John was a special person is just not saying enough. John was a gentle and caring man whom I am proud to call friend and colleague. I loved my chats with John and he was always so happy to see you and loved to catch up. We always had a good laugh. I am heart broken for you Andrea and his children whom he always talked about with complete adoration and love. Rest easy my friend. You were taken far too soon but the positive and lasting impact you made on countless lives will be your legacy. Love ya John…………….Debbie & Jim MacRury
We were saddened to learn of John’s passing. We got to know John through our son, who went to school with him. He was a friendly, warm person whose caring and real interest in others always came across. Our sincere condolences to his family. We pray that, one day, your happy memories will lessen the sorrow you now feel. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him.
Andrea and family,
Condolences to you. We are thinking of yous during this difficult time.
Nichol & sean
Sending condolence to johnnys mom and sister and family sweet man gone to soon smart man and liked by all
So very sorry to hear about John. He was such a kind, loving soul. Our condolences to his family.
Lois & Stuart Ferguson
John was a wonderful man. He will be missed. Our sincere condolences. ……..David and Linda Hillier and family.
Known john since grade primary at Jamieson school so sad to this .my condolences to his family and friends
I will miss you John and your warm and loving hugs. Margie Dunlavy!
John was such an amazing soul with such pure enthusiasm and great patience! He was such a great friend to all who knew him. Always wearing a smile and offering a helping hand. Rest In Peace buddy❤️ You will be forever remembered and so sadly missed.
Andrea, Molly, Emma, Matty, William, and Johnnie’s friends and family I am so so sorry. So many great memories of Johnnie. One most certainly how he always protected those he cared for. I send my love and strength for these hard days. Big Hugs just like a good Johnnie one.
Very sad news.
So sorry to hear about Johnnie. He was such a nice person always had a big smile
A horrible shock to hear this about my old friend. He was loved through his whole life. Thoughts are with his family.
So sorry Wanita for the lose of your brother my condolences to you and all your family big hugs
My deepest condolences Wanita and family. Largest of hugs.
It was such a shock to learn of John’s passing. We knew him through our son, Blair. John was such a happy, pleasant person wherever you met him, always putting you at ease in his presence. He will be missed! Our deepest condolences go out to Andrea, his children and all family members. Hugs to all.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. May he rest in peace. My condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
John was a kind and friendly man RIP
Joan and Robert Dingwall
Andrea & family ,
It was an honour and an absolute privilege to care for Johnnie during his time on 4B !
I will hold my beautiful angel pin so close to my heart! I will remember Johnnie each day I wear it !
Johnnies positivity and smile will also be something I’ll never forget!
Andrea , I am keeping you and your entire family in my prayers and sending you all of the strength and love as you mourn such a tremendous loss !
Very saddened to hear about Johnnie.
Have not seen him in recent years as I spend little time back home but I will always remember his big and kind personality. What I do not remember is Johnnie ever saying no to anyone who needed anything. He always generously gave of himself.
Andrew Hardy
Johnnie was a Colleague of mine from Scouts Canada and 1stSydney Scouting. I can still remember my first year transitioning to Cub scout master.. if it wasn’t for Johnnie backing me up and helping me with all administrative duties, I would never have been able to do it.
Johnnie would always bring the kids snacks. I can still remember how much the kids enjoyed ” Snack Johnnie’s” apple chips.
Johnnie you will be missed by many who knew you.
Keep the campfire blazing and the beers cold Brother, until we meet again
This is an awful shock to hear about my old friend. My thoughts are with his family.
One of the many things I loved about Johnnie, was that he always greeted you with a smile and one of his massive hugs, and had this amazing ability to make you feel like everything you said was important to him, no matter how small or big the topic of conversation was. He was the kindest soul.
My sincere condolences to everyone.
My deepest heartfelt condolences, he was a kind gentle soul ,hugs to all the family at this sad time
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Such a genuine person, was glad to have known him.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I have many fond memories of going to school with John and working together at The Delta. He was the best kind of human. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
My deepest condolences to his mother and many friends. I taught John in grade six at Jamieson Elementary. He was a bright boy with a beaming future. So very sorry to hear of his passing. May he find eternal peace amongst his father, grandparents and many friends who left this world early as well.
I had the privilege of working with Johnnie and he was one of the most professional, ethical, team players in the field. He was a proud family man and spoke about them always with a smile. It was an honor to have know him. The world has lost another angel.
My most sincere condolences to all who loved Johnnie and my prayers are with you in your grief. It sounds like the love he put out into the world surrounded him through his life. He was always an example of kindness.
My deepest condolences to Johnnie’s family and friends on your loss, my thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time.
So sorry to hear of his passing, sounds like he was a wonderful young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time, The Hennick Family in Ontario
Condolences to Anne Marie and family so sorry for your loss
Very sad to hear. John always had such a wonderful positive demeanor ! Thoughts are with his family and friends
A great loss it is to loose a good dad, friend, loved one. I am so sorry for your loss Andrea and family.
A respected colleague, a devoted family man, and a friend to all. Johnnie will be greatly missed.
Johnnie’s family:
So sorry to hear of Johnnie’s passing. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Ann Marie, Wanita and family. I am so very sorry and saddened to hear of Johnnie’s passing. My heart goes out to you in this time. I have known Johnnie since he was small. He was like a brother to me as i was with Wanita at their house. I was shocked last week when i heard of his illness and somehow it was like so fast i know you probably still dont feel like its real. But, it is so sad that he was so young and will be missed greatly, he is now out of his pain and suffering and is another guardian angel for you now. All my love and hugs and thoughts are with you all. I wish i could be there for you but however i cant but i will be with you in spirit as i watch it online. Love you Ann Marie (2nd mama) and Wanita. God bless and keep you in His arms.
I’ve known Johnnie since high school, it’s so hard to process his sudden passing. My condolences to Andrea, the kids, and all his family and friends.
Andrea and family and extended family members, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I did not know your loved one but I can certainly see, by reading his obituary, why he was loved by so many. May you find strength in each other at this very sad time. May he rest in peace.
Sending condolences to the family. My heart goes out to the family on Johnnie’s passing.
Our deepest condolences to Andrea and the kids. I had the pleasure of serving with Johnie on the BGC board of directors. He was a man with a big presence. You couldn’t help but laugh if he was around. His kind and caring nature was something he will be remembered for, as well as his dedication to his children. Rest easy my friend.
Marie,Wanita,Andrea and Family, so sad to read of Johnnie’s passing . My deepest condolence to all and so sorry for your loss.
So saddened to hear this news. My deepest condolences to John’s family and friends. John was always so pleasant and helpful – a kind and loving soul! Rest in peace!
I met John in High School, and to say that he left an impression on me would be an understatement. His joy, his hugs, and his enthusiasm were infectious, and while I have not seen him in years, if I close my eyes, I can still feel the warmth of his hugs.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to all his family & friends. My husband & I met him through his work at the co-operators as clients. But whenever he saw us out & about he always stopped to say hello. I will miss his big smile & warm & kind spirit.
Dear Andrea and family and all those who loved John.
I met your Johnnie when he was a volunteer peer tutor at the Youth Peer Program where I worked. He quickly became a well respected, favourite member of our team, so much so, he was hired as a part time assistant while he continued his own schooling. Although I haven’t seen John over these many years since, I still have warm thoughts of his loving, funny, sweetness. Hearing the love he shared and received in his short life, fills my heart. John Wolodka made a difference in this world and my own life was richer for having shared some time with him. My heart aches for your loss.
John…where to start. In the brief time that I knew him he left an indelible mark on my heart. Generous and kind are words that don’t begin to cover the kind nature of this man. He was always there with a hug and kind word. No matter what kind of day you were having, you could count on John to brighten your spirit. The world lost an amazing human. Andrea and family, words fail me to describe how my heart aches for your loss. My deepest condolences.
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts & prayers are with you and all the family
Anne Marie & Family;
So sorry to see the loss of your son. You are loved by all your family at the Salvation Army & we are praying for you in this time of grief.
We are sorry to hear about the loss of John. May his soul rest in peace. Condolences to the family.
Autar & Vijay Munshi
My heart is incredibly saddened to hear about Johns passing. I worked with John at the Co-Operators and I can guarantee he will be the person in my life that I have hugged the most. I implemented a “Implied Hug” to all my friend and family because I’m not the touchy type person. However, John would never let me get away with it. When I tried to “Imply Hug”…he would look heartbroken and I would feel bad and actually hug him. He was the kindest, honest, open person I have ever met and he will be truly missed by anyone who met him. I feel I had the pleasure to meet a true angle on earth.
Andrea and family, I am very sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was a valued member of our SAC at Shipyard and I enjoyed working with him as he always had our students best interest at heart. Thinking of you all, thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Condolences to all who knew this kind caring man. I worked with him years ago, he always had a smile for ever. R.I.P. 🌹
Extremely sorry t hear of Johnnie’s, my thoughts are with you all at this most difficult time .
Marie , Wanita and his close family and friends, sorry to hear about Johnny’s passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Marg ,Wayne Hennick and family
Andrea and Family, I would like to express my sincere condolences of the passing of John. I had the pleasure of working with John on the SAC Committee at Shipyard Elementary. He was an excellent father and always had their best interest at heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Stewart Marsh
Dear Marie & Family, I was very sad to hear about the passing of Johnny. Always a polite young man and always smiling. I will keep you and all his love one’s in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you a big hug Marie.
Dear Marie & Family, so sorry to hear the sad news of Johnny’s passing. May the memories that each of you have all made with him through the years may you all forever hold them close to your hearts. I will keep each of you in my my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I got to know John in his capacity as our insurance advisor and in a professional context. John always had a positive outlook and was so uplifting. It was evident John enjoyed every aspect of life.
My deepest condolences to Marie,Deanna,Wanitta on the lost of your son /brother Johnny my heart is with you you all may God be with you all I never got the chance to meet Johnny but I knew Marie and met the girls at mine Jimmy’s wedding I’m sorry God he was to young to be gone I see he was a well liked man he’s up with his dad and uncle know and all the other angels and no more pain
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a lovely man – always willing to help in any way he could. May he rest in peace.
Ross and Valerie Barrett.
This short time working by your side was just not enough to appreciate the amazing person that John Was. He made everybody in the office feel comfortable and empower, like if you can achieve any task. There was no bad situation that he can not overturn in something good or give you a good advise. We will really miss him every single day.
Our prayers are with all the family at this difficult time of John passing .
I’ve only had the privilege of working with John for a little over a year, but in that short time he’s become a fast friend and a great inspiration.
John worked too hard; he truly cared about every client who came to see him. People looking to purchase their first homes, start their first businesses, or people ready to make their next big move – they all came to John looking for advice and assistance, and he always went above and beyond to the furthest of his abilities to help them secure insurance and move forward with confidence. He loved talking to people, learning their stories, and extending a helping hand.
John’s smile, great humour, and wonderful charity of spirit will be missed sorely by those of us fortunate enough to spend our work day with him.
Deepest condolences to Andrea and family; he loved you above all else.
He told us everyday.
Knowing John was an incredible privilege. He had a genuine care for others that could truly be felt when being with him. He was known as the calming force during difficult times. Many would turn to him for advice, motivating words, and a hug – of course. Our office will never be the same without him.
While many of us write these messages with tears in our eyes – our hearts are full knowing John has left a forever lasting impact.
Our most sincere condolences to Andrea and family.
We’ll miss you, “Buddy”.
My condolences to Johnnie family and friends. It is so nice to hear that he had not changed in the many years since we’d worked together. He brought a big smile and a great attitude to everything he did. He will be missed by many.
My sincere condolences to John’s family. He was such a warm and wonderful person. He lit up any room he entered. Although I hadn’t seen John in many years, I remember him very fondly. The world was indeed a better place for having John in it. I consider myself fortunate to have known him.
My deepest sympathies to the Wolodka family, friends and loved ones. I knew John through his work and a more caring and compassionate person one would never know. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
I have worked with this man for the last 5 years, there is a huge void in our my lives now, he will be missed. He was truly one of a kind , so compassionate and caring. I will miss our conversations at work daily, no matter the circumstances, you always walked away smiling. Rest in Peace my friend, love ya.
Johnnie was a wonderful friend in high school and beyond. A wonderful, kind and larger than life man who leaves a big hole. My sincere condolences to his family. May the light perpetual shine upon him. Go with Christ Johnnie. Love you buddy.
To Andrea and children. Very surprised to hear of John’s passing. He was our agent when we were with Cooperators. Hard to find anyone as friendly, kind and upbeat as John. May he RIP. Joe and Sandra Petitpas.
To the family we send our condolences….thoughts and prayers …we grew up on Lingan Road close to Johnny…May he rest in peace from ..Sherry ..Wendy ..Scott ..Tracey ..Brent and Trevor Burt
My sympathies to the Wolodka family on your great loss. I was fortunate to work with John at the Delta Sydney Hotel when I was General Manager there from 1998 – 2002. He was an exemplary employee; hard-working, flexible, kind and friendly. John ‘personified’ hospitality. Rest in peace, John.
John and I worked together for the past 15 1/2 years. It was an absolute privilege to have him by my side during these years. He was so dedicated in his chosen career path and he made our day to day business operations very much enjoyable. His smile and positive outlook would light up any room. What started out as an employment relationship turned into a true friend. Like many have said, he loved his family above all else. Deepest condolences to Andrea, and his entire family. RIP my dear friend.