John E. Baele

BAELE

John E. age 88 passed away Friday, December 16, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio at Hospice of South West Ohio in Madeira. Born in Rock Island, Illinois, John lost his parents at a very young age and he spent his formative years at Guardian Angel Orphanage in Peoria, Illinois, until a long weekend visit tuned into an adoption by Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Zant and their family. John came to Cincinnati to attend Xavier University to play scholarship football. He played during the Glory Days of the Musketeers in the early to mid-1950’s. John was elected to the Xavier Legion of Honor, Xavier’s highest athletic honor, of which he was extremely proud. During and after college he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He was an MP state side and very successfully played football for Army. After his service to the country, several NFL teams invited him to try-out for them. He declined and married his wife Rosemary Cosgrove in February 1957 and together they had three children. Suzanne Baele (Warren Hinsch), William J. Baele (Beth), John D. (Elsa). John has (5) Grandchildren and (2) Great Grandchildren. John provided very well for his family as the owner of J.B. Meats for 43 years. He was a devout Catholic who attended Mass daily at St. Gertrude. He was a true friend to everyone, and never met a stranger. A man who truly loved life and everyone in it. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gertrude in Madeira on December 22, 2016 at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Xavier University, Attn: Legion of Honor Endowed Scholarship, 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45207-5430.