John D. Ressetar, 71, who had served as music director at Archangel Michael Church here for over 40 years until his retirement in June 2001, fell asleep in the Lord at home on Friday, February 15, 2002.
“Many called him “The Professor” or simply “Prof,” to acknowledge his expertise in liturgical music,” said his daughter, Annette Lapso.
Born in Edwardsville, PA, the son of the late Right Rev. and Mrs. Dimitri Ressetar, Prof. Ressetar graduated from Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA. While he had considered the priesthood, he realized that his true vocation was in the field of music ministry.
Prof. Ressetar was active in cultural and charitable effots. He helped organize food, medicine, and clothing drives for shipment to Ukraine and Russia and raised money for orphans abroad. He chaired the “Russian Day”
committee, which held an annual celebration for many years. He also volunteered at the Brecksville VA Medical Center.
His musical endeavors included singing in the Cleveland Opera chorus and directing the choir that appeared in the film, “Air Force One.”
Ms. Margaret Hopkosky, a choir member, said that Prof. Ressetar’s choirs were frequently asked to perform at events away from the church. She said that he was a demanding, but encouraging, director.
“If you had a good voice, he would work with you to sing to the glory of God, even if you hadn’t had much musical training,” she added. “He was an excellent director.”
In addition to his daughter, Annette Lapso of Brecksville, OH, Prof. Ressetar is survived by a brother, the Very Rev. Daniel Ressetar, Harrisburg, PA, and another daughter, Christine Mott of Parma, OH; a son, Thomas, also of Parma; three grandchildren; and two sisters. He is also survived by his mother, Margaret Ressetar, of Staten Island, NY. His wife, Caroline, died in 1993.
Funeral services were celebrated at Archangel Michael Church, Broadview Heights, OH.
May Prof. Ressetar’s memory be eternal!