John George Cesnalis

Those of us who were blessed to share life with John Cesnalis are saddened to announce his passing. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, John passed peacefully in his home. He was 97 years old, or as he would say — in his 98th year.

John is preceded in death by his previous wives, Ellen Douglas (Hunter) Cesnalis of 30 years, and Carol Ann (Mayfield/Ballangrud) Cesnalis of 35 years. He was a loving husband and proud father, grandfather, uncle and loyal friend. Along with his many caring and generous traits, John will be remembered as an enthusiastic storyteller. He loved to share tales of his childhood from the ‘30’s, how he fell head over heels for Ellen, his time in the military in Japan, and golfing with his buddies from his days as a liquor salesman with Brown Forman Distillers.

John was born March 25, 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA., the youngest of 7 children. He was an entrepreneurial kid, always finding ways to help support his family. He was proud of his duckpin bowling skills that turned out to be a lucrative sport for him in his teen years.

John joined the Marines, and subsequently the Army during the Korean War. His leadership skills quickly emerged in the Army and he was assigned to lead his battalion. It was at training camp in Virginia where he met Ellen. They were married in 1950, before he was sent to Japan. While stationed in Okinawa, his first daughter, Jane, was born. He was awarded a Korean War Medal of Honor upon his discharge from the Army.

When John returned from overseas, he held various jobs to support his growing family in Pittsburgh, always achieving recognition for his ambitious work ethic. His family’s life changed in 1969 when he was promoted to the regional sales position in Oregon with Brown Forman Distillers. He always remembered how, when he was offered this position, they sat at the kitchen table and searched the Atlas for where Oregon was! Though they left Pittsburgh over 55 years ago, his love of that region and the Steelers never faded.

John formed life-long friendships in the Oregon restaurant and hospitality industry, while representing Brown Forman. He was awarded multiple trips throughout Europe during his tenure with the company and was proud to share those experiences with Ellen. It was also during this time that John became an avid golfer, traveling around the state, joining friends, having a blast.

John’s life was shattered when Ellen suddenly passed in 1979 after 30 years of marriage. It was a few years later that he met Carol. They married in 1981 and shared a loving relationship for 35 years.

John is survived by his children and their spouses: Jane Horton, Edward Cesnalis, Cynthia and Linda Cesnalis, Lisa and Kevin O’Connell; his grandchildren, Amy, John, Riley, Alonzo and Ameer; and his great granddaughter, Stella.

Along with his spouses, John is preceded in death by his parents George and Mary Cesnales; and siblings Pauline, Charles, Vera, George, Helen, and Mary.

John requested there would be no services. He is interred next to his wife, Ellen, at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Portland, OR.