Birth date: May 15, 1936 Death date: Feb 24, 2025
John Everett Irsak, age 88, passed away on February 24, 2025. He was born on May 15, 1936 to the late John and Myrtle Irsak. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Irsak, who he built a beautiful life and family with. He i Read Obituary
John always wanted to be in business for himself. In 1979, John started the flash paper business, Nassau Chemical. He was working full time and working making the paper in the evening. He originally started producing paper at the old Glidden paint factory on Berea Rd. He became the only supplier in the world. His paper was used in movies and in many special celebrations besides being used by magicians. The Chinese eventually entered the business and forced them to close after 34 years in business.
Shirley passed away in 2021. John lived his remaining years at their home in Westlake and at the Renaissance Independent living.
My dad was born in Westlake, OH. He grew up in the home his father built. He graduated from Westlake High School. When he was 13, a new family moved in across the street. That's when he met his future wife, Shirley. They started dating when they were 15.
After high school he started attending Western Reserve College (later it became Case Western Reserve University). He studied chemistry. He graduated in 1960. The same year he started working at Day Glo Color Corporation. He worked in the lab developing new pigments. He eventually became the plant manager, and then safety director. But he always considered himself a chemist.
He married Shirley in 1955. They had their daughter Christine in 1957 and their sons John in 1959 and Charles in 1960. They lived in Bay Village and moved to North Olmsted in 1968.
John took French and German in high school. He was always interested in seeing Europe and traveling to other parts of the world.
When my mom and dad were in their 50's and 60's they traveled all over Europe, Australia, Canada around the USA and Hawaii. Their favorite city was Paris. They traveled their multiple times.
