Obituary of John Jelasko

John Jelasko, age 56 of Ansonia, died peacefully at home on January 16, 2018.  Born in Derby on April 20, 1961, he was the son of the late Michael and Helen Telep Jelasko.  Mr. Jelasko was raised in Orange and graduated from Amity High School. He earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Art Degree from the University of Bridgeport and worked as a projectionist for the Strand Theater of Seymour for over 20 years.  He then managed the Garden Cinema of Norwalk for over 15 years.  Mr. Jelasko was a passionate film enthusiast with special interest in old westerns and anything with John Wayne.  He was Star Trek fanatic and collector of Star Trek memorabilia as well as a collector of slot machines with an intricate knowledge of their working mechanisms.  He is survived by his advocate & devoted friend since middle school, Michael DiReinzo of Wolcott; cousins, Michael (Maria) Telep of Ansonia, Gloria Telep of Ansonia, Charles Wailonis of Ansonia, Christine Wailonis of Ansonia, Robert E. (Marie) Sampieri of Orange, and Barbara Hinds of FL.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Michael Jelasko.   A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. in Pine Grove Cemetery, Ansonia.  The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia is in care of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.