John A. Chernak, 78, former president and chairman of Cleveland-based Tomlinson Industries, died Jan. 22 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Reno, Nev. Tomlinson makes faucets and fittings for the beverage/liquid dispensing and commercial foodservice markets.

Chernak was a Marine and graduated Brown University in 1951, Northwestern Law School in 1956. He became president of Tomlinson in 1966 and continued in that capacity through 1994. In 1995, he was named chairman and a senior special advisor from 1996 until his retirement in December 2003.

In addition to his wife, Arlene, Chernak is survived by four daughters and six grandchildren.

Private services were held. Donations may be made to Nevada Diabetes Association, 1005 Terminal Way, Suite 104, Reno, NV 89502. A memorial picnic in Chernak’s honor will be held in the Cleveland area in June 2008.