John Trutza was born in Romania in 1925 and emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio, with this parents, V. Rev. Fr. John & Psa. Sabina Trutza, in 1928.  He graduated from West High School and attended Antioch College.  During World War II, he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to Strategic Services.  He worked behind enemy lines with the underground in Egypt, Italy, Yougoslavia, Greece, and his native Romania.  After the war, he attended Case Western Reserve University.  He went on to work as an interpreter for Cleveland area courts, was on 24-hour call for the Language Bank and retired from the business department of Cleveland City Schools.

John, together with his wife Pauline (and later his children and grandchildren), remained an active member of St. Mary Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio, throughout his life, serving on the parish council and in other capacities over the years.

He served National A.R.O.Y. as Editor (1952-53), Inter-Orthodox Representative (1954-56) and President (1956-57).  He was also elected Chairman of The Council of Eastern Orthodox Youth Leaders of America (C.E.O.Y.L.A.) in 1955.  During his presidency, A.R.O.Y. added 3 new chapters and membership reached a total of 762 dues-paying members.

John Trutza fell asleep in the Lord on October 26, 1996.  May his memory be eternal!