David T. John Sr. 1940-2019

Dave was born April 17, 1940, in Youngstown, to the late David John and Audrey Lohrman John.

He was Lutheran by faith and loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church, belonging to the Christian Men’s Group, serving as an usher and on the Social Ministry Committee until the church’s closing.

Dave loved our country and proudly served in the Army as a Sergeant First Class. This was his lifetime career. He proudly served in the Vietnam War and was a lifetime member of the VFW.

After retiring from the military, Dave made his home in Youngstown with the love of his life, the former Janice L. Dempsey, whom he married Aug. 31, 1959.

He worked for Schwebel’s Bakery as a mechanic until he retired after 22 years.

At a very young age, Dave discovered that he had a love for anything with a motor. He was known to spend hours in his workshop building hot rods from scratch. He loved to visit the local shows and talk with other hot rod owners. He also enjoyed listening to country music.

Dave was described as a “super-friendly guy.” Everyone has fond memories of his smile and laughter and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

He was the patriarch of the family and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janice L. John; daughter, Tammie (Daniel) Sybelnik; son, David Thomas John Jr.; and niece, Allyson Dempsey.

He was predeceased by his parents, David and Audrey John; brother, Eugene John; brothers-in-law, Arthur (Sonny) Dempsey and Gerald Dempsey; and sisters-in-alaw, Linda Rovynak and Bernice Steele.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Allyson Dempsey and Cecilio Cuevas for their help during Dave’s illness.

Funeral services with military honors will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Drive, Boardman, OH 44512. There will be a celebration of life dinner immediately following the funeral in the church banquet hall.

Relatives and friends may call 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church chapel.

Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to David’s family.

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