John D. Vallinger 1964-2025

Born March 27, 1964, in Youngstown, to Raymond and Connie DelSignore Vallinger, John grew up with a big heart, an even bigger smile and a knack for making friends wherever he went.

A proud 1982 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, John shone on the football field – but the greatest thing he found during those years was the love of his life, Melanie. The two became inseparable, marrying in 1987, and spent nearly four decades building a life filled with laughter, adventure and family.

John had what many would call “the gift of gab,” but those who knew him best would say it was really his gift of connection. He started his sales career in 1982 with Scandinavian Health Spas, eventually moving into district management roles at Circuit City and, most recently, Big Lots, where he spent the past 16 years. His easygoing nature made him not just a co-worker, but a friend to many.

To his family and friends, John was the life of every room he entered. Whether it was coaching youth football, hosting gatherings or simply telling stories, he radiated joy and had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged. He poured that same energy into sports, especially cheering on his sons in football, baseball and wrestling. As a longtime trustee and head coach for the Poland Little Bulldogs, John proudly led the 130-lb team to a Super Bowl win in 2003 – a memory he carried with him always. Even after his boys grew up, he never missed a Friday night under the lights cheering on the Poland Bulldogs.

John also knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. He loved the thrill of a good scratch-off, the buzz of a casino, the peace of fishing and the challenge of a daily workout. Some of his happiest memories came from traveling to Las Vegas and Mexico with Melanie, golfing in Myrtle Beach, and annual trips to Keeneland with the guys.

Above all, John adored his family. He leaves behind his devoted wife and high school sweetheart, Melanie; his sons, Tyler (Ericka) and Trent (Dee), all of Poland; his sister, Rose Miller of Boardman; his brother, Frank (Gloria) Vallinger of Poland; his sisters-in-law, Marlene Stamp and Marsha Stas, both of Poland; his nieces, Amy (Tom) Hackstedde of Poland, Mary (Kris) Brown of Austintown and Tricia (Jack) Breegle of Austintown; his nephews, Aaron (Sylvia) Stamp of Poland and Michael (Marla) Miller of Struthers

He also leaves numerous great-nieces and great-nephews who affectionately thought of him as “Fun Uncle John”: Kelsey, Logan and Cameron Hackstedde, Aidan, Constantine, Arianna, Christian, Malena and Markella Stamp, Mike Miller, Luca, Noah, Micah and Jonah Brown, and Olivia and Ella Breegle.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ray; and his in-laws, Elmer and Dorothy Haidle.

The Vallinger family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gujrati, the critical care NPs (Rhonda, Laurie and Tracy) and all the nursing staff at St. Elizabeth Youngstown CVICU, for the compassion and care they provided during this difficult time.

Though his time here feels far too short, John’s legacy of laughter, kindness and unwavering love will live on in every story told, every game watched under Friday night lights and every smile shared in his memory.

Family will receive visitors 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, OH 44514.

(special notice)