John Repasky 1936-2025

Jack was born May 22, 1936, in Campbell, a son of John and Ethel Palguta Repasky.

He graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1954. He graduated from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in biology, comprehensive science and education. John continued his education by completing his master’s degree in education, majoring in guidance and counseling, from Westminster College in 1962.

He married the former Patricia Hudach on Aug. 8, 1959, at St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church in Campbell, presided over by the late Rev. Monsignor Michael Tondra.

Jack worked for 35 years in the Greenford / South Range school system and was head of the guidance department for 25 years. Prior to that, he taught biology, chemistry, physics and science in the Greenford school system from 1958 until they consolidated with the North Lima School District in 1969. Jack also took on many extra duties at the school, including senior class advisor, yearbook adviser, Beta Club adviser, school newspaper adviser, senior class trip organizer and many other extracurricular activities.

He had been a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in New Middletown since 1967.

Jack touched the lives of many people, not only as a guidance counselor but also with his witty sense of humor as well as with all of the poetry he wrote. He was always the man to go to for any problem or to answer any question. He was an avid follower of the Cleveland Browns, through thick and thin.

In addition, he loved traveling, starting in 1959 and ending in 2015. He and his wife visited every state in the U.S. and eastern and western Canada multiple times, Mexico and Nassau on a cruise, and most of the national parks, all in the early years. Two of the most memorable trips were when he and his wife went to Hawaii for their 25th anniversary, including the islands of Oahu, Maui and Kauai, and a cruise they took to Alaska for their 35th anniversary. When Jack discovered riverboats, he and Pat paddle-wheeled the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Minnesota on the Delta Queen (on its 50th Anniversary voyage) as well as the American Queen on its Inaugural Voyage. Their last riverboat trip was on the Queen of the West out of Oregon. He also visited Haiti in his capacity as a guidance counselor.

He loved his HO scale model trains and had a large display set up in his basement that brought many visitors. He devoured nonfiction, reading anything that was educational. Besides writing poetry, he also enjoyed photography and their annual wine tasting trip to the Finger Lakes. They also did a two-year stint as a secret but official restaurant critic. Jack was a lover of nature and the outdoors. He was a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with a bronze palm.

His greatest love was his wife and best friend, Pat, and his only son, Jim, who got the biggest part of his heart and soul; that love never wavered even through the death of his son. He also maintained his trademark sense of witty humor until the end. After his retirement, he decided his mission in life was to spread mirth and joy.

Jack leaves his wife, Patricia; his niece, Karla (Lynn) Avery and their children, Grayson and Allison; his “Family of the Heart,” Gale Wire of Florida, Cliff Wire of Cleveland and Ed Wire of South Carolina; his cousins on both the Repasky and Palguta sides; his brother-in-law, Ronald (Barbara) Hudach of New Castle, Pa., Rona (Chris) Matteo of Pittsburgh, Pa., Michael Lunich of North Carolina, and Mark and Scott (Joni) Hudach of New Castle; as well as many special friends throughout the country.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his son, James Repasky of Aurora, who died Feb. 16, 2022; his brother, Donald Repasky of Poland; and his sister, Jeanette Stumpo of Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition, his sister-in-law, Martha Evans, died Dec. 19, 2025, three days after John.

A memorial prayer service will be 12:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

Friends may call noon to 12:30 p.m. Friday, prior to the service in the adjoining chapel, at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home.

Arrangements were handled by the Clemente Funeral Home.

Jack’s family wishes to extend their appreciation to their three wonderful neighbors, the Lavenders, the Miltons and the Beards, who supplied meals and support throughout John’s illness — and afterward.

Gratitude goes out to all of the caregivers of First Light and Heartland Hospice who took such good care of Jack in his home 24 / 7.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent at www.ClementeFuneralHomes.com.

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