John J. Burek Jr. 1943-2026

John was born April 18, 1943, in Youngstown, a son of the late John and Mary Yakubov Burek, and was a lifelong area resident.

He was a 1961 graduate of Ursuline High School. He continued his studies at the Athenaeum of Ohio: Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree and was ordained a deacon.

John went on to dedicate many years to teaching religious studies at Catholic high schools – first at Cardinal Mooney in Youngstown, and later at Central Catholic in Canton and Archbishop Hoban in Akron.

Rooted in his Catholic faith, he was a member of St. Blaise Parish-Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. He was also deeply committed to justice and instilled that passion in the many students he taught throughout his career.

Following his own recovery from a high school football injury through massage therapy, John developed a profound interest in the field. He immersed himself in the craft and became a licensed therapist, eventually working as a therapist full time. He became proficient in a wide range of therapeutic techniques. His dedication to the profession led him to help establish and co-direct the Tri-State College of Massotherapy in Youngstown, where he trained future massotherapists for more than 10 years.

John was an avid reader and enjoyed long walks. He had a deep appreciation for Youngstown’s rich culture and history and lived a life marked by simplicity and frugality. A lifelong spiritual seeker, he remained active in the church throughout his life.

John is survived by his sister, Carol Lesko of Garrettsville; his niece, Carrie Lesko of Garrettsville; his nephew, Frank (Andrea) Lesko of Mayfield Heights; and his grandniece, Lucy.

Family and friends may call 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home and continue with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Blvd., Austintown.

Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Blaise Parish- Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to share memories and to send condolences to John’s family.

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