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BOARDMAN - John S. Donchess Jr., 79, passed away Thursday morning, Sept. 10, 2026, in the comfort of his home, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
John was born March 10, 1947, in Youngstown, a son of the late John and Lottie Discik Donchess. He was a lifelong area resident.
He was a 1965 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and continued his education at Youngstown State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in history in 1972.
John worked for the Schwebel Baking Company for 40 years, including 28 years as a supervisor in the bread department. He happily retired on Good Friday in 2005. Following his retirement, John worked as a courier for Forum Health and later as a funeral director's assistant with Kinnick Funeral Home for six years.
John was a longtime and active member of St. Mary Magdalene Parish-St. Christine Church, where he faithfully served as a lector for more than 40 years. A man of strong faith, John believed deeply in the importance of performing corporal works of mercy and helping others. He was also a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the St. George Croatian Home.
In his free time, John enjoyed traveling and was an avid reader. He also enjoyed watching television, especially "Jeopardy!" John was a great cook and an even better baker. Above all, he treasured the time he spent with his wife and family.
John leaves to forever cherish his memory his wife of 57 years, Elaine Bada Donchess, whom he married Jan. 11, 1969, at Holy Name of Jesus Church; four children, Joel (Becky) Donchess of Hilliard, Paul (Mandy) Donchess of Newark, Ryan (Rebecca) Donchess of Austintown and Keri (Bob) Hodge of Youngstown; three grandchildren, Raegan Donchess, Kate (Jakob) Mayabb and Max Donchess; eight stepgrandchildren; six stepgreat-grandchildren; his sister, Patricia (Steve) Horvath of Girard; three sisters-in-law, Carolyn Savage, Maryann (Charles) Heim and Christine (Gregg) Ausnehmer; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by three brothers, Norman (Jan) Donchess, Robert (Barbara) Donchess and Thomas (Marlene) Donchess; his brother-in-law, Glen Savage; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Margaret Koval Bada; and his nephew, Josh Donchess.
Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown. Prayers will be offered at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 1 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Parish-St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown.
Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.
John's family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Patriot Hospice; Dr. Graham and the staff at the Blood and Cancer Center for their kindness and compassionate care; and especially Dr. Devine, for the many years of dedicated care.
Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to send condolences to John's family.
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