BARBERTON---John Peter Stetz, 92, passed away January 4, 2018 after a brief illness. 

John was born in Allison, Pa. on September 8, 1925 to the late Peter and Helen Stetz.  He lived in Barberton, Ohio for most of his life and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. 

John was proceeded in death by his grandson, Stephen, brothers-in law Steve Kopco, Andy Nagy, Paul Kosuth, and Ralph Rauch; sisters-in law Mary Kopco, Fran Kosuth, Ann Nagy, and Caroline Rauch.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Eleanor (Nagy), children John (Fran), Jeff (Dana), Jerry (Karin), Jim (Kristin) and brother Paul (Shirley). Grandchildren, Jennifer (Dan) Seaman, Amanda (Andrew) Marshall, Katelynn, John (Dee), Eric, Patrick, Courtnie, step grand-children Elizabeth and Makayla.  He also leaves great- grandchildren Eleanor Seaman and Henry Marshall along with many nieces and nephews. 

After graduating from Barberton High School in 1943 John entered into combat in WWII as a member of The United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex in the Pacific Theater.   After the war, he attended the University of Akron on the G.I. Bill and graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Management. 

While attending the University of Akron he began his career at Seiberling Tire & Rubber Company in Barberton.  John worked there until the company closed in 1980. Shortly thereafter he began his second career as a dispatcher for the Ohio State Highway Patrol.  The Highway Patrol was his real calling.  He often mentioned how much he enjoyed working there.   John was a faithful Catholic, attending Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church in Barberton until it closed.  He then became a parishioner at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Barberton.

John had a sharp mind until the end with a great memory and amazing recall of events, dates and numbers.  He could and did talk politics, sports and current events until the very end.  Though he had lost much of his sight to macular degeneration, most people upon meeting him did not realize he was blind.

One of John’s fondest recent memories was the World War II Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. which he took with his son.  He truly marveled at the reception he and the other veterans received in the airports, restaurants and the memorials in Washington.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Prince of Peace Church, 1263 Shannon Avenue, Barberton. Fr. Robert Jackson, Celebrant.  Calling Hours ONE HOUR PRIOR to the Mass AT THE CHURCH. John’s final resting place will be Holy Cross Cemetery.

A special thank you to the Summa Barberton ICU staff, Pleasant Pointe Assisted Living and Tonya and Theresa.

Memorial contributions can be made to Haven of Rest, American Macular Degeneration Foundation or The Stephen P. Stetz Memorial Scholarship at Archbishop Hoban High School. To share a memory or send a condolence, please visit www.silva-hostetler.com (330-825-8700)

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