John W. Deibel

John W. Deibel, 87, of Barberton, Ohio died on November 7, 2026. John was a lifetime Barberton resident, a graduate of St. Mary High School, Xavier University, and the University of Detroit Law School.

John was engaged in the practice of law in Barberton for more than 47 years during which time he also served on Barberton City Council for eight years and in the Barberton Prosecutor’s Office for two years. He served on many boards as a member or President including Barberton Chamber of Commerce, Barberton Red Cross, Barberton Auto Club, AAA Ohio Auto Club, and Barberton Area Community Ministries. He spent much of his career as a probate attorney, helping families navigate difficult times by guiding them through the process of planning and settling estates and taking care of their loved ones’ final affairs. His work was a reflection of his dedication to helping others when they needed it most. It was not uncommon for John to run into former clients while out and about, and he was always greeted with heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the help he had given them.

As a man strong in faith, John was a longtime member of St. Augustine Catholic Church where he volunteered as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Holy Hour Program. He was most recently a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.

John was preceded in death earlier this year by his loving wife Helen to whom he was married for 63 years; his parents, Joseph and Ruth Deibel; and his sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Garland Hayes. He is survived by his children whom he loved dearly, his son, Steve (Christina) of Mogadore; his daughter, Jackie Deibel of Atlanta, Georgia; his daughter, Jan Grau (Eric) of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky; grandchildren, Matthew (Danielle), Natalie, and David Deibel; grandchildren, Sam, Grace, and Lillian Grau; niece, Joann (Gary) Martin; nephew, David (Paige) Hayes; many cousins; and dear friends, including special friends Jim and Cathy Carpenter.

The family is deeply grateful to the dedicated staff at Pleasant Pointe Assisted Living and Summa Health Hospice Care for the love, kindness, and compassionate care they showed both John and Helen. Staff went above and beyond, treating John and Helen not just as residents and patients, but as family. Their warmth and support will always be remembered and appreciated by the family.

John's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on November 14 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 4019 Manchester Rd, Akron, with Fr. Jeremy Merzweiler celebrant. Visitation will be One Hour Prior to the Mass (9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.) at the Church. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Barberton Area Community Ministries, 939 Norton Avenue, Barberton, Ohio 44203 or St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 4109 Manchester Road, Akron, Ohio 44319.