Dr. John "Jack" L. LeBrun

CANFIELD — Dr. John “Jack” L. LeBrun died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, with his son and daughter by his side.

He was born Aug. 8, 1934, in Geneva, New York, the son of Ralph Leo LeBrun and Mary Petro LeBrun. Jack grew up in Rochester, New York, and graduated from the University of Rochester (BA) and Boston College (MA), with degrees in history. He did a tour with the U.S. Army Signal Corps, worked for General Dynamics and the Atomic Energy Commission. He moved to Ohio to earn his Ph.D. in American Studies at Case Western Reserve.

 His thesis described Roman Catholic Pacifism in the United States, inspired by a personal meeting with Dorothy Day of the Catholic Worker Movement while volunteering in New York City. His professional accomplishments were numerous. He educated students at Kent State University for over 30 years as a history professor. He participated in the faculty exchange program and taught at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki Greece, as well as the University of Warsaw in Poland. He was a pioneer in long distance / remote learning, was involved in the first committees for Peaceful Change Research, and was on many other committees and advisory boards for faculty and student activities. He continued as a professor emeritus after retirement and worked for H&R Block tax services.

 His love for the appreciation of history and its lessons for the present day was shared in many community talks throughout his life. He was an 80-plus-year member of the Boy Scouts of America. He embodied the definition of a loyal Scout and truly lived his life according to the Scout Law. Between Troop 115, multiple camp staff positions, scouting committees, and merit badge counseling sessions, he was a role model for many Eagle Scouts (male and female), including his son and grandsons. He was a member of St. Michael Church and attended Mass there for over 50 years. He volunteered as a lay minister, lector, liturgical committee member and Scout troop charter representative. He lived his Catholic faith every day in his words and actions. He was a member of the Canfield Historical Society, the Ohio Historical Society, and probably many more historical associations in his nine decades of life.

Jack married Priscilla Costich LeBrun on Aug. 12, 1961, and devoted his personal life to her and his family. They traveled to over 20 countries together. They supported each other’s careers equally and were the best parents and grandparents imaginable. They attended every event that they were ” invited ” to and spent many hours at parties, programs, graduations, church and scouting ceremonies.Jack leaves his son, J. Andre (Jenny) LeBrun; daughter, Dr. Lisette (Dr. Joseph Saadey) LeBrun Saadey; sister, Mary K. (James) Campbell; grandchildren, Rachel, Abbey, Scott and Hannah Saadey, and Johnathen LeBrun; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dr. Priscilla Costich LeBrun; his parents; and sister, Jane Cooke.

His family would like to thank the countless number of caregivers, doctors and local services that kept Jack thriving in his cherished Canfield home in his later years. We know that proud Eagle Scout Jack LeBrun leaves us all the challenge to take responsibility to do for others what others have done for us, to be of service to our community, nation, and to humankind. “To help people at all times” and do a good turn daily.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb 14, 2026, at St. Michael Church, 300 N. Broad St., Canfield. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr’s Centre Drive, Canfield.Internment will take place at a later date in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, New York.

Memorial contributions may be made, in Jack’s memory, to the Dorothy Day House Hospitality, P.O. Box 863, Youngstown, OH 44501.