John Michael Rodesh

     John Michael Rodesh, 62, of Toronto, Ohio, walked freely into the arms of his Savior on June 15, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with prolonged illness. He was with his children, listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd, and surrounded by prayer.

     From an early age, John’s approach to life was defined holistically and simply by service. He dedicated his love, energy, and time to his family, the Church, his friends, his community, and his work. 

     John was born at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, and spent his childhood growing up in Campbell. After graduating from Campbell Memorial High School in 1981, he attended the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus. He graduated summa cum laude and was top of his class. His time in the seminary brought him many opportunities to travel, teach, and to serve others. He made lifelong memories with deeply cherished friends. (Many involved lots of humor and adventure of which those who knew John would particularly appreciate.) These experiences gave him his faith, his openness, and the world view he would carry for the rest of his life. Soon after his seminary work, he began a 24-year career in child welfare. He started in Columbus (Franklin County),but would soon move to the Jefferson County Department of Job and Family Services Children Services Division. He began as a caseworker and eventually served as a supervisor and Program Administrator. He ended his career as an Addiction and Substance Abuse Counselor (CDCA) in Steubenville.

      John’s dedication to young people shone through his involvement in coaching youth sports teams over many years, volunteering in the Toronto Band Parents, and playing in pickup basketball games at the children’s home. John was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Parish in Toronto. He also enjoyed serving as a lector for St. Joseph Church. A testament to his faith and patience, John loved fishing, gardening, and Cleveland sports. Any time he could, he spent time outside, listened to “good tunes,” and attended meetings with his dear friends. John was unwavering in his devotion to his family. He always showed up.

      He will be sorely missed by his mother, Ruth Klapac of New Middletown, Ohio; his children, Nicole (John) Geddis of Toronto, Kara (Kurt) Mandzukic of North Royalton, John M. Rodesh IV of Cuyahoga Falls, and Emily Rodesh of Columbus; his brother, Joseph A. Rodesh of Niles; his five grandchildren, Gianna, Nina, Mia, Arlen John, and Adley; and nephew, Jacob. He was preceded in death by his loving sister, Katherine Heckman.

      Private services were held in Poland, Ohio, followed by a Funeral Liturgy with Mass at St. Patrick Church in Youngstown. Father Thomas Kraszewski officiated.

      His family thanks the comprehensive team at Cleveland Clinic—Hillcrest Hospital and Main Campus—for the hard work, dignity, and care they gave John in his final days.

      In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of John Rodesh to Cleveland Clinic Music Therapy (Laura McFee, recipient) at https://give.ccf.org/fundraiser/3955637.

     This obituary can be viewed and condolences sent to: www.higgins-reardon.com.