John Joseph Burket

John Joseph Burket, age 80, died peacefully surrounded by family and friends on November 7, 2014.

Born in Claysburg, Pa., he lived in and around Akron all of his life. John graduated from Springfield High School in 1952. He retired from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in 1987 after 35 years of service. John served in many ministries as a member of Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, and was named Holy Name Man of the Year. He enjoyed playing golf and making pancakes for his family, and was an avid Cleveland sports fan.

Preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Grace (Washington) Burket; brother, David Burket and sister-in-law, Janice Burket; sister-in-law, Ethel Burket; brother-in-law, Roger Rafferty; and nephew, Jeffrey Burket. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rose (nee Larry); daughters, Jo Marie (John) Sweeney of Houston, Texas, Debbie (Charles) Kester of Akron, Valerie (Bob) Hebert of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Jennifer (Donnie) Tenney, Michael Kester, Michael (Ashley) Nicoletti, Tara (Jacob) Johnson, Bobby Hebert Jr., Abby Kester, Dana Kester and Jordan Kester; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Elijah, Levi and Josiah; “grandpuppy”, Franklin Roosevelt Johnson; brothers, Theodore Burket and Rev. O. Homer (Colleen) Burket; sisters, Sally (Vernon) Fetter, Louise (Ron) Eicher and Lois Rafferty; along with numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

The family will receive friends TODAY (Sunday) from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road (Route 91), Akron, Ohio 44312, where a Vigil Service will be held on Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, 10 a.m. at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, 2425 Myersville Road (at Killian Road), Akron, Ohio 44312, with Father David Halaiko presiding. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church.