John W. Marcinkoski

John W. Marcinkoski (“Big Bad John”)

As God brought John W. Marcinkoski into this world on July 5, 1925, God then took him to rest eighty-eight years later on July 5, 2013, granting him the greatest birthday gift of all, eternal life.

John was born in Akron where he quickly became an accomplished member of the Boy Scouts of America, eventually winning the Paul W. Litchfield award for Scout of the Year. In 1943 John joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was stationed in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was a sharpshooter who served in Recon and was awarded both a Purple Heart and the Victory Medal. John later served stateside during the Korean Conflict.

As a machinist, “Big Bad John” loved working with his hands; he would retire from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company after 30 years of service. John would come to love RV’ing, wintering in Christmas, Fla. among friends. John selflessly served God as a charter member of St. Matthew Parish. He was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4664, as well as an honorary life member of the VFW and a volunteer driver for the Red Cross.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna, as well as by his first wife, Ann (Mullins) Marcinkoski, and his second wife, Marian (Burnett) Marcinkoski. John is survived by sons, Rick (Debbie), Chris, Roger (Barb), Phil (Karen); and by daughter, Teresa Oden. John was a welcoming, family man. When he married for the second time, he gratefully accepted more daughters into his loving heart. He is also survived by daughters, Karen (Joe) Ryan, Beverley (John) Galuzzo, Joanne (David) Quillen, and Jackie (Mark, deceased) Moran. John is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he loved very much; as well as by his sister, Ann Hathaway of Tampa, Fla.; his brother, Paul (JoAnn); and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2603 Benton Street, Akron, Ohio 44312, with Father Michael Williamson presiding. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted by Mogadore VFW Post 8487. Friends may call at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44312 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. The family suggests memorials to St. Matthew Parish or the American Red Cross, 408 9th Street SW, Canton, OH 44707.