John J. Washnock

John J. Washnock, 70, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2011 with his family by his side after a courageous 4-month battle with lung cancer.

He was born to the late Vincent and Francis (Wytko) Washnock, April 8, 1941, in Republic, PA and relocated to the Akron area soon after his marriage to Maryann Nagg, his high school sweet heart and darling wife of exactly 49-years.

John was a dedicated auto worker and 37-year retiree of Terex/General Motors and a proud UAW member. He was a true family man by every meaning of the word and will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and the BEST Pappy. He will live on in our memory through the simple things he enjoyed most: his wife's gourmet meals, coffee and conversation with his family on the patio, playing with his grandchildren, bird watching, listening to polkas and watching the Steelers.

John is survived by his loving wife, Maryann; seven wonderful children: Kathy (Scott) Bailey, Mike (Lori) Washnock, Chris (Donna) Washnock, Lynne (Marc) Gatzulis, Anne (Jerry) Bitong, Jay Washnock and Carrie (Ben) Gobrogge. He is also survived by twelve beautiful grandchildren: Haley, Mikey, Allison, Natalie, Emma, Ethan, Bridget, Lucas, Lewis, Clark, Lily, Baby Washnock and his best friend PJ.

The family would like to express its gratitude for the loving care of Dr. McGee and Nurses Sandy and Steph of Akron General Medical Center.

A Catholic mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 8, 2011 at Blessed Trinity, 300 E. Tallmadge Avenue Akron, with a private burial at the convenience of the family at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park.

Big John requests that family and friends celebrate his life on Monday, August 8, 2011 at the Ramada Inn, 20 West Mill Street Akron, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to NAMI of Summit County, 530 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311.