John Michael Urdiales Sr.

John Michael Urdiales Sr., 64, of Akron, passed away suddenly on May 9, 2021. John was born in Akron on January 27, 1957 to the late Adolpho and Geraldine Urdiales. John had a big personality and made friends wherever he went. He loved the outdoors and could often be found fishing, four wheeling, and camping. He loved packing up his van and heading out into the woods for a peaceful weekend with family and friends. Above all, John loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was incredibly generous and kind hearted. Everyone who knew John will miss him dearly.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother and best friend, Donald. He is survived by his children, John Jr. (Amanda), James, Jennifer (Adam), and Lacey; sisters, Denise (Marty) and Judi Rogers (Jay); loving mother of 50+ years, Mary Ann; grandchildren, Savannah, Brittany, Brenden, Leah, Brooklyn, Maddox, Madison, Marlie, James, Merisa, Chris, Cayden, Gia, and Gabriel; many other relatives and friends. He also leaves his beloved cat, Baby Girl.
A private memorial service will be held for immediate family. All of John's family and friends are welcome to celebrate his life on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 5-8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to https://gofund.me/985ea79b.


THE DASH
the poem by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars… the house… the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard; are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.

To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile… remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?