Raisian Family Funeral Home

01/28/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy to
the family and friends of CRAIG STEVEN TOSHIO ASARI

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

Craig Steven Toshio Asari was born to Harold and Cecile Asari on April 12, 1966 in Sault Saint Marie, MI. He peacefully departed this earth on January 24, 2026 in Cleveland, OH surrounded by family.
Craig always had a witty, though sometimes NSFW, sense of humor. He took joy in making others laugh. If you needed a Dad joke, a dirty joke or just a good belly laugh he was your man. His sense of humor never waivered, even in the face of death he strived to make others laugh.
Craig thoroughly enjoyed his time working on the railroad in Ohio. He was always grateful for the life it helped him build and made long lasting friendships with his coworkers.
And though he lived such a fulfilling life, Craig would always say his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was married to his wonderful wife Darla for 36 years, and she and their 4 children Maile, Damẽn, Sybil and Anthony, as well as his 7 grandchildren were his reason for living. He made sure they knew how much they were loved and never wanted for anything. His love for his family was unmatched; he loved creating lasting memories and planning big family events to bring everyone together.
Craig is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents James Kuniyoshi and Haruko Asari, his maternal grandparents Edward and Rose Hubert, his father-in-law Nathan Burr, and his mother-in-law Darlene Dain.
Craig is survived by his wife Darla Asari, his children Maile Mason with her husband Ryan Mason, Damẽn Burr and his 5 children, Sybil Flowers with her husband John Flowers and their two children, and Anthony Burr, his parents Harold and Cecile Asari, his sister Tami Tierney and her husband Mike Tierney, his brother Bryan Asari with his wife Gina Asari and their son Austin Asari, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and will be shared with all of those who loved Craig. His legacy will live on through family and friends and his infectious personality will be truly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to H2O Missions in Jefferson, OH.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.
In the famous words of Craig “I love you too, just more!”
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

01/16/2026

The Raisian Family Funeral Home and staff extend our deepest sympathies to the family of TERI JO KACZOROSKI. May she rest in peace.

Teri Jo (Spees) Kaczoroski, 64 of Conneaut, OH passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones on January 14, 2026

Teri was born November 6, 1961 in Conneaut, OH to Curtis and Beverly (Dye) Spees. Teri graduated from Conneaut High School in 1980 and then devoted her life to caring for others first as a State Tested Nurse's Aide and then as a Registered Nurse after graduating from Kent State Ashtabula. Teri was married to the love of her life Robert (Bob) Kaczoroski. They were avid boaters and in the warm days of summer you could find them with their anchor down at the sandbar enjoying laughs and sunshine.

Teri was a devoted mother, and her grandkids are where her light truly did shine. She lived for their laughs and stories and possessed a patience with them that was truly inspiring. Teri had a great love for dogs and could always be found walking her beloved dogs around the parks and docks by the lake.

She is survived in death by her siblings, sisters Kim Shank of Conneaut, Lori (Jim) Sieber of Erie, PA, brother Scott (Sandy) Spees of Conneaut, her sons Brian Haley of Conneaut, Brandon (Jennell) Haley of North Kingsville and step son Justin Kaczoroski of Conneaut, grandchildren Brendan, Cheyenne, Mason, Laci, Brooklyn, Damien, Ava, Aria, Gavin, Liam, Aurora, and Amaya, many nieces and nephews and niece Emily Ledlow of Conneaut who helped serve as a caregiver and helped bring laughter into the home. Lastly, her beloved dog Roman.

She was preceded in death by her parents Curtis and Beverly Spees and her husband Robert Kaczoroski.

Private burial services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Raisian Funeral Home
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

01/10/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our love and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of BARBARA E. DISTELRATH.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

Barbara E. Distelrath, age 87, of Conneaut, passed away on January 9, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Barbara was born on February 6, 1938, in New York, New York, the daughter of Raymond Williamson and Virginia Rix. She graduated from Franklin K. High School in 1956 and later from Brooklyn Nursing School. Barbara dedicated more than 64 years to the nursing profession, retiring in October of 2021.

Her nursing career was closely tied to her husband Chuck’s military service during their early years. During that time, Barbara worked at hospitals in New York, Connecticut, Buffalo, Norfolk, and Philadelphia. Barbara and Chuck were married on October 19, 1960, and later returned to Conneaut to raise their family Barbara then worked at Brown Memorial Hospital for 20 years, serving as Supervisor and Head Nurse in the Operating Room. She later followed her passion for public health and became a driving force in working with the Amish community, providing education on good health practices while respectfully upholding their values.

She was a devoted member of St. Mary/St. Frances Cabrini Corpus Christi Parish. Barbara and Chuck were very active in church life; she was a member of the Altar Rosary Society, worked church fish dinners and festivals, and served on various church committees. She was also a member of the daughters of the American Revolution.

Barbara volunteered at the Brown Memorial Thrift Shop and served as a community health nurse at Conneaut High School. She was the Director of Nursing for the City of Conneaut and Assistant Director of Nursing for the Ashtabula County Health Department.
In her spare time, Barbara was an avid bird watcher and cherished family vacations. She and Chuck enjoyed traveling, especially trips to the New England coast for crab legs and blue crabs and love to travel extensively across the country by train.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Chuck Distelrath (2012); and her beloved golden retriever, Charlie.

She is survived by her children:
Denise and John Presgraves of Williamsburg, VA; Kim Kovarik-Distelrath of Willoughby; David and Maryann Distelrath of Zebulon, NC; Trista and Richard Howland of Conneaut; and stepson Chuck and Debbie Distelrath of Wisconsin.

Grandchildren:
Brittany and Tyler Reed, Ian Distelrath, Ryan Distelrath, Megan and Shane Hinson, Kate and Tyler Zagurski, Sydney and Jack Wallin, Bobby and Emily Olyha, Christopher Webster, Andrew Webster, Jennifer Pugh and Justin Brown, Devin Tessmer and Kayla Reck, Jonathan Tessmer and LuCritcia Correia, Alexandria Tessmer and Matthew Schmidt, Samuel Kovarik, Jared Kovarik,
Aaron Kovarik, Christina Distelrath-Smith, Chuck Smith and Leah Kahl Smith, Kalab Allen and Jess Fees, Seth and Roselyn Allen,

Great grandchildren:
Brantley Allen and Cecilia Marie Fees, Tyler Pugh, Mila Brown, Landon Tessmer, Charles Tessmer, Evelyn Tessmer, Maxine Tessmer, Liam Tessmer, Wyatt Reed, Asher Kovarik Trinity Prince, Natalie Prince, Chandler Smith, Lincoln Smith, Gwyneth Hinson, Miles Hinson, Magnolia Zagurski, Josette Zagurski, Danny Wallin, Elliet Wallin, and Remy Webster, and numerous other nieces and nephews. all of whom she loved dearly.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 744 Mill Street, Conneaut, with Fr. Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating. After service a luncheon will be held in her honor in the Cabrini Hall.

Memorial contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Brown Memorial Hospital Thrift Shop: Medical Scholarship Program, or: American Legion Cowle Post 151 Memorial Fund (272 Broad Street, Conneaut), or the Conneaut Hospital Thrift Store (255 Main Street, Conneaut).

Condolences may be shared at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

01/09/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt love and deepest sympathy to the family and friends of
ANTHONY V. "BUGSY" JULIO, JR.

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ANTHONY V. "BUGSY" JULIO, JR., age 87, of Conneaut passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026 surrounded by his family.
Anthony was born on August 10, 1938, in Conneaut, the son of Anthony V. and Mary Constance Dello Julio, Sr. He was a 1956 graduate of Conneaut High School and went to work for the post office. He then clerked for the Nickle Plate railroad in Cleveland and for the former Central Georgia Railroad. After returning to Conneaut, Bugsy opened Julio Dairy Mart on the corner of Buffalo Street and Lake Road. After selling the dairy, he opened Julio’s Fruit Market after purchasing the market from the Baudler Family and operated that with his family for years.
Bugsy attended the police academy and worked as an auxiliary Sherrif for Ashtabula County for a short time. Tony also worked for the Conneaut Public Works Wastewater Treatment plant for many years. He attained a Class 5 operator’s license and received various awards from the State of Ohio and five Regions awards from various five states. Following his retirement in 1999, from public work, he was hired back as a consultant to continue overseeing the waste treatment water plant until 2003. Bugsy also served on the Charter Review Committee for Conneaut.
Bugsy was known to his family as “Jr”, and “Bugsy” to his good friends. He was a member of Corpus Christi Parish and the Conneaut Downtown Coaches Club. He was very active in sports and sports talk. He was the former editor of “Bugs Eye View” a weekly sports talk article in the Hometown News. For many years he was well known in the slow-pitch league in Conneaut and around the county. He coached the Lake Road Merchants, Koehler’s, Dr. Feelgoods and Schlitz teams during the hay day of Conneaut slow-pitch.
Bugsy loved to talk and visit with his friends and family. He enjoyed the McDonald’s coffee club, going to Township Park every morning to say his prayers in the comfort of Lake Erie. Bugsy attended the men’s prayer group and taught CCD programs at St. Frances Cabrini. He was an avid sports fan, and he loved the Indians, Guardians, Browns and Cavaliers. Bugsy was also a wonderful public speaker. He was well known for his speeches and could roast any of his friends with his wit and humor.
Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Mary Ruth Julio, sisters Mary Jane “Mimi” and Joseph Adamack, Shirley and Robert Warren, Theresa “Teta” and Fred DeMarco, Janet and Roy Woodworth, and Doris “Dodo” and Burt Copple.
Bugsy is survived by his wife Norma K. Witthuhn Julio whom he married September 2, 1961, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, children Anthony (Dino) Wendy Julio, Debbie Distelrath, Mary (John) Falcone, Jackie Julio, grandchildren Gina (Justin) Johnson, Mark (Jaime) Vendetti, Krista (Curtis) Breeden, Emily Falcone, Abigail Falcone, Bryan (Kelly) Distelrath, Dennis (Emily) Distelrath, Nicholas (Jessica) Distelrath, Marcus Distelrath, Michaella Notte, great grandchildren Julia, Janie, Elet, Dominic, Oliver, Carson, Scarlett, Amelia, Maddox, Charlee, Mason and Addy.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut, with the American Legion Honor Squad Cowle Post 151 presenting Military honors.
Memorial contributions in Anthony Julio’s name can be made to Corpus Christi Parish Memorial Fund, the APL of Ashtabula County or Maddox Cat Rescue in Conneaut.
Raisian Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences may be made at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

01/06/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of
WANDA A. GREENFIELD (GUY) TROUTMAN

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

Wanda A. Greenfield (Guy) Troutman age 75 a resident of Ashtabula County Nursing Home went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 6, 2026 after a lengthy illness.
Wanda was born on March 24, 1950 to the late Edwin and Shirley (Grate) Greenfield. Wanda attended the Albion Assembly of God where she had taught Sunday school. She was a member of Conneaut Church of God and had worked in the nursery. She was an intercessor, faithful in ministry and in giving and help in any way possible. Everyone was drawn to her because of her genuine sincere love she had for people. She loved her Lord, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her family and friends. She had worked at Jack Burns in Girard, PA.
In addition to her parents, he was preceded in death by her husband Pete Troutman, a granddaughter Heather and a sister Becky Owens.
She is survived by four children Kathy Aulenbacher, Homer Guy, Joyce (David) Myhoffer, Raymond (Tabitha) Guy, five sisters Bonnie (Chuck) Rozalski, Darlene Noble, Cheryl (Chet) Foy, Wendy (Bob) Ruscitti, and Karen Fields, two brothers Ernie Greenfield and Ed Greenfield, also surviving 29 grandchildren and 20+ great grandchildren. In addition, Henrietta Sally, who was more than a friend, a dear sister in the Lord to Wanda.
There will be a Memorial Service at the Conneaut Church of God at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with Pastor Carson Robson and her nephew Pastor Dan Razalski officiating.
Raisian Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences www.raisianfuneralhome.com

01/01/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of TIMOTHY J. WARDROP.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

TIMOTHY J. WARDROP, age 55, passed away peacefully at Southwest General Hospital in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, on Friday, December 26th, 2025. Born July 23rd, 1970 in Madison, Ohio he was the son of Terrance and Anna Marie (Rose) Wardrop. He was a 1988 graduate of Conneaut High School and joined the United States Army in June of 1988. He served as a Combat Engineer and Human Resource Specialist and also earned his Emergency Medical Technician during his service. After 27 years of service he retired Sergeant First Class (SFC) at the young age of 45 years old.
SFC Wardrop completed basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri and took his first assignment to Germany. During his four years in Germany he was at the Berlin Wall when it came down and deployed to Desert Storm as part of The 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment of which he was awarded the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in action against the Iraqi Army.
During his 27 years of service SFC Wardrop was also awarded the following decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons: Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendations Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement Award (6th award), Valorous Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (7th award ), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd award) and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10 year device Bronze Hour Glass and Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait).
SFC Wardrop came from a military family. His father Terrance Wardrop was a paratrooper in WWII. His brother Terrance was a member of the U.S. Air Force, his brother Robert and sister Tammy both were members of the U.S. Army, his brother in law Steven Steele is retired from the U.S. Army, and nephew Christopher Wardrop, Uncles Eugene, James and Robert D. Rose Jr. and cousin Michael Bayless all members of the U.S. Army.
SFC Wardrop retired to Colorado Springs in 2015 and lived a life of luxury and leisure with his good friends Clint Brown, Don and Ed Klein (A.K.A. The Four Horsemen). They spent much of their time on the golf course, and took many fishing trips to Sandusky for Walleye.
Timothy moved back home to Ohio in 2020 to be with family. He had such an admiration and great love for his two min-pins (Baker and Sapper), family and spending time with them. He had unconditional love for his siblings, nephews and nieces. He always enjoyed going to high school, collegiate or professional sporting events with his siblings or nephews and taking in a round or two of golf. Tim was very generous and had the biggest heart. If you needed a $1.00 you got a $100.00, if you said you liked something, it was delivered on your doorstep within days. He exuded kindness and generosity. He is loved by family and will be missed by many.
Timothy is survived by two sisters Kathy Ellerkamp of Pioneer, Ohio, Tammy (and Steven) Steele of Olmsted Falls, Ohio; two brothers Terrance (and Stephanie) Wardrop of Madison, Ohio and Robert (and Wendy Quinones) Wardrop of Long Island, NY. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Anna Meyers of Pioneer, Ohio, Bobby (and Michele) Wardrop of Conneaut, Ohio, Christopher Wardrop of Fairview, PA, Jaimie and Hollie Mason of Conneaut, Ohio, Terrance Steele of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Nicholas Wardrop of Madison, Ohio, and several great nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by his parents Terrance and Anna-Marie (Rose) Wardrop, his brother David Wardrop, paternal grandparents Thomas and Bertha (Genovese) Wardrop and maternal grandparents Robert D. and Mary (Baselle) Rose.
Timothy had an upcoming trip to Paris in April with his sister Tammy and nephew Terrance. He will have the best view of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
There will be a private viewing for the immediate family. SFC Wardop will receive military honors and have the prestigious honor of burial at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a future date and time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Timothy’s memory c/o Raisian Family Funeral Home. View/sign guestbook online at www.raisianfuneralhome.com
The family would like to recognize and take the opportunity to thank Joe Raisian and staff for the caring, understanding and attention to detail to coordinate such efforts.

12/31/2025

12/24/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our prayers and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of TIMOTHY R. FIELDS, SR.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

TIMOTHY R. FIELDS, SR. age 68 passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the Ashtabula County Medical Center.

Tim was born on March 1, 1957, in Conneaut, the son of Robert and Agnes (Golaszewski) Fields. Tim was a 1975 Conneaut High School graduate and served as a boiler technician in the United States Navy until he was honorably discharged. Tim later worked for Bailey Transportation in shipping and receiving, Lukjan Industries, where he met his wife Karen Greenfield, and worked for Ruscitti & Decker Auto Service.

Tim was a member of Corpus Christi Parish. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, Nascar, camping, camping in the Allegheny Mountains and tinkering with cars. Tim loved to get people going and laughing as the instigator. He loved his family and friends dearly and had a love for his pets.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Cheryl Reynolds, grandson Aiden Reynolds and two brothers, Douglas Fields and Robert Fields.

Tim is survived by his wife Karen E. Greenfield Fields, whom he married May 29, 2004, daughters Tina Curtis of Cuyahoga Falls, Jennifer (Tim) Detwiler, Culpepper, VA, son Timothy (Michelle) Fields Jr., Poland, Oh. Children Patrick Reynolds Jr., Conneaut, Pauline (Josh) Clutter, Conneaut, Cheryl (Jeremy) Donaldson, Panama City, Fla., brother Kenny (Brenda) Fields of Conneaut, sister Julie (Jeff) Myers, Conneaut, 17 grandchildren 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the Raisian Funeral Home, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. concluding with services officiated by Chuck Rozalski of the Conneaut Church of God.

Memorial contributions can be made to Tim’s family.

Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

12/24/2025

Enjoy the holiday season with family and friends and take a moment to remember those who are no longer with us.
Happy Holidays from our family to yours❤️

12/19/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of
WILLIAM R. "BILL" POFF

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

William R. Poff, age 67, of Conneaut, died, Thursday, December 18, 2025, at UH Cleveland Hospitals, Siedman Center.
Bill was born July 7, 1958, in Conneaut, the son of James T. Poff and Barbara J. Erb. Bill was a 1977 Conneaut High School graduate and served in the Unites States Navy. Bill worked as a conductor and trainman on the Norfolk and Southern Railroad. He retired after 40 years of service in September of 2018. Bill was a member of the United Church of Christ and the secretary treasurer for 32 years in the United Transportation Union #421, and the Conneaut Eagles Club.
Bill had a love for woodworking, gardening and flowers. Bill also loved to go fishing in the summertime. He was the biggest helping hand to anyone in need. He adored his girls and would give the world to make them happy
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a brother James M. Poff.
Bill is survived by his wife Lisa Ann Arcaro Poff, whom he married October 14, 1986, daughters Cristine Poff (Daryn), Kaitlin Poff, and his granddaughter Emalee Poff, sisters Barbara Talan, Helen (Mick) Bosick, sister-in-law Cheryl Poff, many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-laws.
A Memorial visitation for Bill will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut concluding with a prayer service with Deacon Nick Iarocci of Corpus Christi Parish.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

12/16/2025

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of Richard C. Skippon.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

RICHARD C. SKIPPON, 83, passed away on December 14, 2025 with his family by his side after an extended illness.
Richard was born on July 3, 1942, to William and Helia (Lampinen) Skippon in Youngstown, Ohio, but was raised and made a life in Conneaut, Ohio. While growing up, he enjoyed spending time with his friends at Township Park and swimming in the lake, where they enjoyed the occasional skinnydipping. He carried this mischievous spirit throughout his life.
While in school, he met the love of his life, Yvonne Monroe, and upon graduation in 1960 from Conneaut High School, he joined the Army. He was stationed in Libya, which left him with vivid experiences he would enjoy recounting over the years. After returning from the Army, he and Yvonne married and started a family. This past Fall, they celebrated their 60th anniversary.
After marriage, Richard was employed for over 25 years at the Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company, where he worked as an operator. It was strenuous work out in the elements. Richard had an inquisitive and sharp mind. He was an avid crossword puzzle fan, and most mornings he could be seen with a cup of coffee with at least one puzzle completed before the family woke up. He was also keenly interested in American history, in particular Native American history, and he read extensively about it. Not surprisingly, he supported and encouraged higher education for his children as well when they finished high school.
Richard also enjoyed sports and played backyard games with his sons and, later on, his grandson. He supported Cleveland sports teams as well as Ohio State, taking his family to Indians (Guardians) games over many years and making a lot of memories. His biggest interest was music, and he amassed an impressive record collection. Through the years, he attended countless concerts with his wife and family. By far, his favorite was Bob Dylan, whom he saw in concert many times. In recent years, one of his favorite things to do was to watch videos and listen to music on his ear buds.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bill, and his sister, Agnes.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; a daughter, Christine Skippon; sons, Brad Skippon and Rick Skippon; a grandson, Jacob Kray; a niece, Faith White; and two nephews, Mark Mirando and Bill Mirando.
A private service will be held for the family on December 17, 2025 at Raisian Funeral Home. The family will also have a memorial at a later date.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

09/22/2025

The Raisian Family and staff extend our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of our cousin
JOHN S. ERICKSEN.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

September 21, 2025, the patriarch of the Ericksen household left this worldly place for his heavenly home, with his family by his side.
John S. Ericksen was born December 24, 1953, in Conneaut, OH, to John and Sara (Hews) Ericksen. He attended Conneaut schools through middle school, then his family moved to Warren, OH. He graduated from Howland High School in 1972. John then returned to Conneaut and was employed by the Conneaut Police Department until 1979 at which time he started working at the Ashtabula Bow Socket. His employment then took him to various positions as the factories all seemed to close while he was there. In 1982 John returned to school attending KSU-Ashtabula receiving an Associate Degree in Accounting in 1985, then Edinboro University of PA, graduating Cum Laude in May of 1991. John used to tease he was a ‘Jack of all trades’ holding many jobs over the years. He officially retired from accounting in January 2016 but kept up his skills working for his son Joe at Heavenly Creamery.
Of all the positions John held over the years his favorite ones were husband, father and grandfather. Supporting his family’s activities no matter what they were. Always ready to help the kids, family members or friends whenever/wherever needed. John enjoyed people. No one was a stranger for long. He enjoyed gatherings with family and friends; often smoking ribs, frying turkeys or making “grandpas world famous spaghetti sauce” (per grandson Brandon). He had a love of guitars, and the last few years had the opportunity to build an acoustic guitar from design to finished project, and two kit guitars, with Oakey Emery. John loved traveling – especially to NC or wherever the kids were. He loved going to battlefield sites wherever he could find them. He enjoyed his two trips to Italy and had hoped to return to Rome one day. A history buff, he loved to watch historic documentaries, and he loved motorcycles. His favorite ride was to skyline drive and Gettysburg for their 25th anniversary, riding separate cycles and meeting people from all over. He was amazed at how many people talk to you when you’re on a motorcycle ride. A lover of animals he looked forward to cuddle times with Holly and grand-puppy Bean.
John married Barb (Ozolek) Ericksen at St. Mary’s Church in Conneaut, September 18, 1976. Besides his wife John is survived by his children; Tom (TJ) & Nikki Ericksen of Youngstown, Joe & Chrissy Ericksen of Conneaut, Kristen & Dave Miller of Gastonia, NC. His beloved grandchildren Brandon & Ethan Ericksen of Youngstown, and Abigail & Donovan Miller of Gastonia. He is also survived by his brother Lief Ericksen of Parma Heights, OH, brother-in-law Patrick Reich of Washington State, many cousins, and his ‘baby girl schnauzer’ Holly.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Thomine Ericksen Reich, maternal grandparents T.H. and Alice Hews, paternal grandparents Eric and Ruby Ericksen, several aunts, uncles, cousins and his in-laws Walt and Theresa (Zappitelli) Ozolek.
Calling hours will be Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St. Conneaut, OH 44030.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Corpus Christi Parish, Mother Cabrini Church, Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.
Memorial contributions can be made to Corpus Christi Parish Memorial Fund, or Hospice of the Western Reserve