AUSTINTOWN – John A. Mashiska Jr. passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his family on Monday, August 26, 2024.
He was born on December 4, 1929 in Youngstown to John J. Mashiska and the former Filomena Guarino “Warino.”
John graduated from East High School and continued his education at the New Castle School of Business. A proud veteran, John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
John had an illustrious career as a production planner for Youngstown Steel Door, where he worked for over 20 years. He also worked at Corry Rubber, Phoenix Electric and Sears.
John was also known for his remarkable personality. He could fix virtually anything, especially cars, making him a local handyman that many could rely on. His talents went far beyond repairs; he was a dedicated member of the Austintown Fitch Touchdown Club, where he held the position of president and served in various other capacities. His contributions to youth sports included coaching the Austintown Little League Baseball, where he taught both skills and instruction to the young players.
Even in his later years, John remained an active and involved member of his community. He gardened until he was 90 years old and continued to participate in activities he enjoyed, such as playing bocce ball and attending his grandchildren’s events.
John enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends, including memorable trips to Hawaii and casino excursions. His passion for sports was evident, as he was an avid supporter of all Ohio teams, especially the Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Indians, and attended nearly every Austintown Fitch sporting event.
One of John’s greatest accomplishments was his induction into the Austintown Fitch Hall of Fame as a Contributor in 2017.
John is survived by three children: Lynn Yovanovich, with whom he lived and who lovingly cared for him every day, John Mashiska III of Austintown and Phyllis (Mike) Miller of Austintown; six grandchildren: Michael (Megan), Scott (Natalie), Jake, Eric, Dominic (fiancé: Brooke Kemp) and Vince (Elizabeth); four great-grandchildren: Vinny, Bella, Giovanni and Cormac; his sisters-in-law: Sandy Mashiska and Phyllis Lorubbio; his brother-in-law: Bill Carney; and many special nieces and nephews.
John married his high school sweetheart, the former Beverly Rae Burk, on June 9, 1951; she predeceased him on October 1, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Madeline (Bracaglia) Mashiska, his sister Rita Mashiska, and his brothers Robert (Pat) and Richard Mashiska.
Visiting hours will be Friday, August 30, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave. The family invites you to wear the Fitch colors of red, white and blue in honor of John.
A Christian funeral mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 11 a.m. Visitation hours will be held at the church from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the mass.
Following the mass there will be military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Patriot Hospice, 986 Tibbetts Wick Road, Girard, OH 44420, or to the Austintown Hall of Fame, 4560 Falcon Drive, Austintown, OH 44515.
John’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Thomas Traikoff, his caregivers, Cheryl Carney, FirstLight Home Care, Patriot Therapy and Patriot Hospice.
You may view this obituary and send condolences at www.higgins-reardon.com.
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