John P. Yuricek

John P. Yuricek Sr., 90, of Warren, OH Passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, just days after joyfully celebrating his 90th birthday with family and friends. True to his character, John lived life on his own terms—full of fortitude, strength, resolve, and a healthy dose of stubbornness. Despite significant health challenges, he remained at home until the end and even participated in his own touching “Celebration of an Incredible Life,” days before his passing.

Born April 15, 1935, in Royal, PA to Paul and Mary Yuricek (Cupa), John moved to Warren in 1951 and graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1953. He married the love of his life, Judith A. Hart (Howland), on November 12, 1960, and together they built a strong, loving family.

John worked as a Department Manager for Century Food Market Co. before spending over three decades as a heavy repair mechanic at General Motors Lordstown, in addition to being on the GM Transmission Quality Control Task Force, and he was a proud, lifelong member of UAW Local 1112.

A devoted Slovak, John cherished his heritage, culture, and holiday traditions, and was affectionately known as Dzeda (grandfather). He was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish (SS Cyril & Methodius), participated in the beloved “Pirohy Makers” group, the 50+ Senior Group, and served as Auditor for the First Catholic Slovak Union (FCSU) Jednota SS Cyril & Methodius Society Branch 764K.

Sundays were sacred: Mass in the morning, followed by a shot of “Honey for my Honey,” polka music, and a family dinner—a weekly tradition that epitomized his love for life and family.

A self-taught jack-of-all-trades, John was the go-to “Daddy/Dzeda - Fix it” for anything that needed repairing. He loved to travel—domestically and abroad—especially for family events and genealogical research. His final international trip was a deeply meaningful return to his ancestral home of Bardejov, Slovakia in 2016, and he also proudly traveled to attended his granddaughter’s wedding in 2024.

John had a deep appreciation for history, spending countless hours in museums, reading every single plaque. He was a member of the Civil War Historic Society and the Trumbull County Metal Detecting Club. A meticulous genealogist and master storyteller, he documented in several books the Hart and Yuricek family lineage back to 1632 and preserved generations of humorous and poignant memories.

A devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan since before the Steel Curtain era, John also enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning, making preserves, and constantly improving his home and yard. He especially cherished time with family during holidays and summers at Guilford Lake.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Judy, parents, brother Paul, son-in-law Chris Spear, and in-laws Robert and Darlene Hart and Sandra (Hart) and Ray Miller.

He is survived by his children: Laura Spear (RI), Diane (Mark) Malson (IN), Pat (Tom) Davis-Mallett (TX), and John Yuricek Jr. (OH); grandchildren: Brendan Davis (FL), Alex Spear (MA), Tyler Spear (CA), Julia Malson (IN), and Samantha (Layne) Huffman (IN); great-grandson: Baker Huffman; brothers George (Linda) Yuricek and Tom (Betty) Yuricek; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Rd NE. Calling hours will begin at 9:30 AM with a funeral service at 11:30 AM, officiated by Father Christopher Cicero, followed by interment at All Souls Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the home healthcare providers, Howland Paramedics, and the staff of Mercy St. Joe’s Hospital for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FCSU Scholarship Program  (college or vocational)  6611 Rockside Road, Independence, OH 44131or a charity of your choice.

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