John Brown

John Brown, 62, was born in Canton, Ohio. He moved to Ravenna in 1957 when his mother remarried. He had many fond memories living with his family in their farmhouse on Summit Road where they ran Creekside Berry Farm growing, picking, and selling strawberries. John graduated from Ravenna High School where he was on the track team. After attending Kent State University for a short time, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1968. Stationed in Okinawa, he worked with radio relays, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge four years later. Upon his return stateside, he was employed by Tipton's in Ravenna selling televisions, fixing audio equipment, and installing rooftop antennas. He started working in Audio Visual Services at Kent State University as an electronics technician in 1977 where he later met his wife, Cathy (Johnson). For 30 years he was responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing the audio-visual equipment on campus, as well as operating the public address systems at athletic and special events including nearly 200 commencement ceremonies.

He and his wife recently celebrated their 25th anniversary. Over the years they took many wonderful trips from coast to coast taking in scenic and historic places. A favorite place close to home was Towner's Woods where he and Cathy liked to walk and try their hands at photography. John loved their Rootstown home where he enjoyed working in the yard, listening to music, tinkering with radios and audio equipment, watching movies, and studying the night sky. He was thrilled to witness the last Discovery space shuttle to take off in Florida last February. John felt very blessed throughout his life and believed in living by the Golden Rule.

He will be sadly missed by his adoring family: wife, Cathy of Ravenna; mother, Marjorie (Lee) Roberto Hope of Sebring; sisters, Cathy (Richard) Rufener of Ravenna and Elizabeth (Jeff) Miller of Columbus; brother, Marcus (Natalie) Roberto of Columbus; mother-in-law, Nancy Johnson of Kent; sisters-in-law, Becky (Greg) Friedman, Beth (Jeff) Myers, and Linda (Bob) Clarke; nieces and nephews, Erin, Rachel (Dru), Rob, Dan, Anna, Nate, Lucas, Lena (Josh), Tim, Tyler, Jessy, Connor, and Julie; and many cousins, aunts and uncles. John was preceded in death by his father, Ron (Donna) Brown; stepfather, Marcus Roberto; and father-in-law, Rev. Hobert Johnson.

Our deepest gratitude to the oncology nursing staff at Akron General Medical Center and the Hospice Care Center for their loving care. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 31, from noon to 2 p.m. at Bissler & Funeral Home in Kent. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of VNS, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron, OH 44333 or at www.vnsa.com or a charity of your choosing.

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." - Paul McCartney