John Berlon

AUSTINTOWN - John Nicholas Berlon, 77, passed away on Sept. 18, 2015, following a three-year struggle with aplastic anemia.

John was born on April 26, 1938, to John and Elizabeth (Opencar) Berlon. The youngest of his family, he was fondly known to many as "Babe."

He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, his one, true love, Dolores "Dee" (Campy) Berlon. Together, John and Dee began their life in Youngstown. They temporarily lived in Monroe, Mich., before returning to Canfield in 1978.

They had one daughter, Jodie, and one granddaughter, Karly. They also had a son-in-law, Scott, whom they embraced as a son. He loved his family deeply and cherished them immensely. He never failed to say, "I love you" before parting ways or ending a telephone conversation.

John was a 1957 graduate of South High School, and an accomplished athlete. He reflected fondly on his esteemed record as a quarterback for the football team. He also played basketball, bowling, and golf. He continued to bowl and golf throughout his life. As a bowler, he had three sanctioned 300 games. He and Dee were former members of Fonderlac Country Club and Salem Hills Golf & Country Club. He introduced his granddaughter to the sport of golf, and gladly shared in it with his entire family.

John also attended Youngstown State University. John was a six-year veteran of the U.S. Army. He subsequently built his career in the banking and mortgage industry. He served as a regional vice president at Society Bank and founded Mahoning Valley Community Mortgage Services. He retired in 2002.

John was an avid Cleveland and Ohio State sports fan, rarely missing an Indians, Browns, or Buckeyes football game. He closely followed current events and he never shied away from a lively political debate or news-based discussion. He also took great joy in music, his well-polished yard and home, his favorite television programs, and his many collections.

John is survived by his daughter, Jodie Johnson; his son-in-law, Scott Johnson; and his granddaughter, Karly Johnson. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Ann (Gene) Janecko, and countless other cherished family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores "Dee" Berlon; parents John and Elizabeth Berlon; and sister Dorothy Jean Haught.

John's family would like to thank the nurses of the MDRU at St. Elizabeth Health Center and his multiple doctors and nurses, both locally and at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, for their continued efforts and support through his rare and trying illness.

The family will receive family and friends Monday evening from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel in Canfield, followed by a 6 p.m. service.