John Lyons

BOARDMAN - Prayers will begin Thursday morning at 10:15 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Church for John J. "Jack" Lyons, 78, who died peacefully at his home, with his family at his bedside, early Sunday morning.

John was born Feb. 10, 1937, in Chicago, the son of Joseph and Lorraine (Kearns) Lyons.

Jack was raised in Chicago and was an outstanding high school and college running back. He was voted the prestigious honor of being named the most valuable football player in the city of Chicago his senior year in high school.

He moved to Youngstown nearly 50 years ago working as an aluminum manufacture salesman for over 40 years before retiring.

He was very active at St. Charles, coaching football for over 20 years also serving as president of its booster club.

Jack is survived by his wife of over 55 years, the former Rita May Wiot, whom he married April 9, 1960; his five sons, Jack (Milene) of Houston, Mike of Louisville, Ky., Dan (Kelly) of Canfield, Terry (Heather) of Chicago, and Brian (Cindy) Lyons of Cincinnati, 15 grandchildren; a sister, Lorraine Walsh of Naples, Fla.; and a brother, Paul of Chicago.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.

Jack's family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to Hospice of the Valley in Jack's memory.