John A. Mashiska Jr.

John A. Mashiska Jr. passed away peacefully, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at his residence, with his family by his side.

He was born Dec. 4, 1929, in Youngstown, a son of John J. Mashiska and the former Filomena Guarino “Warino.”

John was a graduate of East High School and further pursued his education at the New Castle School of Business. A proud veteran, John served in the United States Army during the Korean War. John had an illustrious career working as a production scheduler for Youngstown Steel Door 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 extended far beyond repairs; he was a devoted member of the Austintown Fitch Touchdown Club, where he held the position of president and contributed in various other capacities. His contributions to youth sports included coaching Austintown Little League baseball, imparting both skills and lessons to the young players.

Even into his later years, John was an active and engaged member of his community. He did yard work until he was 90 and continued to participate in activities that brought him joy, such as bocce and attending his grandchildren’s events.  John enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends, including memorable trips to Hawaii and casino getaways. His passion for sports shone through, as he was an avid supporter of all Ohio teams, notably the Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians, and attended nearly every Austintown Fitch sporting event.  One of John’s proudest accomplishments came in 2017 when he was inducted into the Austintown Fitch Hall of Fame as a contributor.

John is survived by his three children, Lynn Yovanovich, with whom he made his home and who lovingly cared for him each 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; sisters-in-law, Sandy Mashiska and Phyllis Lorubbio; 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 preceded him in death, Oct. 1, 2017. 

He was also preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Madeline (Bracaglia) Mashiska; sister, Rita Mashiska; and brothers, Robert (Pat) and Richard Mashiska.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave. The family invites you to wear Fitch colors of red, white and blue to honor John.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Calling hours will be held prior to Mass at the church, 10 to 10:45 a.m.There will be military honors following Mass.

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 extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Thomas Traikoff, his caregivers, Cheryl Carney, FirstLight Home Care, Patriot Therapy and Patriot Hospice.