John P. DeKatch 1954-2025

John was born Sept. 12, 1954, in Youngstown, to Joseph Paul and Ruth Theresa Johnston DeKatch.

He attended Cardinal Mooney High School, Class of 1972. He worked within the Youngstown City School system for most of his life. He was a teacher assistant in the special education program, worked the summer school program and retired after working in the school library.

He loved to cook on his grill, was passionate about his pets, studied tai chi for many years and was quite a music lover. He loved unconditionally and kept everyone up to speed on the weather and recalls.

John is survived by his son Nathan (Samantha Ray) DeKatch of Austintown; his daughters, Amanda Foster, Christy (Richard) Biles of Youngstown and Tara DeKatch (James Zembower) of Boardman; one brother, Joe Palmer; his sisters, Ginny Dearing of Boardman, Ruth Anne (Ted) Storey of Carnegie, Pa., and Donna DeKatch of Youngstown; and his four grandchildren, Shalura and Arya Biles, and Addison and Timothy Zembower.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Joseph and Randall DeKatch; and his sister Kathleen Rajner.

A service will be 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, prior to the service, at the funeral home.

The obituary may be viewed and condolences sent at www.clementefuneralhomes.com

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