John “Butch” Pace

John “Butch” Pace, age 83, of New Philadelphia died Friday, December 4, 2020, in Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital at Dover as a result of COVID related complications.

Born in the family home at New Philadelphia on July 31, 1937, John was a son of the late John R. and Mary F. Ciprianno Pace. He was a graduate of the former St. Joseph School at Dover. Soon after graduation, he enlisted into the United States Air Force and served as a Crypto Operator with Communications and Decoding.

Upon his discharge, John joined the staff of the former Warner & Swasey at New Philadelphia where he worked for 42 years on both the production and service sides of the firm now known as Gradall. He was a longtime, active member of the First Baptist Church at New Philadelphia. For many years, John was a familiar face as a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the choir, and was often found serving as an usher on Sunday mornings where he was ready to greet church members with a firm handshake and a fireball or caramel cream candy. Together, with his wife, John made many short-term mission trips both in the states and abroad and served for a period of time as a Deacon.

Being a life-long sports enthusiast, John enjoyed his time playing in and helping to organize many church sporting leagues. He was an avid golfer and in his younger years, loved playing softball. He was also a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and followed several professional football teams. Above all, John loved spending time with his family, and later found great joy in driving countless miles to be an active part in the lives of his grandchildren and their activities. He also became the well-loved neighborhood grandpa.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Carol Wallace whom he married on November 10, 1962; their children, Steve (Brenda) Pace of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Rebecca (Ron) Ruegg of Waynesburg, and Teresa “Tess” (Jeff) Robert of Columbus; six grandchildren, Sean (Jeannie) Pace, Nathan (Amy) Pace, Regina (Daniel) Szittai, Anthony Ruegg, Ethan Robert, and Savannah (Jacob) Beal; his sisters, Patricia Brink and Donna Caldwell both of Dover as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ann “Chee Chee” King and a brother, David Pace.

The family will greet guests on Saturday, December 12, 2020, from 1-3 PM in the First Baptist Church at New Philadelphia where Pastor Jeff Bartell will lead a Celebration of Life Service at 3 PM in the church’s sanctuary. At the family’s request, all guests are required to wear a mask to enter the church. For guests not staying for the service, we politely ask that visitors do not linger and promptly exit the building after greeting the family. Cremation has been conducted through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia.

Memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed to First Baptist Church, 878 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663