John A. “Juice” Patacca

John Anthony “Juice” Patacca, 66, of New Philadelphia, passed away with his wife at his side on February 19, 2018, following a period of declining health.

Born in Dover on December 12, 1951, he was the son of the late John Joseph and Anna Dora (Cugliari) Patacca. After graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1969, where he was an All-Ohio athlete, John continued his athletic career at Kent State University playing basketball and baseball. He also played Class A baseball.

On January 16, 1994, John was inducted into the Hall of Fame Cy Young Tuscarawas County Old Timers Baseball Association. He was one of the youngest inductees into the association and was very well respected.

John later served 6 years in the Ohio National Guard. He was also a life member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge #510.

On May 29, 1976, John married the former Pamela R. Rippeth. Together, they lived out their vows, “in sickness and in health”. They were blessed with the birth of three wonderful sons and five grandchildren.

John greatly enjoyed his professional career with Greer Steel which spanned more than 40 years, retiring as a quality control manager.

John will be deeply missed by his wife, Pam; his sons, Shane (Heather) of Maumee, Jon “Tag” (Amber) of Sparks, NV, and Ryan (Lacey) of Uhrichsville; his grandchildren, Caiden, Parker, and Layla, and Nolan and Aubrie; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Olin “Rip” (Donna) Rippeth and Sally (Jerry) Holdsworth, both of New Philadelphia, Robin Singer of Dover, Mollie Dukes and Joy Rippeth, both of California; his siblings, Linda Patacca of Dover, Diane (Dave) Williams of Dover, and Rick (Tammy) Patacca of New Philadelphia; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends complete the family.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law; and his sister-in-law, Sue Ann Gray.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. where a Christian Wake Service will begin at 6:45 p.m. Father Jimmy Hatfield will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday beginning at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at Dover.

Memorial contributions in John’s memory may be directed to either Union Hospital, 659 Boulevard St., Dover, Ohio 44633 or the New Philadelphia Fire Department, 134 Front Ave. SE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44622.