John Raymond Engeldinger

John Raymond Engeldinger, 89, of New Philadelphia, died Monday, March 5, 2012 in his home following a period of declining health.

A son of the late John Pierre and Margaret (Schwink) Engeldinger, John was born September 12, 1922 in Union Hospital at Dover.

John graduated from Dover High School in 1940. Following high school, he served his country in both the Merchant Marines and the United States Navy.

He was retired from Gradall at New Philadelphia where he worked for many years as a welder and foreman. When not working and for many years following his retirement, John could often be found on the golf course, especially at Green Valley Golf Course at New Philadelphia. He was an avid card player and especially enjoyed playing gin with his card buddies at New Town Mall.

John was a sports enthusiast and it was an important part of his life to follow the sporting events of both his children and grandchildren. In any spare time, John enjoyed fishing, riding his bike, listening to polka music and walking and feeding R.J. the horse with his wife, Kathy.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen A. DeMattio-Engeldinger of the home; his sons, Steve (Tami) Engeldinger of Newcomerstown, John Pete (Myrna) Engeldinger of Louisville, Ohio and Robert (Susan) Engeldinger of Dover; his daughter, Kristi (Brad) Longacher of Parral and his grandchildren, Shauna, Eric and Alyssa Engeldinger, Bill and Mike Longacher, Amy and Lea Engeldinger and Mike Stocker.

A sister, Dorothy “Fritz” (Bill) Downing of Hillsboro, Ohio; two nieces, Peggy (Harry) Klingensmith of La Mesa, California and Leslie Chase of Dover; two nephews, Nick Sullivan and David Downing and many extended family members complete the family.

John was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Marie Klingensmith, Arline Roth and Pauline “Beanie” Zaugg and a nephew, Johnny Zaugg.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating John’s life will follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Harry Milligan officiating. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia. In keeping with John’s wishes, cremation will follow the service and inurnment will be held at a later date in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at Rittman.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of John by visiting the funeral home website.

Contributions may be made in John’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. Also, the family requests that in the spirit of John, to please pay it forward and offer a kind or generous offer to someone in need.