John Scopel, Jr.

John Dominic Scopel, Jr. age 79, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully, Sunday, July 14, 2024, while in the care of Ohio’s Hospice Truman House at New Philadelphia.  

Born on February 27, 1945, in Dennison, Ohio, John was a son of the late John Dominic Scopel, Sr. and Grace Elizabeth Heck Scopel.  

John attended the former Tuscarawas-Warwick High School and while serving his country as a member of the United States Army, he earned his GED. John served during the Gulf War and throughout his 16 years in the Army, he was recognized as a sharp shooter and scuba diver. He was a proud veteran and Lifetime Member of the William E. Donehue Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7943 in Tuscarawas.  

Professionally, John worked in a variety of locations having been employed by Babcock & Wilcox for a decade, American Adhesive for five years, and even self-employed as the owner of John’s TV shop. He completed his career as the owner and operator of John’s Place Restaurant in Tuscarawas which he operated for fifteen years. 

John loved spending time fishing and rabbit hunting, attending science and animal shows, vacationing with family and collecting coins and currencies from other countries, a hobby that he started while in the service. 

Survivors include his companion of 23 years, Juanita Ratcliff of the home, his siblings, Felix (Sue) Scopel of Wainwright, Carolyn Scopel of New Philadelphia, Josephine (Dean) Harding of New Philadelphia, Teresa Dunivent of Wainwright, Betty (Rex) Arnold of Sugarcreek, and Tim (Kathy) Scopel of New Philadelphia; his step-children, Dawn Feight of Erin, Tennessee, Kimberly Kiser of Dover, Robert Arnder of Columbus and John Arnder of Erin Tennessee; 13 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his mother and father, John was preceded in death by two sisters, Vicky Bailey and Mary McNutt. 

The family will greet guests on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 9-11 AM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Pastor Jon Long will lead a service celebrating John’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Thursday at 11 AM. Members of the Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 of the New Philadelphia VFW will render military honors following the service. 

Memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed to the William E. Donehue VFW Post 7943, PO Box 321 Tuscarawas, Ohio 44682 or to Ohio’s Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.