John W. Fantin

John W. Fantin, age 66, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully Sunday morning, March 21, 2010, in Riverside Manor at Newcomerstown following an extended illness.Born on June 7, 1943, at Roswell, Ohio, John was a son to the late John F. and Emma (Visintainer) Fantin. A 1961 graduate of the former Midvale High School, John would go on to serve his country as a member of the U.S. Army. For more than thirty-five years, John would serve as a Lubrications Specialist with the Timken Company Research Laboratory at Canton, earning a Principal position prior to his retirement in December of 2004. John loved every phase of his life during his career with Timken which afforded him the opportunity to travel to numerous countries throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. John made many friends and was a well respected member of the trade. During a trip to India, John was made an honorary sheik and presented with a handmade turban. John’s knowledge of science often lent him to be called upon by the area schools within Stark County where he served as a judge for school science fairs. Additionally, John was an active member and volunteer of the Tuscarawas County YMCA and was awarded the Leo Poland Award in 2009. John’s other volunteer work included the Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.At one time, John had sent a letter to former Governor James Rhodes proposing the installation of a “Park and Ride” at Dover’s I-77 interchange, Governor Rhodes personally responded to John’s inquiry and development of the area for just that purpose soon began.In his free time, John enjoyed being out of doors spending time on Tappan Lake, vacationing at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, gardening, and keeping the exterior of his home decorated for the numerous holidays throughout the year. Most of all, John enjoyed spending time with his family and friends sharing in a game of cards or sharing jokes and stories with each of them.John was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia, where he enjoyed singing in the church choir. John also sang as a member of the St. Joseph’s Choir at Dover and participated in the chorus for the Tuscarawas Philharmonic.John led a life of integrity and had a passion for God and the family he now leaves behind which includes his wife of forty-one years, the former Shelby Jean Limbacher; two sons, Andrew Fantin and Michael (Bobbi) Fantin; five brothers, Frank (Fran) Fantin, Jack Fantin, Victor (Mary Louise) Fantin, Daniel Fantin and Louis (Ruth) Fantin, two sisters, Louise (Wishard) Patrick and Norma Fantin all of New Philadelphia.Two brothers-in-law, Jim (Peggy) Limbacher of Midland, Texas, and John Limbacher of Baltic; two step-grandchildren, Tori and Wes Patterson; a great-granddaughter, Yazmin DeGraffinreed and numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Carol Fantin.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, from 5:00 â?? 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia with a Christian Wake Service at 7:45 PM. Monsignor George J. Schlegel will lead a Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Church on Thursday, March 25, 2010, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia.Following services, the family will return to St. Ambrose Hall, adjacent to the church, where a meal and fellowship will be shared.Memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W Third Street, Dover, Ohio 44622.