John Yanice

John Yanice, 83, of New Cumberland, passed away Monday evening, December 21, 2009 in Akron General Hospital following a fall in his home.Born February 13, 1926 at New Cumberland, Ohio, John was the youngest son of Peter and Stella (Novak) Yanice, immigrants from Cracow, Poland. He grew up on a farm near what is now Atwood Lake.Upon graduation from Dellroy High School in 1944, John was drafted into the United States Army. He served in the South Pacific during World War II, primarily in the Philippines and later in Japan.After his honorable discharge from the Army, John entered the electrical trade where he worked as a lineman and a high voltage specialist for the next 45 years. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #540 for over 60 years.John married the former Erma Beamer on November 4, 1950 and together they raised two daughters, Carolyn and Diane. The couple shared 48 years of marriage prior to Erma’s passing on March 8, 1999.Baptized into the Catholic faith, John became a member of the Lutheran Church after his marriage. He served on church council and taught Sunday school for many years. John was a member of the Tuscarawas Valley Ruritan Club, serving as president several times. He was also a life member of the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445.A natural mechanic with a quick mind and strong hands, there was nothing that John could not build or repair. His real passion however was farming. He loved the land and enjoyed nothing more than a long walk through the woods.A devoted husband and loving father, he leaves behind his daughters, Carolyn Yanice of New Philadelphia and Diane Griffith of Dexter, Michigan. Also surviving is his sister, Pauline Quillin of New Philadelphia.John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Erma and two older brothers, Joseph and Stanley.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating John’s life will be held on Thursday, December 24, 2009 at 10 a.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Chapel with Pastor Andrew Riggs officiating. Burial will follow in New Cumberland Cemetery with the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 rendering military honors.Contributions may be made in John’s memory to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44663.