John R. Grasselli, passed away on May 23, 2026 in his home following a period of declining health.

Born December 12, 1941 in New Philadelphia to the late Santi M. and Ruby F. (Dotts) Grasselli, John was a 1959 graduate of New Philadelphi High School.

He married his beloved wife, Sandra L. Grasselli on August 18, 1961. Together, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Brenda, and two dearly loved grandchildren, Morgan and Adam. Sandi passed away on August 2, 2017.

John dedicated many years to public service, beginning his career as a police officer with the City of New Philadelphia, where he retired in 1990 as a Captain. He then continued serving the community for another 20 years as Director of Parks and Recreation for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. Later, he worked in the clubhouse at Zoar Golf Course.

A proud member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4 for 55 years, John also enjoyed spending time on the golf course and was a devoted fan of the Cleveland Guardians.

Above all, John treasured his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. Supporting his grandchildren and being involved in their activities brought him immense joy and was among the greatest priorities in his life.

John will be sadly missed by his daughter, Brenda M. Stilgenbauer of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Adam Stilgenbauer of New Philadelphia and Dr. Morgan (Dr. William Feng) Stilgenbauer of Boston; his sister, Francie Peters; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Grasselli, Rita Grasselli, and Nancy Grasselli; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife; his parents; and siblings, Ralph Grasselli, Betty (Hap) Cross, Santi (Gloria) Grasselli. Jr., Jim (Lillian) Grasselli, Sally (Lale) Osteen, Rose (Bob) Penrod, Clara Grasselli, Marie Basiletti, Harold Grasselli, Joseph Grasselli; and his dog, Izzy.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m., with an FOP Service beginning at 4:45 p.m. and a Christian Wake Service beginning at 6:45 PM. Father Jimmy Hatfield will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover on Saturday, May 30, 2026 beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow mass in East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Those traveling to the cemetery will form the funeral procession at Linn-Hert-Geib Thursday morning where a brief prayer service will commence at 10:15 a.m.

Memorial contributions in John’s memory may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, OH 44622.