John Kiste, III

John Raymond Kiste, III, age 66, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully, in his residence, surrounded by his family, early Thursday, August 7, 2025 following a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Twin City Hospital at Dennison on November 13, 1958, John was a son of Agnes Smolak Hayden of Fairlawn and the late John R. and Donna J. Kiste.

He was a 1977 graduate of Massillon-Washington High School and received his higher education from Yale University, Akron University, Kent State University, and Malone University where he obtained a Bachelor of Business.

For 15 years, John served as the Executive Director of the Stark County Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at Kent State University, Tuscarawas. For a number of years, John shared his love for astronomy and operated the Planetarium at the McKinley Museum. He was an expert on Edgar Allan Poe, having performed a one man show on “Poe” for many years. Of all of his accomplishments, however, he was most proud of his writing having published over 70 short stories of the horror genre.

In 2014, John was fortunate to have received a double lung transplant, giving him a new lease on life and became an ambassador for Lifebanc. His love for all things spooky didn’t stop at his horror stories, as he loved decorating the outside of his home for Halloween and greeting those who stopped by trick-or-treating. Yes, his house was the house that gave the full-size candy bars. One never needed Google when John was around as his vast knowledge on many topics made him the perfect partner for trivia nights and was once credited for a question in which he submitted to Trivial Pursuit. He also had a great love of Universal Monsters and had amassed an extensive collection through the years.

In addition to his mother, John’s spontaneous, kind demeanor will be missed by his wife of 43 years, the former Lonna Dickey, whom he married on All Hallows’ Eve, 1981; his daughter, Gwendolyn (Bill Homan) Kiste of Pennsylvania; his sisters, Kathleen Bronchak, Cheri (Jeff) Rickenbrode all of Florida, Karen (Allen) Zoldesy of Broadview Heights; his brother, Randy (Michelle) Kiste of Canton; as well as his nieces, and nephews, and many lifelong friends.

John was preceded in death by his father, step-mother, and step-father, Leonard Hayden.

In keeping with his wishes there are no public services planned at this time. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling arrangements.