John Edmund Stratton, 93, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, passed away at The Inn at Northwood Village on July 19, 2026.

Born on May 23, 1933, in Dover, Ohio, John was the son of the late Gertrude Alice (Reiser) Stratton and Edmund Reese "Bud" Stratton. He was a proud 1952 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, where he began a lifelong commitment to education and community service.

Following graduation, John proudly served his country in the United States Naval Air Corps from 1953 to 1955. During his military service, he was assigned to North Africa as Chief Air Control for an airbase, a role that reflected his leadership, technical expertise, and dedication.

After returning home, John completed the rigorous four-year Tool and Die Apprenticeship Program at Warner & Swasey, now Gradall, becoming a master machinist. He began his career with Joy Manufacturing and Warner & Swasey before attending Fenn College, now Cleveland State University. Possessing a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, John established Kay-Zee, Inc.in 1973 with his co-founder and wife, Kay. The company remains a going concern, operating as a sales, distribution, and manufacturing business serving the tire industry. He proudly operated Kay-Zee, earning the respect of colleagues and customers throughout the industry. His service to our country and business endeavors afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively, visiting more than twenty countries.

John believed deeply in giving back to the community always striving to improve the quality of life for those around him. He served as a New Philadelphia City Councilman for fourteen years and later as a member of the New Philadelphia Planning Commission. He was a proud member of the Atwood Yacht Club for over fifty years, a member of Union Country Club and a Mason.

His greatest legacy may well be his unwavering commitment to education. He taught night school for many years in the local community. In 1993, John was a founding board member of the New Philadelphia Quaker Foundation, established to support academic excellence, educational programs, and alumni activities within the New Philadelphia School District. As he liked to say, “I’m a Phila boy”.

Recognizing the importance of skilled trades, John also founded the Buckeye Foundation at Buckeye Career Center in 1999. Through this foundation, graduating students have received scholarships to continue their education or purchase the tools needed for their chosen professions.

Together with his late wife, Peggy, John continued to invest in future generations by establishing the Peggy and John Stratton Scholarship Fund, benefiting students at Kent State University at Tuscarawas and Buckeye Career Center's adult education program.

In recognition of their extraordinary generosity and lasting impact on the community, John and Peggy Stratton were honored as the 2022 recipients of the Kent State Tuscarawas Community Service Award. Their support created educational opportunities for students at New Philadelphia High School, Buckeye Career Center, and Kent State Tuscarawas, leaving a legacy that will benefit countless young people for generations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments and civic leadership, John embraced life's adventures. He especially loved sailing on Atwood Lake aboard his sailboat, where he found both competition and joy. John was also an avid tennis player holding court at Tuscora Park for many years with his formidable adversaries, Tuck Wherley and Harold Wiggins. In his later years he peddled rails to trails bike paths all over Ohio. Whether traveling the world, mentoring others, building businesses, or supporting educational causes, he approached life with curiosity, generosity and fierce, relentless determination.

John is survived by his daughter, Sara Stratton of Oberlin; Ohio, grandson Tim Stratton of Columbus, Ohio; his son, Jim (Sally Saeger) Stratton and grandson, Gabriel Stratton of Upper Arlington, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wives, Kay (Becker) Stratton, Peggy (Ashton) Stratton; his sister, Susan Smith; and his dear cousins, Jerry and Dave Marlowe, Jane Reiser and Jim Reiser.

John E. Stratton lived a life defined by service—to his country, his community, his profession, and especially to the education of future generations. His vision, leadership, generosity, and steadfast belief in creating opportunities for others leave an enduring legacy throughout Tuscarawas County and beyond. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the countless lives he touched through his kindness, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.

Family and friends are invited to John's Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Quaker Foundation or the Buckeye Foundation continuing the educational legacy that was so important to him.