John J. Van Kirk

John J. Van Kirk, age 73, of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital at Dover following a period of declining health.

Born in Akron, Ohio on November 25, 1952, John was a son of the late Samuel C. and Ann Jacobs Van Kirk. He was a graduate of Kenmore High School and attended the University of Akron.

Professionally, John spent more than three decades working in various segments of the oil and gas industry, prior to his retirement from Sunoco Gasoline. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing, bowling, motorcycle riding and driving around in his yellow two-seat convertible. He traded in his adventurous life as he became a husband and father, finding great joy gardening, barbecuing, and cheering on his beloved Ohio State Football teams and the Cleveland sports teams, specifically the Guardians.

To know John was to be keenly aware of his outgoing personality, quick wit, amazing sense of humor, which he maintained up until his passing, his kindness and generosity and the deep love he had for his family and k-9 companions.

He will be missed by his wife of 48 years, the former Melanie Walton, whom he married on April 14, 1978, their daughter, Alicia (Joshua) Ritenour of New Philadelphia; son-in-law, John Ramsey of Nevada; grandchildren, Zachary, Sophia, and Sydney Davies; his great-grandchildren, Trevor and Ivy Mayle, and Zhuri Wright; and his beloved shih tzu, and constant companion, Jack.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a daughter, Angela Richardson.

In honoring John’s wishes, the family will host a traditional Wake which will be announced at a later date. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.