John Howard Van Dyke, 86, of Newton Falls, Ohio entered eternal rest with God on January 4, 2025 following a brief illness. John was born on December 26, 1938 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the son of Lawrence John Van Dyke and Edith Yontz Van Dyke. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Rosemarie Genco Van Dyke, in 2022.

John met his future spouse, Rosemarie in 1957. They married four years later on January 27, 1961 at a wedding chapel in Yuma, Arizona where he was stationed. John began his Army service as an Engineering Equipment Mechanic in April 1958 and was honorably discharged in 1964. John and Rosemarie then moved to Newton Falls, Ohio where they stayed for the rest of their lives. Their strong marriage was founded on affection, caring, trust, and sharing everything together. John and Rosemarie were avid travelers for many years, visiting over 30 countries together. One of his favorite adventures was an Alaskan cruise that they took with their grandchildren.

John worked in the steel industry throughout his 35-plus-year career, retiring from LTV Steel as the Transportation Supervisor. He was dedicated to self-improvement, completing many technical and management courses during his career. John was active in his church, St. Robert Bellarmine in Cortland, and participated in several mission trips to build schools in impoverished countries. He was an avid motorcyclist who loved touring and short rides on a beautiful day. John was also well known for his keen sense of humor and sometimes corny jokes. His enthusiasm and joy in sharing made people appreciate them nonetheless.

John’s most enduring legacy is the love he showed to his family and friends and the example of boundless kindness he offered to all who knew him. A quiet and unassuming man, John could often be found engaged in random acts of kindness for strangers or doing something meaningful to brighten someone’s day. He served as a fine example of what love in action means. After Rosemarie suffered a severe stroke, John lovingly cared for her needs at their home for three years, honoring her wishes and his promise until her passing.

John is survived by his two children, J. Jeffrey Van Dyke (Cristine Van Dyke) of Concord, Massachusetts, and Amy Van Dyke (Michael Dietz) of Powell, Ohio; and his grandchildren, Lucas Van Dyke (fiancée Kelly Kolotka), Emma Harvey (fiancée Tyler Koppes), Isaac Harvey, and Michael (MJ) Dietz.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 9:50 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at the Borowski Memorial Home in Newton Falls, Ohio.  Prior to a service of Christian burial with Rev. Steven Agostino officiating, military honors will be held by the Lake Milton American Legion Post 737 Honor Guard.

Material tributes may be made in memory of John to St. Robert Bellarmine Parish Youth Group, 4659 State Route 46, Cortland, Ohio 44410.