John C. Gordon

Having served on the Rootstown Volunteer Fire Company for 31 years (25 as Secretary) and 38 years as an educator who loved going to school at Rootstown High School. John never went to work, he only went to “School” everyday of his 38 years there. John was honored to be named the Rootstown Citizen of the year in 2003-2004.

John was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia Oct.22, 1946, to Janet (Kiracofe) Gordon and John D. Gordon, both deceased. It was there his valuable lesson of service to others began. His grandfather, Henry, as well as his father and his uncles all served on the Bridgewater, VA Volunteer Fire Company.

John is survived by his wife of 26 years, Marion (Holdt Gordon) who lovingly and devotedly cared for him due to the effects of Parkinson’s, not only during the past two years but since it’s onset in 2008, in addition to caring for his type 1 diabetes. They were rarely separated, enjoying one adventure after another.

Also surviving is his sister, Jane Hungelmann (Frank, deceased)- both great fishing buddies and daughters: Jodie (Mark) Lucas, Jenny Teets and Jane (Shane) Hinton. Surviving also are grandchildren by daughters: Ryan, Adam, Tayler, Trent, Savannah and Gavin and sons by marriage Robert Holdt, Dennis Holdt (fiancée Barbara Holchnect) and grandchildren by his sons: Katie, Michael, Jack, Renae (deceased) Allie, Josh, Aubree, Kinslee and Hazel. Also surviving John are special Close Family Friends, Erika Yost, and Eveline Blaha, of Vienna, Austria and their children who called him “Papa”, Nate, Andre, Rhowan, Rachel, Jacqueline, Finn, Brother-in-law Louis Konery (Judy Crain) and former student, brother firefighter and friend Roger Shelly (wife Chris), Michael Holdt and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by close friends Tim (deceased) and Nancy Gogel, Former educator, colleague and friend Doug Mori (wife Linda), both deceased. Sister-in-law Karen Lowry (deceased)

Along with his parents, and sister Jane he moved to Greensburg, Ohio, where John graduated from Green High in 1964. He went on to graduate from Union College, Barbourville, Kentucky, with a Masters in Education, and began his teaching career at Rootstown in 1970. He was a recipient of the Martha Holden Jennings Outstanding Teacher Award. His interaction with students in government class, and especially psychology class, for which he developed the curriculum at Rootstown, was the epitome of dedication to life-long learning. Many of John’s students went on to become psychologists and firefighters due to his influence.

When a student received an “A” on a test he would call them at home in the evening saying “This is Mr. Gordon from the High School, (student name) got 100 on their psych or government test”.

As a 38-year member of the Rootstown Fire Company, he answered 6,485 alarms, the most in Company history. John served as Company Secretary for 25 years. That was due in part to the support of the Rootstown Board of Education permitting him to leave class.

His running out of the school building to go on fire calls earned him the fond nickname of

“Flash Gordon.”

In June of 1994 daughter Jenny introduced her father to Marion Holdt. The connection was perfect and they were married 3 months later in a beautiful backyard ceremony, October 8, 1994. The marriage brought to the family the meshing of sons and daughters. A real life “Brady Bunch”.

John and Marion were fortunate enough to broaden their horizons meeting many new friends and traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Much of that travel was with brother-in -law and dear friends Louis Konery (Judy), Walter Blaha (daughter Eveline and granddaughter Jackie) of Vienna, Austria and great spontaneous travels with Tim and Nancy Gogel.

It was with Marion’s encouragement and Walter’s Vienna tour-guiding that John was able to visit to his “Mecca”, Sigmund Freud’s Museum at #19 Bergassse St. Vienna Austria.

An avid fisherman, John was most proud of his “Fish Ohio” catch.

John was blessed with the sincere and valued friendship of many close friends. Life was grand and John & Marion always welcomed anyone into their home.

John was a Life member of NEA and OEA Education Associations, A 50-year member of Adoniram – Joppa Blue Lodge, and a retired board member of ASM International, Akron Chapter

Sincere thanks to personal dedicated caregivers Nate, and the CCF Home Health Care providers, Megan, Steve, and Dale. Their encouragement kept John highly motivated and he looked forward to their every visit.

Immeasurable appreciation to Rootstown Fire Department Chief Charles Palmer and the entire membership who responded immediately upon calls for John.

John has touched the lives of thousands of Rootstown residents.

He has saved lives and property and molded the character of our young people.

In lieu of flowers John would like to request that memorial donations be made to the Rootstown Fire Department for continuing its service to the Rootstown community.

Friends will be received at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, on Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 5:00pm until 7:00 pm and also from 10:00am until the 11:00am funeral service, officiated by Gary Huhn, on Friday, March 26th. Interment will follow at Homeland Cemetery in Rootstown. The funeral service will be livestreamed on his obituary page at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com where condolences and memories may also be shared with the family.