John E. Kiss

He was born October 23, 1949, in Ravenna, Ohio, to parents George and Mary (Waggoner) Kiss. John grew up in Atwater and graduated from Waterloo High School in 1968. He attended the University of Akron and earned both bachelors and masters degrees in Education. It was here that he joined the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and found some of his life long friends who called him Smooch.

On June 20, 1975, John married the love of his life, Debbie (Bossart), who still survives in Rootstown. The love he and his wife had for each other was evident in all they did from teaching together, to traveling the country, and raising their two children T.J. (Amy Neff) Kiss of Fairlawn, Ohio and Carrianne (Kris) Schroeder of Ottawa, Ohio.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Karen Kiss, in-laws, Jim and Tillie (McCarthy) Bossart, and some of his closest friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, children, his grandchildren Ellie and Nora Kiss, Clara, Connor, and Caleb Schroeder, sister Judy (Don) Woerz, and many other relatives and friends.

John worked as a teacher for over 35 years with the Ravenna City School System. Throughout his long teaching career, he impacted so many young lives. Along with teaching, John also helped with the family meat market and was a coach for boys and girls basketball, wrestling, and baseball. Coach Kiss used his leadership roles to demonstrate compassion, hard work, and leadership skills.

Some of John's favorite hobbies included spending summers camping at the Black Bull, golfing, and fishing. His most favorite activity was spending time with his grandkids. He enjoyed watching westerns and collecting coins. John was an avid Ohio State Buckeye football fan as well as a Cleveland Browns fan.

John was a selfless person who always put his friends and family first. He was kind, caring, and easy going. His humor made everyone laugh, and he easily made friends anywhere he went. He would be there at a drop of a dime if you needed anything. John will always be remembered as the man, the myth, the legend.

His wishes for cremation are being honored. Friends and family will be received Thursday, July 7, 2022, from 5:00 – 6:00 PM with a memorial service celebrated by Reverend William Kraynak at 6:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. A Celebration of John’s Life will follow at the Ravenna Elks Lodge.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.