Rev. John D. Mashek

Rev. John D. Mashek, 74, loving brother, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, friend and Pastor to many, went home to be with the Lord on December 21, 2024.
John was a native of Akron, Ohio, born on April 24, 1950. His home church was Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, in downtown Akron.
He attended North High School and the University of Akron, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in June of 1972. His teaching career was interrupted by military service in the U.S. Army, serving from 1972 through 1974, with 16 months' service in Heilbronn, Germany. After his discharge, he was employed as the manager of the Cuyahoga Falls branch office of the Akron Automobile Association.
Entering Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana in September of 1976, Rev. Mashek served as vicar at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in New Britain, Connecticut, and completed his requirements for his Master of Divinity in June 1980.
He was ordained the same month and installed as Pastor of Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church (Johnstown, PA) and Sts. Peter & Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church (Central City, PA) on August 3, 1980.
In January of 1995, he was installed as Pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Norton, OH. Upon retirement in 2016, he returned to Zion Lutheran Church as a faithful member. During the past 8 years he willingly served as guest pastor for Zion Lutheran and St. Matthew Lutheran churches as needed.
John was such a kind and caring man, who loved his family, extended family, congregation and friends greatly. He had many interests and hobbies. He was a dedicated spectator for his family and friends in sports, concerts, shows, events and gatherings. He was an avid reader and shared his love of books with all. Whether he was coming over for a movie, meeting for dinner, or going out shopping, he really loved being with others. To all that knew him, he would always ask how you were doing and have the last words, "Lord Jesus Bless".
John was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Ethel Mashek. He is survived by his brother, Carl Mashek of Cuyahoga Falls; nieces Sheryl Plath and Kimberly Mashek; nephews Daniel (Dawn) Mashek and Steven (Kris) Mashek; great-nieces Christine (John), Hannah (fiancé Matt), Kayla, Emily, Sara; great-nephews Nicholas, Matthew, Tyler, David (Ariel), Christopher; great-great-nephew Preston. Also left to mourn is cousin and good friend, Al Segedy; companion and best friend, Diane Hunsicker, his extended family; Hunsicker, Paglia and Persinger families, along with countless others he befriended all the days of his life. His passing has left us with broken hearts because he was deeply loved. But knowing that he is in God's glory helps us to endure this great loss.
The family will receive friends on Saturday January 11th from 10:00 am to 12:00 p.m. with the Memorial Service following at St. Matthew Lutheran Church 5451 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd, Norton, OH., with Pastor Keith Johnson officiating. Per John's wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial Contributions may be made to: Zion Lutheran Church 139 S. High St. Akron OH 44308, or St. Matthew Lutheran Church 5451 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd, Norton, OH 44203 or your favorite charity.