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John Rettos Obituary
Athens - John Rettos, formerly of Coshocton, passed away June 3, 2021 peacefully, surrounded by family.
He was born December 1, 1930 in Yorkville, Ohio to the late Michael and Mary (Makras) Rettos.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Reba Thomas Rettos; one son, Christopher John (Jean) Rettos of Athens, Ohio, daughter Andrea Lynne (David) Glass of Columbus, Ohio and daughter-in-law Lyn (Socrates) Rettos. Also surviving are grandchildren Jessica Glass (Joshua) Bergeron, Michael Glass, John Robert Glass, Brooke Rettos (Brandon) Shean, Blythe Rettos, and great-grandchildren Evelynne Bergeron, John Bergeron, and Eli Shean. Also surviving are a brother Nick (Imogene) Rettos of St. George, Utah and sister Stella Pappas of Morgantown, West Virginia. A son Socrates John Rettos and brother George Rettos preceded John in death.
John graduated from Coshocton High School. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degree from The Ohio State University. He also attended Miami University, Purdue University and the Oregon College of Education.
John served in the US Army from 1953 - 1955 and was stationed in Germany for thirteen months.
He returned to Coshocton to teach at his alma mater from 1955 - 1986. During those years, he was active in the Coshocton City Education Association having served as president and head negotiator for several years. He was an advocate for teachers' rights. John served on the Executive Committee of the Eastern Ohio Teachers' Association and for one year served as president of that organization. John believed that learning was a life-long activity and encouraged his students to continue learning new things through formal education or through life and work experiences.
For many years, John was active with the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival serving as co-chairman of the Planning Committee for five years.
He was a member of the Korean War Veteran's Association, the Coshocton County Retired Teachers Association, and a life member of the Ohio Education Association.
John attended Trinity Episcopal Church where he served as Senior Warden on the Vestry.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at Given Dawson Paisley Funeral Home from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 11:00 am at Trinity Episcopal Church in Coshocton, officiated by Rob Morris. Burial will follow the funeral service at South Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival,
PO Box 1062 Coshocton, OH 43812.
An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Rettos
Sponsored by Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home.
Sue McAdoo
June 12, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. I miss the both of you. Please know that I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Remember that the memories and good times will last forever
Steve Wright
June 10, 2021
I’m very saddened by our loss of John. He was brilliant and prompted critical thinking so important in our formative years. His advocacy for rights was also important and reminds us of the work we need to continue. Thank you, John!
Bob Bigrigg
June 9, 2021
So saddened by the passing of Mr. Rettos. What a consummate role model who made learning fun ! With deepest respect and sympathy to the Rettos family.
Kathy and Mike Spang
June 8, 2021
I’m saddened by the news of Johns passing. A great teacher, friend and neighbor. May God give your family comfort and strength at this difficult time.
Amy and Chris Seward
June 8, 2021
My husband and I both had Mr. Rettos in high school government class .. a great teacher who made learning history interesting and fun . So sorry for your loss
Roberta Underwood
June 8, 2021
Loved talking to John and Reba. Also they made the best desserts.
Roger Besst
June 8, 2021
My most vivid memory of John concerned Easter. John, being of Greek heritage, would greet me with "Christos Anesti!" (Christ Is Risen!), and I would respond, "Alithos Anesti!" (He Is Risen Indeed!).
My sincere condolences to John's lovely family.
Roger Besst, organist
Trinity Episcopal Church
Marie Grubb Croy
June 8, 2021
Once in a lifetime a person will meet an amazing teacher like Mr. Rettos. He always made the class room brighter showering his students with his knowledge and wisdom. On behalf of the class of CHS "62" our sincere condolences. Mr. Rettos will sincerely be missed. Marie (Grubb) Croy
Paul and Jinni Bowman
June 8, 2021
Sad to hear of Mr. Rettos passing, he was a great teacher inside and outside of the classroom. Jinni and I always enjoyed seeing him at functions around town. He always had kind words for everyone.
Pat Grier
June 8, 2021
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Rettos family on the loss of this GREAT guy and educator. May God be with you as you celebrate his life and hold all the wonderful memories in your hearts. May you rest in Peace John.
Karen ((Arnold) Fisher
June 8, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Rettos family. I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Rettos as a teacher at Coshocton High School. Class of 1976
Sheila Endres Seward
June 8, 2021
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Rettos. He truly cared about his students and I was lucky to be one of them. May God bless each of you with peace and comfort. RIP Mr. Rettos. Your legacy lives on.
Dave Powers
June 8, 2021
What a wonderful person and mentor you will be missed but never forgotten with deep respect.
Lynne Pappas Leif and Fred Leif
June 7, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of our Uncle John. He was a wonderful and kind man. The perfect youngest brother to our Mom and Mother-in-law, Stella Pappas. May his memory be eternal.
Marsha Duling
June 7, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Carla Aronhalt
June 7, 2021
Mrs Rettos and family-
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Rettos’ passing. He was truly one of the best educators to grace the halls of Coshocton City Schools. May you find solace in knowing he made a difference in the lives of each of his students. Those of us who were blessed to experience his knowledge and wisdom, carry with us memories of his passion for history and the United States Government. He always challenged us to ask questions, know more, and do better. God Speed Sir!
Nancy Blanchard
June 7, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Rettos was such a kind man and always had a smile when I would see him. One of my favorite teachers. Thinking of you all . Nancy Cores Blanchard
Norma Little Calbert
June 7, 2021
Reba, my deepest Sympathy in your loss of John. May God bless you and your family.
Rex Holmes
June 7, 2021
I'm very to hear mr rettos I remember John from a summer training program that he as a teacher very good man .that we became friends over FB to stay in touch .heart goes out to family and friends .my u John rip my friend .b very well missed.holmes family
Robert Spaulding
June 7, 2021
Reba & Andi Dave & Family so sorry for your loss he was such a nice man Teacher Father lot respect for him RIP Mr. Rettos!
Kim (Reynolds)Dillon
June 7, 2021
John was such a nice guy, always smiling. He worked with my mom Joan Schlauch at Corc job training & she just thought the world of John. So so for your loss. Sending my sincere condolences to your family .
Debbie Keefer
June 7, 2021
This breaks my heart. He was just a great teacher and later friend. My prayers go out to his family
Jon Mattison
June 7, 2021
My deepest sympathy and prayers for John and his Family. I had the honor to work with John for many years at Coshocton High School. Coshocton City a school was fortunate to have an educator of his quality as a teacher in the district. All of those young people who passed through his classroom are enter off for the knowledge they received.
Well done John Rettos, Well done!
Gayle Dickerson
June 7, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Valarie Hess
June 7, 2021
God bless Mr. Rettos may your family find comfort in the Lords arms .
Carolyn Skelton Wright
June 7, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Mr. Rettos always had a kind word for my family. I respected him very much.
Brent A Pendergast
June 7, 2021
A wonderful father and loving man that will be sorely missed but celebrated. I knew him through his son Chris, who is the best friend anyone could have. And it was through him that I learned how his legacy lives on. I'm glad to have met him and wish the family all my best. With deepest love and sympathy.
Betty Gwinn-Hall
June 7, 2021
I am so very sorry for the loss of your father, husband, grandfather, brother. Mr Rettos had a kind and gentle soul and will be missed by so many. I’m so sorry Andi. Sending love and hugs to you all.
Sandra Jennings
June 7, 2021
My heart is broken hearing my friend John has passed on Reba you were truly John's love.I pray for a of us left behind how fitting he left just as the hot air balloons are back in Coshocton. I will miss his share wit.and dear friend for life.
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