Jack B . Liberator

Jack B. Liberator, age 95, passed away on July 4, 2025. He was born in Canton, Ohio and spent most of his life there. He graduated from Central Catholic High School, attended the Ohio State University (OSU), and was a graduate of St. Francis School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse, one of the few male nurses at that time. While in nursing school, he met the love of his life and fellow nurse, Patricia Slentz. They were married 57 years until her passing in 2015. He is also preceded by his parents, Pat and Rose Liberator; brother, George; and sisters, Carmella and Louise.

Jack was a family man. He loved camping, dancing, South Carolina beach vacations, playing cards, and rooting for the OSU Buckeyes. He was very sociable and treasured his friends and work colleagues, especially his "gang" from high school and members of the various Fire Departments. He and his wife were great hosts to many parties. He loved his Italian heritage, including the food, and never met a sweet treat or dessert he did not like.

Jack's professional career started in Columbus and then he returned to Canton in 1971. He served as an administrator at numerous hospitals (St. Anthony's and Children's in Columbus, and Aultman and Mercy Medical in Canton). He was on the faculty of OSU and served as Deputy Chief of Canton Township Fire Department, retiring after 72 years of service. He was known as the "Father of Emergency Medical Services (EMS)" for developing and implementing the first statewide training program in the nation, which served as the foundation of modern Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) services. He authored two textbooks on emergency medical care, developed the Stark County paramedic training program, and advanced training programs in Ohio and other states. He trained countless people on various EMS topics. He was very active in numerous organizations and held many local, state, national, and international board positions (Red Cross, United Way, American Heart Association, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, Unique Club, and numerous fire and emergency medical councils, committees, and associations). He received countless awards for his dedication and advocacy in advancing emergency medical care and for his commitment to the community. In 2007, he helped establish the dental program at Mercy Medical Center to ensure exceptional and affordable family dentistry needs were met. In 2018, The State of Ohio EMS board honored him with the first "Jack B. Liberator Lifetime Achievement Award" which is awarded annually to recognize someone integral to the field of EMS. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 24 years, was the chief nurse for the regional Army Reserve Command and retired as a Colonel.

Jack combined his love of sports and emergency medicine by fulfilling the role of "team doctor" for St. Thomas Aquinas football. He served as coordinator of emergency services for the Pro Football Hall of Fame activities for 30 years. In 2004, he was chosen General Chairman of the festival.

Jack was a 60 plus year member of Saint Peter Catholic Church, where he served on the parish council and Holy Name Society, and as a Eucharistic Minister.

Survived by his children, John (Eileen), Mark (Linda), Matt (Jane), Greg (Chris), Maria (Sue), and Amy (Jacqueline); as well as 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on July 11th at 11:00 a.m., at Saint Peter Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Friends may call on July 10th from 1:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at First Friends Church, 5455 Market Avenue, North, Canton, Ohio 44714. The Fire Department Last Alarm Ceremony will be at 8:15 p.m., following calling hours.

Jack requested no flowers. Instead, donations may be made to the Jack B. Liberator Honorary Emergency Services Endowed Scholarship, c/o Stark State College Foundation, 6200 Frank Avenue, NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720.

The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to Bethany Nursing Home and Crossroads Hospice for their loving care.

Jack's care was entrusted with Lamiell Funeral Home, where condolences may be made at:

www.lamiellfuneralhome.com. Lamiell (330-456-7375)