John Robert Kernich

John Robert Kernich, 39, of Uhrichsville, passed away unexpectedly on May 12, 2025, at the Cleveland Clinic - Main Campus at Cleveland.

Born in Columbus, John was the son of Donald T. (Belinda) Kernich of Grove City and Mary Ellen “Tia” (Hubert) Kovach of Uhrichsville. John was a graduate of Whetstone High School, where his love for sports began to flourish. He continued his athletic pursuits at Marietta College and was proud to be one of the inaugural football players for Ohio Dominican University in Columbus. Currently, he was enrolled at Kent State University - Tuscarawas Campus, studying Electrical Engineering, showcasing his commitment to furthering his education and pursuing his passions.

John had a true love for sports, especially football and basketball. He was an avid Ohio State University Football fan and often expressed his enthusiasm through spirited support during games. Beyond his love for sports, John cherished traveling to Las Vegas with friends a few times a year, where laughter and camaraderie filled the air. John was also a devoted and loyal individual, always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. He embraced his role as “the fun and loving uncle” with unwavering enthusiasm, often making time to connect with his nieces through FaceTime. His genuine affection for his family was evident in all he did.

In addition to his parents, John is survived by two brothers Matthew (Carrie) Kernich of Durham, North Carolina and Michael Simrak of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Allison and Brett Kimmet; aunts and uncles; Dr James Hubert of Punta Gorda, Florida, Kevin (Nancy) , Mary Beth and Aileen Hubert of the Bay Area in California, Vanessa (Tim) Skidmore of Jefferson and Roberta (Steve) McCarthy of New Hampshire; cousins: Ryan, Daniel and Jessica Kernich from “the farm”, Jason and Ethan McCarthy, Marie Skidmore, Thomas, Nicolas, James and Andrew Hubert, Steven Hubert, and Joey Olson and the loves of his life, nieces Emery and Ada Kernich and his K-9 companions, Jasper and Bruno

John was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Rita Kernich, his maternal grandmother, Jane Hubert, his maternal grandfather, James Hubert; an aunt, Cathie Kernich; an uncle, Patrick Hubert and his cousin, Edward Kernich.

In his final selfless act, John was an organ donor so that others could live.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation care has been provided by the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 6 PM at Whetstone Park of Roses Shelter House in Columbus, Ohio.

The family has requested that memorial contributions, in John’s name, be directed to the Franklin County Dog Shelter, 4340 Tamarack Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43229.