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John Rasnick Obituary

John F. Rasnick, 64, entered into the presence of Jesus, his Lord and Savior on March 10, 2021. He was born in Akron and lived all his life in the Akron area. How do you sum up the measure of a man such as John in so few words? John was an attorney with Hanna, Rasnick, Evanchan, Palmisano, Hobson, and Fox, LLC. He was also a founding partner for A-1 Concrete Leveling. His life calling was Christian Education, especially for the Akron area. John founded Emmanuel Christian Academy. He served on numerous boards and foundations for many years including The Chapel, City Church, CVCA, Restore Addiction and Recovery, and the Chapel Hill Christian School Endowment Board among others. John was a member of The Chapel. Yet, mentioning all of this does not begin to scratch the impact that he has had in so many ministries, businesses, communities, and individually in so many lives. His passion and heart were evident in everything he did. He loved greatly and was greatly loved. He was a champion of the Gospel of Christ and had a profound impact on all those around him, even through his last breath. While heaven has gained such a great man, he will be sorely missed by those who knew him. He was preceded in death by his father, John T. Rasnick. John is survived by his wife, Janelle; mother, Dorothy Rasnick; daughters, Elizabeth "Spud" (Peter) Ingram of Erie, PA, Sarah "Goldie" (Josh) Wiseman of Dayton; son, Robert "Bear" (Brooke) Rasnick of Louisville, Ky.; grandchildren, Knox, Samantha "Sam Bam", Levi, and one soon to be born; brothers, Jim (Hilda) Rasnick, Robert (Wendy) Rasnick both of Suffield, many nieces and nephews, and 10,000 people who considered him to be their best friend. The family would like to send a special thanks to Summa Hospital Staff for their care and all of those who have kept John and his family in their prayers. Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery. The ceremony will be available for virtual viewing through the funeral home's website at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 15, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's name to Emmanuel Christian Academy, 1650 Diagonal Road, Akron, Ohio 44320, CVCA, 4787 Wyoga Lake Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44224 or Chapel Hill Christian School, 1090 Howe Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221.

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Published by Akron Beacon Journal from Mar. 13 to Mar. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Rasnick

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Jacqueline Thomason

March 8, 2025

Remembering the Rasnick Family in prayer as we reflect on the live of a godly man. He embodies principles of love, kindness and respect for all mankind.

John was colorblind to race, creed and ethnicity.

Jacqueline Thomason, a friend and fellow board member

Jentner Bruce

March 7, 2025

On the anniversary of John´s death, so many of us remember his love, wisdom, and joy. I am grateful for his legacy which is literally eternal. He continues to inspire us to honor God in all we do. Thank you , John.

Bruce Jentner

March 7, 2022

Even a year later, I find it difficult to acknowledge John passed away. Yet I am reminded the God is sovereign and nothing can prevent us from completing God´s will in life. John accomplished and loved our community in ways most of us only dream of. John, thank you for your example and impact on all of us. We look forward to seeing you again in eternity once we have also completed our missions on earth.

Boni wish

July 30, 2021

I did not know and so upset. He was not only my trusted attorney but my friend. Rip

The Ray family

March 26, 2021

John was the real deal. He was a man that lived by his convictions and had a love for Jesus that he wanted to tell everyone about. His gain is definitely our loss. He will be missed by many. Our condolences to the entire Rasnick family. You were blessed to have him as a member of your family, as we were to know him.

Doug McGee, friend and brother

March 26, 2021

Janell and Family,
Your sorrow today is understandable, since John is not with us at this time. But you know, and we know, that joy is in our future as we'll connect again with John, our Brother in Christ, as he stands next to Jesus, greeting us when it's our time to pass thru those Heavenly gates. Oh what joy we'll all feel and experience to it's fullest, as Heaven unfolds before us, and John greets us with his glowing smile as Jesus hugs us into Heaven. . . our time on Earth has been so much better because our Brother and Friend shared some of his time with us. Thank you John, and thank you Janelle for supporting John with your love and patient understanding. . . I can imagine Jesus saying "Well done John, my good and faithful servant. Come and join me as we work and play in the Heavenly realms that awaits us." . . . We met about 35 years ago, and I'll always remember those times, and will look forward to more.

James Sedlacek

March 24, 2021

John reached out to me during a very dark time in my life. When I was at my lowest battling problems, John picked me up and walked with me. He helped when all others turned their back. He showed me what God’s love really means. What can I say about John, A GREAT MAN. When I heard this sad news, I immediately thought of Johns love, grace, and support. You can not ask for anything else in a true friend.

Lorrie Kasburg-Falasca

March 18, 2021

Rasnick Family,
My deepest condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God Bless, comfort and strengthen you all during this difficult time.

Peter H Calfee

March 18, 2021

i have known John for over 30 years and found him to be the consumate professional, devoted, caring, engaged, and grounded with integrity, a person who would never walk from friends or tasks or projects regardless of the difficulty. He always welcomed my comments and we shared a number of clients whom we served in a team way that made the process so easy.

we/the clients will miss him and know that the lacunae he left will be hard to fill.

Pat and Susan Baker

March 17, 2021

My husband and I met John when came to our church to be a part of a panel of people talking about financial issues . As far as I know, he came 3 plus times at least, for free, as a ministry.

After the seminar, we followed up with him and he rewrote all of our financial documents for a very reasonable price. I remember him talking about his wife's wanting him to retire so they could travel and have fun. I hope he was able to do that.

RIP John. You will be greatly missed. Thanks for giving yourself up so much for the Lord's glory.

Pat and Susan Baker

CASSANDRA D WILLIAMS

March 17, 2021

To the Rasnick family,

Attorney Rasnick was more than an attorney and educator, he was a good man. As a parent of a child from Emmanuel Christian Academy, I can remember countless times listening to Mr. Rasnick's passion for Christian education during the school events. I am so appreciative of the support of folks like John who truly care about the children! His life made a difference to so many children! Rest in Heaven.

Cassandra Williams

Bruce Jentner

March 17, 2021

John was a great man and a good friend. I will miss him now, but am grateful I will connect with him again in eternity. My condolences to Janelle and family.

Jacqueline Thomason

March 15, 2021

I was blessed to serve on The Board of Emmanuel Christian Academy with John as well as Chair its' Annual Benefit Concert where we raised thousands of dollars for "at risk" children. My, what an amazing legacy this wonderful man of God left us!!! He led by example, showing us humility, compassion and unconditional love. John did not see race, creed or color. He will be missed.

May God provide comfort to John's family and friends during this bereavement period.
Jacqueline Thomason

Joan Starkowsky

March 15, 2021

Dear Janelle and Family,

I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. I have been a client of his and always enjoyed our conversations, as we worked through my estate planning. He liked discussing my animals, especially my dogs. John asked me to bring my therapy dog, Sonny, into the office, which thrilled his colleagues. Everyone came out of their offices to see him. Please accept my deep condolences. I know John is in a place of love and peace.

STEPHANIE & BRIAN MCCARTY

March 15, 2021

John was a true servant of the Lord in his work with estate planning and caring for his clients & community. We worked together with many clients in common. He will be missed for sure!

Catherine Jenrette

March 15, 2021

Dear Janelle and Family. John was not only my lawyer, but a dear family friend for many,many years.
No matter how busy he was he would always find time to speak with me whenever I had a problem or needed some legal advice. He was such a faithful friend and the type of person that would go out of his way to help you no matter what the situation might be.
He was and is one of our Lords good and faithful servants. I will truly miss him.

Ted & Sandy Sadar

March 15, 2021

Dear Janelle and family...We share in your heart break and loss of our dear friend John....John was a trusted friend and advisor for our mutual clients for over 35 years...John was the number one go to referral for business and estate planning for me and our clients...John had a friendly and sincere interest in what ever was being discussed...I always felt the John cared and listened closely to what others had to say in a discussion...the world shares your loss....family was always first in his eyes...next was how can he help others....may he rest in Peace.....we miss him! Ted & Sandy Sadar

March 15, 2021

“Precious in the sight of the Lord are the death of His Saints”—PS.116:15

Dear Rasnick family,
As you mourn the loss of your loved one, even in the depths of your pain and sorrow hope breathes, and that hope is in our Lord Jesus Christ. Because we are believers in Him, our grief is different, as we have the hope of seeing our loved ones again in eternity. Your heartache will not go on endlessly! Our prayers continue to ascend to the Most High on your behalf.
To God Be The Glory!

David & Valerie,
Chapel in Green

Catherine Jenrette

March 15, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Jerry Wear

March 15, 2021

John is the most generous man with time, energy, money and services I have known. His smile and encouragement will be missed. May God wrap you in His love and peace.

Peg Arnold

March 15, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I am so sorry .

John Munka

March 15, 2021

I had the honor and pleasure of working with John through mutual clients. You could not have worked with a more kind, compassionate person with the utmost integrity. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing John has suffered a great loss.

Dan and Martha Mosher

March 15, 2021

We are heartbroken at the loss of such a kind man. John was our business attorney for many years as well as our family attorney. He treated his clients as family members. His wisdom, guidance and friendship will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences to his family.

Julie Droppleman

March 15, 2021

John was always so nice and willing to help other attorneys who didn't have his level of expertise, and he did so without condescension or any air of superiority. What a kind, classy gentleman we have lost.
Rest in Peace John. You will be missed.
Sympathy, love and prayers to his family and other loved ones left behind.

Xoxo

Mike & Julie Droppleman

Jeff Glosser

March 14, 2021

Dear Janelle and family,

You have my deepest sympathy and condolences on the loss of John. John was a remarkable man who’s goodness and Christianity touched countless lives. I am blessed to have known him, and our family greatly appreciates his friendship and kindness.

Warmest regards, and prayers,

Jeff Glosser

Jeff Glosser

March 14, 2021

Dear Janelle and family,

You have my deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of John. He was a remarkable man and blessed so many people, and was such a dear friend to our family.

Warmest regards and prayers,

Jeff Glosser

Janet Santilli Lawry

March 14, 2021

John was a great lawyer and so good to my mom and dad.
Such an honest Christian man

Mark Ford

March 14, 2021

If the Bible was being written today and Jesus is walking the face of the earth he would say there was a man sent from God whose name was John and he’d be referring to John Rasnick. John what is the epitome of love peace and joy. His humor and wisdom will be greatly missed. Janelle and family please know that I love you and will be praying for you. Thank you for loaning John to so many of us who are richer because he was a part of our lives. I love you John and I’ll see you in heaven.

Pam Pribanick

March 14, 2021

Dear Janelle and family, thinking of you all. Please know you are all in our prayers. We are so sorry. Matt and Pam Pribanick

Denise Myricks

March 14, 2021

My husband and I were given the opportunity to meet John as a wedding gift to get "our affairs in order". He was so kind, patient and took time to explain the various terms to my husband and I. We fell in love with him immediately and felt at peace. We had multiple opportunities to see God's grace and love in action multiple times during many interactions with him. Always that beautiful smile and "bearhug". Heaven has gained a wonderful angel, and we here on earth have lost an awesome role model, friend and brother. "Well done, John!"

Gary Kisling

March 14, 2021

John was a man who lived out his faith and his love for Christ. He helped so many in so many ways. He will be deeply missed. My condolences to his family.

Knute, one of 10.000 best friends

March 14, 2021

He shined with love, and represented His Savior and Lord in such a strong way. John's love for family and then so many others was extraordinary.
All of us will miss him big time.

William Rininger

March 14, 2021

In life you get to meet only a few people out of all the billions,. So many different folks walk on the earth, knowing John throughout my life I heard and new only caring , loving kindness, he spoke never I'll of others and gave so much of himself to so many, in so many ways. A loving father, husband , coleige, and friend. The world lost an honorable,giving and so humbling soul ,an endless determined responsible worker, self obligated individual, fun to be with, a trusted caring, giving and stern friend. There isn't enough words to express just the great effect he has had on so many others. But this day a true Angel has been given the loving eternal gift. God bless you John and god bless your family.

Boyd C Elliott

March 14, 2021

Our hearts ache for the Rasnick family. Although, we know that John is home with his Savior, his absence here on Earth, will leave a huge void for all those who love John. May God's peace cover all of you in this difficult time.
Love and prayers,
Boyd and Trish Elliott

Bob & Gail Harmelink

March 13, 2021

Dear Janelle,

We mourn with you and your family. We remember the many good times we shared with John over the years, and especially our beautiful time in Israel. All our love and prayers to you.
Bob & Gail

Bob and Jacque Stager

March 13, 2021

It was a privilege to know such a kind and generous man who touched so many lives. Our deepest sympathies and prayers for God's comfort during this time of such a great loss.

Jim Swanson

March 13, 2021

Dear Jannelle and the entire Rasnick family,

I want to express my deepest sympathy in the home going of John.

He was truly a wonderful man of God.

I so much appreciated his encouragement and support over the many years at CHCS. He was always available when his help was needed.

All of you will be on my prayer list. I know from experience that our Lord will be there to provide peace and comfort as it is needed.

Love,

Jim Swanson

Chuck & Veronica Mullen

March 13, 2021

John, you were a mentor and friend to so many. We never knew how you found the time, countless souls are better because you were here. Can’t wait to see you again brother.

Chuck & Veronica Mullen

March 13, 2021

John, you were a mentor and friend to so many. We never knew how you found the time, countless souls are better because you were here. Can’t wait to see you again brother.

David Best

March 13, 2021

John and I have been friends virtually our entire lives starting in Sunday School in the Goodyear Heights Presbyterian church. His father and my father worked together for many years and John and I had the privilege and joy of working together over the years on many different projects and on behalf of many different clients and friends. John was our family's personal advisor for many issues and was always willing and able to help in anything we ask. He has been in my prayers through this last part of his journey on this Earth and I am confident he is in the arms of the Lord now. He will be sorely missed. Our entire family sends our heartfelt condolences to all those in his family.

Dave O'Karma

March 13, 2021

Dear Rasnick family: In 9th grade I went to Kent State High School and was so out of my comfort zone; a fish out of water, and hated it. John became my best friend there. He and Andy Hawes were my guardian angels. They made that year bearable, and worth remembering. He started to cry in shop class when I told him I wasn't coming back for 10th grade. Just a beautiful soul. How lucky I was to have shared a little of my life with him. He wasn't just one the nicest people I've ever met, he "was" the nicest. RIP, Raz
(Now I am crying....)

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Terry Woods

Planted Trees

Greg Landes

March 13, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of deep grief. John was much appreciated in the A-1 business. Fond memories of him always! Greg & Davida Landes and all from A-1 Concrete Leveling Crew - Dayton.

Chris Bannerman

March 13, 2021

Ginny, My condolences for your loss. Chris Bannerman

Terry & Fay Eddy

March 13, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Great memories of Brittany and Elizabeth at Chapel Hill Christian School. Love & Prayers

Tom Halfhill

March 13, 2021

I haven't seen John since high school in the 1970s, but I'll always remember our good times as fellow dishwashers at the Congress Lake Country Club. John had an ornery sense of humor that brightened our workplace. One of his best pranks was squeezing himself into the dumbwaiter that brought dirty dishes upstairs to the kitchen and then springing out to surprise everyone! But he was a hard worker, too, so I'm not surprised that his obituary honors a life of good service. The world needs more people like John Rasnick.

Duane Roe

March 13, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Darlene Stump

March 13, 2021

Johnny...you've certainly earned your wings! Now go do great things in Heaven & give my love to Denny!❤Darlene Stump, Cathi & Cassi

Denise Sawan Caruso

March 13, 2021

I think the best way is to say 'How do you sum up the measure of a man such as John in so few words?' He was an amazing lawyer, man of his faith, concerned for all and any all wrapped up in a great sense of humor!! I would wish for one more meeting to see his smiling face, gracious support and laughter...so much laughter. Rest in peace John!...The Sawan family

Jim Armington

March 13, 2021

John was our personal and business attorney for many years and a great friend. He was always there when we had a question or we needed his legal advice. More importantly he was our moral later as well. We would often call him and ask not just what was legal but what was the right thing to do. He was a great man in every way and we will miss him very much. God bless his soul and his family and may they find strength in knowing how many peoples lives he touched and how many loved him.

Dan Cevasco

March 13, 2021

John is my friend, my brother, my mentor. Dan Cevasco

Patrick D'Andrea

March 13, 2021

For many who knew him, John was a good friend and certainly a good man. For others he was a good lawyer. For me he was all three. John had a passion for helping people and he did that all his life in his office and in his community. While I will miss his cheerful advice I know how he lived his life has put him in a far better place for eternity.

My sincere condolences to Janelle and family and prayers for your loss.

Edwin A Huth

March 13, 2021

John was my personnel & business attorney, it was through his genuine compassion for other human beings I felt he took on my issues as if they were his. I will never understand why god puts someone like John among us only to take them away when they are appreciated the most. God bless his family living with their loss.

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