John M. Spelich

WARREN - John Michael Spelich passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday, January 10, 2025. He was born July 22, 1942 in Warren, Ohio to Stephanie (Kernick) Spelich and Paul Spelich.

John spent his early years in the Warren school system before his family moved to Southington in the winter of "49" where he graduated from Chalker High School in 1961. Having been the school D.J., John loved his music and at an early age decided to go into radio broadcasting. After high school graduation, John went to Cleveland, Ohio and attended the Ohio School of Broadcasting and completed training in all areas of radio broadcasting including news, commercial and disc-jockey training. He also became a teacher of broadcasting while there. His first job was at WNIC-Niles and moved on to being a news reporter at WHHH, later to WRRN, Warren, Ohio and other stations came later as John was called to serve and joined the Ohio Army National Guard serving from 1965-1972 and was stationed in Seattle, Washington and Fort Ord, California.

After completed service with the Guard, John joined the radio staff of WPIC-WYFM in Sharon, PA. John served as Public Service Director then Music Director as well as Program Manager of both stations. John introduced a lot of new music to Northeast Ohio and Western, PA. His best known break out was from the movie Poseidon Adventure, "The Morning After". This won the station a gold record and album for its introduction and play. John stayed in radio until 1979 then off/on as a fill in at WPIC. He then began his public service career in the Trumbull County Commissioners office. He retired from the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office Corrections in 2008. John served Farmington Township as a Trustee for 20 years; Zoning Inspector for West Farmington Village, City of Newton Falls and Parkman Township. He also served as Chief Security Officer for the Honorable Philip M. Vigorito, Newton Falls Municipal Court. John was a devoted public servant to his community. His selflessness and reliability was always on display in his strive to help others and his commitment to the greater good. Johns personality and sense of humor was bigger than life itself and he carried that with him until his final day.

Johns favorite past time was hosting or attending yearly lamb roasts and spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and family to the Carolina beaches and Gettysburg, PA where he enjoyed the rich history that he discovered on each trip. For those who were close to John and attended any family event, lamb roast or trip, you'd be sure to hear one or both of these phrases, "Lee, take my picture" or "who wants a shot?"

John is survived by his wife of 33 years, Lisa (Resh) Spelich; daughter Janelle (Alex) Jones, Alliance; son, Brandon Hill, Boardman and Corey (Kim) Parke, Palm City, Florida; Grandchildren, Timothy Pinter & Cameron Ream, Alliance, Ohio; Brandon & Santino Hill, Campbell, Ohio; Hailey, Logan and Jacob Parke all of Florida and 3 great grandchildren; Asher, Tyler and Casey Parke, Florida. He is also survived by brothers, David, Nelson, Ohio, James (Amy), Southington and sister in law, Judy (Frank) Spelich, Niles and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Paul, Joe, Frank; grandson, Marco Hill and in-laws, Robert & Elaine Resh; brother in law, Jim Buydos; sisters-in-laws; Lois, Patricia, Sally and Darlene Spelich.

The family would like to thank his caring physicians and nursing staff at the Cleveland Clinic as well as Akeso Hospice of the Valley for their care of John at home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations to the Trumbull County Historical Society or any Veterans Organizations of your choice.

Calling hours are 3:00 to 5:00 pm Friday, January 16, 2026 at Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, where services will begin at 5:00 pm Friday, with John's cousin, Pastor Robert Culler, officiating. Full military honors will be conferred. All who knew and loved John are welcome to attend and celebrate his great life.

Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated To Serving Your Loved Ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com .