John E. Kirtos

1931 - 2025

John E. Kirtos

09/30/31 - 01/23/25

John "Ed" Kirtos, 93, born on September 30, 1931 in Youngstown, Ohio, passed away on January 23, 2025, in Perrysburg, OH. He was the oldest of four children born to the late John and Katherine Kirtos. John was preceded in death by his brothers Gene and Bob, sister Dorothy and daughter Jean.

After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in Youngstown, John served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He took great pride in his military service and always wore and displayed his Marine Corp hat. John retired from Cardox/Air Liquide in Oregon, Ohio and from Meijer in Sylvania.

John is survived by his loving family: his wife of 67 years, Josephine; daughters, Victoria (Othon) Katakis, Janice (Brian) Kirwan , Mary Steedman; sons, Jim and John (Terri) Kirtos. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

John loved traveling with his wife Jo, going to casinos, collecting coins and sports memorabilia. While he never ran a sanctioned race, he was an avid runner in the 1970s. When he couldn't run, he switched to cycling which he continued well into his 80s. His love for hockey, football and baseball was passed down to his children who fell in love with his teams. All of the kids went to the old Sports Arena to watch the Goaldiggers games with him. He rarely missed a Browns (as tough as that was), Indians or Red Wings game on TV. He was a longtime parishioner at both St. Michael's Catholic Church in Oregon, OH and at St. Joseph in Sylvania, OH.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Otterbein Senior Life Ashanti Hospice, Toledo, OH.