John Dennis Lewis

John Dennis Lewis, 75 of Niles, passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 16, 2022.

John was born on May 13, 1947, to Wilbert and Hilda Lewis and was raised in Cortland, Ohio with his two sisters, Grayce Lewis and Dianne Stroble. He was a 1965 graduate of Lakeview HS. John attended The Ohio State University as an engineering student for nearly two years before transferring to Youngstown State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1971.

He met his wife Constance (Connie) in 1971 through friends at a party, fell in love, and married her on 2 June, 1973. While John and Connie started their life together, he worked various jobs in accounting, sales, and management before finally beginning his long career in the telephone industry. He started as a draftsman at United Telephone Company in Warren, Ohio and spent the next 35 years working in telecommunications at Sprint, Ameritech, and SBC before finally retiring from management with AT&T. In his later working years, he attended graduate school part time and ultimately earned a Masters of Science in counseling from Youngstown State University. Shortly after retiring from his first career, he began as a board-certified counselor at PsyCare where he was passionate about helping anyone in need of advice or counseling.

John was an avid golfer, who looked forward to his annual trip with the guys and welcomed any opportunity to spend time on the links. He found great joy later in life sharing his love of the game with his children, son-in-law and grandson. Playing golf with John was always extremely enjoyable and often a life lesson beyond a sport, and 18 holes was never enough.

He enjoyed travel with his wife and family and often shared stories about the places he visited. He loved the outdoors, welcomed the peace of nature while hiking, and the solitude of long walks along the beach.

John was a lover of delicious food and classic cars. He enjoyed fine wine and was a firm believer that you could never own too many pairs of shoes with “good treads”, watches, or hats. He had a deep appreciation for music and could be counted on to name the artist and know the words to most any song, especially 60’s and 70’s rock and roll.

He was a hardworking man of strong character, humble, and kind, and would surprise you with a quick-witted comment and subtle humor. John was a member of the Niles First United Methodist Church and sang in the choir. He loved animals especially his longtime companions JD the dog and Sheba the cat. No matter where he was, whether with family or alone, he always acknowledged the four-legged pets he would encounter along the way.

John was a loving husband, proud father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, cousin, colleague and friend to many. He touched the lives of all those around him and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

John is survived by his wife Connie of nearly 50 years, his children Christopher (Andrea) Lewis of Athens, OH; Jennifer (Robert) Bright of Lubbock, TX; and Joshua Lewis of Centreville, VA; Six grandchildren ( Emma, Andrew, Annabelle, Adrienne, Gianna, and Lucia) and 3 bonus grandchildren (Danielle, Gabrielle, and Joshua and their families). He will be welcomed home by his parents and sisters who preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to a charity of your choice in John’s honor, or to the American Diabetes Association.

Calling hours will be held 5-7 PM Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Lane Funeral Home, Niles Chapel, 415 Robbins Ave. Niles, OH 44446. Funeral service will be held 11 AM Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Niles First United Methodist Church, 608 N. Crandon Ave. Niles, OH 44446. Interment will be held at Crown Hill Burial Park. Online condolences may be made at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.