John J. Ekiert

John Joseph Ekiert, age 56, passed away Sunday, June 12, at Caprice Health Care Center in North Lima, Ohio after a hard-fought 7 and a half-year battle following an accident.

John was born June 19, 1965 in Jasionow, Poland.  In 1972 John and his family relocated to New Castle, Pennsylvania.  He graduated from New Castle High School in 1984 and Duquesne University School of Pharmacy in 1989.  After graduation, John worked in York, PA, as a pharmacist.  It was here he met his wife, Lisa (Trible) Ekiert.  In 2001, John and Lisa moved to Canfield, Ohio where they raised their family.

Kaitlyn (17) and Tyler (15) were the pride and joy of John’s life.  He was a wonderful father who did whatever his children wanted, including dressing as Batman for a birthday party. Kaitlyn was always by her dad’s side.  She would come to the office and draw pictures for him while he worked.  John coached Tyler in both flag football and baseball and never missed a practice or game.

John was always one step ahead.  This started at a young age after the Ekiert Family settled in New Castle, Pennsylvania.  Within two weeks, John spoke English fluently and was able to serve as an interpreter for his parents.  He was accepted to the University of Notre Dame for pre-med; however, his sister persuaded him to stay closer to home and attend Duquesne University.

John worked at Hometown Pharmacy Solutions as a pharmacist and later as Chief Financial Officer until his accident in 2015.

John was a huge Pittsburgh-sports fan.  Whether it was the Steelers, Penguins, or Pirates (yes when you love Pittsburgh sports you have to include the Pirates) John was there.  This included attending Super Bowl XL in Detroit, Michigan with his brother, brother-in-law, niece and nephew.

John always enjoyed having a good time.  He was the first one to the party and the last one to leave.  John always had a smile on his face, and even in tough times, he found a way to lighten the mood and make you laugh.

Besides his wife and children, John leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Mary and Ted Ekiert of New Castle, Pennsylvania; two sisters, Wanda (Garry) Mrozek of Poland and Halina Romanek of New Middletown; a brother, Bob Ekiert of Poland; two nephews, Tom Romanek and Matthew (Olivia) Mrozek and two nieces, Stephanie Mrozek, and Diane (Patrick) Kelly.

John was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Gloria E. Trible.

A Private Blessing Service will be held on Thursday morning at the Noga Funeral Home Inc. 1142 Mill Street, New Castle. Deacon John Carran of Holy Spirit Parish will officiate. Committal and burial will be in Madonna Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to his children’s college fund through WRS Wealth Advisors c/o Tom Kilm. 8286 South Ave Building A, Boardman Ohio 44512.

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