John J. Jewell 1959-2017

He was born Dec. 31, 1959, in Warren, a son of the late Dean and Anna Jewell.

John was a successful football player, first for John F. Kennedy High School in Warren, where he lettered in football and track. John still holds the discus record at John F. Kennedy High School. Then he received a full scholarship to Kent State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and industrial management. After college, he played professionally with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL for three years, where he started at guard. His teammates included Kent Hull, Brian Sipe, Doug Flutie and Herschel Walker.

After his playing career ended, he worked for Merrill Lynch and private equity firms. He became the majority stockholder of Paragon Plastics in New Kensington, Pa. and helped revive the company. He finished his business career at National Industrial Lumber Co. in North Jackson.

In addition to his athletic career, John was a lifelong sports fan. John supported his son, John, when he played football at Mentor High School and the University of Dayton. He enjoyed watching his daughter Rachel’s swim meets at Mentor High School and her water polo matches at Ohio University. He supported his nephews, Dean and Ryan, who played football at Warren G. Harding High School, as well as Youngstown State University. He often hosted YSU football players at his home. He was not only a season ticket holder for the Pittsburgh Steelers but an avid fan. John enjoyed boating, especially on Lake Erie. John had a big heart and made friends everywhere he went. As a New Year’s Eve baby, his birth date matched his festive personality.

He is survived by a son, John Jewell of Chicago; and a daughter, Rachel of Fort Mill, S.C.; ex-wife, Nancy Jewell of Fort Mill; along with a brother, Dean (Sandy); and sisters, Grace (Robert) Bacot and Cecilia (Dale) Janus; as well as nieces, Laura (Sam) Crank and Aimee DeCarlo; and nephews, Dean Jewell, Ryan (Tish) Jewell and Jeffrey Janus. He also left several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by his grandparents.

John has donated his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation at Boston University to study the effects of traumatic brain injury from playing football. Football was his lifelong passion, and he hoped his donation will help future players.

Memorial calling hours will be 3 to 4 p.m. Friday at Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren, OH 44483. A Mass of the Resurrection will be 4 p.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. John Lody officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in John’s name, to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512, or the YMCA, Attention: Tom Atwood, 5900 Quail Hollow Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.

Arrangements are being handled by Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Jewell family.

(special notice)