Trending
WARREN -- John Michael Spelich passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.
He was born July 22, 1942, in Warren, 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. He graduated from Chalker High School in 1961.
John loved his music. Having been the school DJ at an early age, he decided to go into radio broadcasting. After high school graduation, John went to Cleveland to attend the Ohio School of Broadcasting and completed training in all areas of radio broadcasting -- news, commercial and disc jockey training -- and became a teacher of broadcasting.
His first job was at WNIC-Niles. He moved on to being a news reporter at WHHH and then at WRRN in Warren. Other stations came later, as John was called to serve.
He joined the Ohio Army National Guard, serving from 1965 to 1972, stationed in Seattle, Washington, and Fort Ord, California. After completing service with the Guard, John joined the radio staff of WPIC-WYFM in Sharon, Pa. John served as public service director and 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 breakout was from the movie "The Poseidon Adventure," "The Morning After," which 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 of Corrections in 2008. John served Farmington Township as a trustee for 20 years and as a zoning inspector in West Farmington, 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 were always on display in his striving to help others and his commitment to the greater good. John's personality and sense of humor were bigger than life itself, and he carried that with him until his final day. John's favorite pastime 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 of Alliance; son, Brandon Hill of Boardman, and Corey (Kim) Parke of Palm City, Florida; grandchildren, Timothy Pinter and Cameron Ream of Alliance, Brandon and Santino Hill of Campbell, and Hailey, Logan and Jacob Parke, all of Florida; and three great-grandchildren, Asher, Tyler and Casey Parke, also of Florida. He is also survived by brothers, David of Nelson and James (Amy) of Southington; sister-in-law, Judy (Frank) Spelich of Niles; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Paul, Joe and Frank; grandson, Marco Hill; parents-in-law, Robert and Elaine Resh; brother-in-law, Jim Buydos; and sisters-in-law, 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 organization of choice.
Calling hours are 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, where services will begin at 5 p.m. 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, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.
(special notice)