John D. Bobalik

1952-2026

John D. Bobalik, 73, of East Liverpool, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family, peacefully departed this world at his home on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, after courageously facing a brief but private battle with leukemia.

John was the cherished firstborn of John D. “Fritz” Bobalik and Clara B. Juszczak Bobalik. He was born in East Liverpool on March 1, 1952, and remained deeply rooted in the community he loved throughout his life.

John’s days were filled with purpose and passion, marked by a booming voice, a memory like a steel trap, and constantly in motion. He served as an aide for the East Liverpool City School District from the mid-1980s until his retirement after the 2019-2020 school year. He has served as the Columbiana County assigner for the baseball/softball and volleyball officials associations for many school districts throughout Columbiana and Jefferson counties for over two decades. Additionally, JB was the enterprising founder of his own small business.

On the court, John’s own legacy soared. A Wellsville High School basketball legend, having a flawless shooting night of 30 for 30, his national 48 consecutive free throws record, and being named an All-Ohio athlete were immortalized in the pages of Sports Illustrated. After graduation, he took his talents to Bowling Green State University and played for the Falcons for one season before transferring to Kent State East Liverpool and playing for the Bridgers. His love of competition fueled his fire.

Yet John’s devotion to sports was matched only by his gift for mentorship and coaching. He guided several varsity basketball programs over the years: Toronto, Wellsville, Springfield Local, and East Liverpool before ultimately turning in his coach’s clipboard and whistle. He cherished his last role as assistant coach at Heartland Christian, where he proudly shared the sidelines with his son, Andrew.

John’s affinity for sports developed at a young age, and he took great pride in watching athletics grow and flourish in Columbiana County and throughout the Ohio Valley. That passion gave rise to his real labor of love — the Buckeye Mountaineer Summer League(s) — which he created to serve basketball and baseball/softball programs across the tri-state area.

His summer basketball league became a cornerstone of boys’ basketball locally for more than 25 years, providing competition opportunities for junior high, freshman, JV, and varsity teams from many schools in the area. His Buckeye Mountaineer Summer Sandlot endeavors continue today, providing umpires for youth recreational leagues and travel tournaments throughout the spring and summer months — an enduring testament to John’s commitment to the game and to the community he loved.

Beyond athletics, John poured his spirit into his community — faithfully ushering at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, as a proud member of the Wellsville Hall of Fame Committee since after his own induction in 2010, and, for a time, being a charismatic presence behind the bar at Casa De Emanuel.

John was preceded in death by his beloved parents and by his cherished wife, Beth E. Bobalik, whose memory he carried tenderly in his heart following her passing on Oct. 29, 2025.

Those who carry his memory forward include his loving children: Meredith Bobalik of East Liverpool; Andrew (Mary Richardson) Bobalik of Pickerington, Ohio; and David Bobalik of Bangkok, Thailand (formerly of Conway, Pa.). He is also survived by his devoted sister, Mary Sue Bobalik of Baden, Pa., and his steadfast brother, Steve (Deb Zorn) Bobalik of Austintown, brother-in-law Lee (Janet) Lucas of East Liverpool, sister-in-law Katherine Hull of Salem, and aunts Olga Bobalik of Calcutta (formerly of Stratton) and Fran Juszczak of Chester, W.Va., as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

John was a loyal supporter of the Boston Red Sox, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Pittsburgh professional teams, and of golf. Undoubtedly, he certainly has one of the best seats in the house for all future contests — a place he’s rightfully earned.

John’s legacy of humor, perseverance, and leadership will live on through his loving family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His remarkable life will forever be an inspiration, a testament to the power of an indomitable spirit.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Valley for their assistance in carrying out John’s wishes to be at home in his final weeks, along with our two special neighbors, Charlene and Nicole Taylor, for their kind and compassionate care.

A celebration of John’s life and faith will be held during a Catholic Funeral Liturgy on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Chester, with Father Bill Matheny presiding. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

1/27/26