Berea, OH – John Henry Kirkwood, 72, of Berea, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026.
Born Jan. 24,1954, in Lakewood, Ohio, to Joseph and Betty (Connor). He is survived by siblings Kathy Roderick (Mark), Jo Anne Kirkwood Louden (Frank), Daniel, Mary Lou Kirkwood Armstrong (Peter); nieces and nephews, Scot Jackman (Correne), Michael Armstrong (Nicole), Jamie Armstrong, Greg Andersen (Kim), Jeremy Louden (Theresa,) Scott Louden (Kristin), Eric Swartz (Ginger) and many others. He was preceded in death by brother Jeff Kirkwood (Lorie Novak), sister Diane Carlson (Carl), and Nephew Christopher Jackman.
John was a devoted brother and friend to many. He was an alumnus of Berea High School class of 1973, where his tenacity as a football player and his strength as a wrestler enabled him to carry out his 50-plus-year career. He spent his life working and caring for racehorses as he adopted this enthusiasm from his mother. His career took him to work at racetracks in Ohio and Indiana.
He cherished the time he was able to come home to be with family, enjoying a friendly euchre card game as he thought he was always unbeatable. You would always see him wearing Cleveland sports apparel or mostly Ohio State football as he followed them religiously.
John had a passion for golf and was known for his quick wit and humor. bragging about his hole-in-one and consistent storytelling. He was easy to have conversations with, and his infectious personality enabled him to make friends quickly.
He was our very own “Johnboy” and our time with him will be cherished forever.
Memorial service will be held Saturday (May 9). Wake at 11 a.m., funeral mass at 11:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Church, 250 Kraft St. Berea, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Church, Berea, Ohio.