John Joseph Walsh

John Joseph " Sonya" Walsh found peace with the Lord on October 24, 2021. He died with grace surrounded by his loving family. John was born on February 13, 1979. At the age of 15 months old, he was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, in which he was given one month to live. He and his family were blessed with a miracle, and he lived and loved with all his heart for an additional 41 years.John attended Lincoln and Donnell Schools in Findlay. He thrived in high school at The Ohio State School for the Blind, graduating in 2001. He was employed at Pizza Hut for 26 years and Bellacino's for 11 years, where he loved folding pizza boxes. The staff at both restaurants were cherished friends to him over the years. He also worked at Kan Du Group (formerly BVI) for 27 years and was an original artist at Kan Du Studio where he made beautiful artwork, including his colorful stars.In 2007, John became a resident at Blanchard Valley Residential Services, where he enjoyed the company of his friends and staff. He participated in Special Olympics bowling, track, and swimming. John touched many lives with the best bear hugs and the widest smile ever seen! He was greatly cared for by all the staff at his Remington Street home.John loved trains, the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Bulls, collecting hockey jerseys and football shirts, listening to music, and going to Dietsch's for peppermint milkshakes.He adored his mother and father, spending time with them watching football games, playing Uno, and beating them in checkers every Sunday. Also, he looked forward to celebrating Christmas, birthdays, and frequent family gatherings where he enjoyed sharing sweets with his sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces, and nephew. John's loving heart and contagious laugh melted the hearts of everyone he met.John is survived by his parents, John and Mary (Guagenti) Walsh of Findlay; his sister Janice (Toby) Jercovich of Sylvania, Ohio; his sister Jackie (Michael) Kantner of Sylvania, Ohio; his nephew Giordano; his nieces Caterina, Giuliana, Rosalia, and Baby Girl Kantner due April 2022; his grandmother, Marilyn Walsh, of Lima; many aunts, uncles, and cousins who adored him. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, John Walsh, Sr., and his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Barbara Guagenti. He was the proudest Godfather to Julia and Giuliana. Visitation will be held at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, on Thursday, October 28, 2021, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. There will be a Scripture Service and Celebration of Life at 8 p.m. (Please come share your favorite stories about John with his family.) A Memorial Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 750 Bright Road, Findlay, with Fr. Adam Hertzfeld, celebrant. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blanchard Valley Residential Services, Inc. or Cancer Patient Services. Online condolences can be made via www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.

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