A Gentle Soul Who Embraced Life With Quiet Strength
The Tallmadge community is mourning the loss of 64-year-old John Criss, who passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished more than anything. Born on September 25, 1961, in Akron, Ohio, John filled his life with hard work, dedication, and unwavering love for those closest to him. He was a proud graduate of Ellet High School, where he laid the foundation for a lifetime spent building, creating, and giving back. His work with Henry Criss Landscaping and later with Buckeye Parks was more than a job—it was a reflection of his connection to the outdoors and his desire to leave the world a little more beautiful than he found it. As the news of his passing spreads, family and friends are left holding tightly to the memories of a man whose presence brought comfort, steadiness, and warmth to everyone he encountered.
A Life Devoted to Family, Love, and Quiet Dedication
John’s life was defined by loyalty and love—values he carried into every relationship he nurtured. He was the kind of husband, father, and friend who showed his affection in the most meaningful ways: through his kindness, through the work of his hands, and through the gentle consistency that made people feel safe and supported. To his wife Diana, John was not only a partner but a source of unwavering companionship. To his daughter Brandy, he was a guide, a role model, and a protector whose love anchored her through every stage of life. Those who knew John remember his sense of humor, his patience, and his ability to bring calm into every room he entered. He lived humbly, giving much and asking for little, and his absence leaves behind a silence filled with the echoes of his laughter, his stories, and the comfort of his steady presence. The people he loved were at the very center of his world, and that bond will continue to live on in the hearts he leaves behind.
Honoring a Legacy That Will Forever Live in the Hearts of Many
As friends, neighbors, and loved ones gather to honor John’s life, they are reminded of the profound impact he had on those around him. His legacy is not measured in material achievements, but in the countless small moments that revealed his character: the help he offered without being asked, the encouragement he shared, the love he expressed simply by showing up when people needed him most. While the grief of his loss weighs heavily on everyone who knew him, there is comfort in knowing that John’s final moments were spent surrounded by the family he adored—wrapped in the warmth, gratitude, and love he fostered throughout his life. His memory will continue to inspire those who carry his story forward. Though his physical presence is gone, the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the lives he touched will continue to shine as a lasting testament to the man he was. John Criss will be deeply, profoundly missed, but his spirit will remain etched forever in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.