John Joseph (Jack) Resser aged 87, passed away on February 10, 2025. A beloved father, grandfather, devoted husband, and friend, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He loved spending time with family, reading books, playing games, and going on walks.
Jack was born on May 25, 1937 in Brooklyn, New York. He studied chemical engineering at Brooklyn Polytechnic University. After college, Jack moved to Akron, Ohio to work for Goodyear. He was active in the church young adult group where he met a fiery redhead named Denise Ann Fields. They married on August 18, 1962 and set up house in Ellet, Ohio, close to Denise’s family. Their family grew with the addition of Karen and Mark and then the young family moved to Tallmadge, Ohio where they were soon joined by John Randall, Matt, Julie and Allison. Despite the chaos of his large family, Jack earned his masters of polymer engineering from Akron University. John and Denise were very proud of their children, raising them in the church. Always saying that they were “6 for 6” because each one grew up to be successful and happy, family was their top priority. Much to the dismay of the six, there was always a church to be found, even in the middle of nowhere on vacation. Jack’s love of puzzles may have started by learning to pack 2 adults, 6 kids, a week’s worth of food, clothing and camping supplies in a station wagon to prepare for a week’s “vacation” at Salt Fork State Park.
In 1991, with the older children established in Ohio, Jack’s career with Goodyear moved the family across the country to Beaumont, TX where he served as Quality Control Manager. When asked, he said “I certainly liked being a chemical engineer, it’s challenging and it gets you into many different situations.” In 1999, Jack retired after 45 years of service. Throughout his career, he was known for his work ethic, dry sense of humor and Catholic faith. Upon retirement, Jack and Denise moved to Palm Coast, Florida. Not one to sit idle, Jack achieved master gardener status, published a book through the master gardener program and volunteered extensively. Together, he and Denise explored Florida’s beaches, Disney and spent time with visiting family, especially his grandchildren. After living the beach life for years, they moved to Paducah, KY to be closer to family. Jack was an avid volunteer at Baptist and Mercy hospitals and served as an usher at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church. Jack lovingly took care of Denise through illness and hard times.
Jack considered his greatest accomplishment to be his family. He is survived by his children and their families including three daughters, Karen Elaine (Todd) Strawser, Strongsville, OH, Julianne (Kenneth) Ryckeley, Centennial, CO, Allison Marie (Josh) Pryor, Lewisville, TX; three sons, Mark Joseph (Katherine) Resser, Bellefontaine, OH, Dr. John Randall (Trina) Resser, Paducah, KY, and Matthew Charles (Lisha) Resser, Plano, TX; thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years Denise Anne Fields, parents John and Helen Resser and sisters Louise Borruso and Barbara Ryan.
A memorial service for friends and family and private burial will be held at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Sisters of the Humility of Mary, Retirement Fund, Villa Marie Road, Villa Maria, PA 16155.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
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