John E. Dunn

John Dunn, of the Bennett –Dunn family of Akron, was 69 years old when he went to sleep peacefully, with his family by his side, on September 17th 2013, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

John grew up in Akron and graduated from Central High School. He was the younger of two children. He went to work at Goodyear Tire and Rubber after graduation and spent the next 40 years working long hours and creating lasting friendships. He retired in 2003. He continued to work part time jobs at Chenoweth Golf Course, the Akron Beacon Journal and the Akron Auto Auction. He was also a referee for high school football for many years.

John married Merle Bennett (nee: Bollinger) in 1971. Both had been previously married and between the two of them had 8 children under the age of 9. They had a child of their own in 1972, which brought the family to 9 children under the age of 10! He was a hard worker who never complained about supporting 9 children. Many, many times he worked 7 days a week to take care of his family. He went without a lot so his family had what they needed. He was a father figure to many young people in the Central Akron area and kids always knew they were welcome at the Bennett-Dunn home. He was a selfless man that treated everyone equally.

When John found out he had terminal cancer, he gave his family his bucket list. He wanted to take a trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida and re-create a trip they took many times with Gino, Diane and family. He got to do that in July with his wife, daughter and son in-law. He also wanted to ride in a hot air balloon and a helicopter. He got to do both! Many people were able to share and witness these wishes come true...and we cannot thank all of the people enough who helped make his dreams come true. He faced this horrific disease in the same way he faced life, in a quiet, laid back manner. We all admired his tremendous strength throughout this journey.

He is preceded in death by his parents; John and Idell Dunn and sister Beverly. He leaves behind to cherish is memory, his loving wife and best friend of 42 years, Merle Dunn; children, Merle Lynn (Denny) Buzzelli, Leslie Garrett, Jeffery Dunn, Tammy Bennett, Scott (Rhonda) Bennett, John ”Gino” (Lori) Dunn, Jerry (Tara) Bennett, Eric (Nadine) Bennett, Jed (Jonalyn) Dunn, 9 grandsons, 12 granddaughters, 5 great-grandchildren and 2 more expected this winter. He also leaves behind his “special mother” of many of his "grandbabies" Trisha Bennett, his mother in-law, Betty LaMont and 3 sister and brother in-laws. He had so many work friends, church friends, and young and old friends especially his best buddy; Ralph Prete and his referee buddy Steve Blankinship.

John dedicated his life to The Lord and was baptized in 2008. He was a member of Maranatha Bible Church and found great peace in knowing he would be reunited with family and friends in heaven.

The family would like to thank ALL the people who visited, brought food and prayed for John and his family during this difficult time, especially Larry, Jamie and Jim. A special thanks to Duma ABF for the helicopter ride, Hospice of Summa and the Cooper Cancer Center for the love and care they all gave to John. It meant the world to us!

Family will receive friends (TODAY) Thursday, September 19th from 4 to 8pm at the CATAVOLOS FUNERAL HOME 3653 West Market St., Fairlawn, where funeral services will be held Friday, September 20th, at 10am, Pastor Randy Baker will be officiating.

Burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, John’s family suggests donations be made in his name to Maranatha Bible Church, Cooper Cancer Center or Hospice of Summa.