We came to know John and his younger brother David when their father was the minister for the E&R Church in Akron, Ohio.  When their father, Arthur, was concluding his sermon you could hear a basketball rattle the backboard behind the church.  The 'boys' were tall and athletic and enjoyed sports.  We first met in 1952.

My brothers and I benefited from the company of his family.  The family always treated people fairly and with consideration. John and David conducted themselves with civility and dignity.  They were the kind of friends that teach you  without ever seeming to do so.  David later succumbed to cancer when young.

We all need friends, but when you find one that improves you it is important to hold tight.  John was the same age as my oldest brother D, and they stayed in touch all these years.  When Dan was in the hospital John came to visit on a regular basis.  He would stay and talk with Dans' daughter Jane and watch movies and rehash histories.  John did that despite his  difficulties and medical issues.

Knowing people is one thing, but being a part of their lives for seven plus decades is something  rare and precious.  We see that at times with  married couples, but it happens more quietly with old friends, and both are important.  We do not make many new, old, friends.

It is heartening to read the many entries by colleagues of John.  We do not know his office family, but can guess from their comments  they also knew the manner in which John comported himself.  When being with John, you were in a safe area that valued the basic need to listen to and respect others.

We had talked with John in late October and he explained his decision on hospice.  We discussed a copy of a program he and his brother David and all of us were in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Church.  

We were all young, with that 'long, brown road before us'.  We  know John and his brother David are doing a bank shot off the backboard right now.
----Dan, Jim and Paul Shew

Mary and kids, 
We are so sorry.  We send our love and prayers of comfort.  Loving the times we were with him together with the kids!! .John, one of the most warming positive guys we’ve had the honor to know. A angel with a beautiful smile and glorious laugh. We will miss him.   
     
           Love and Comfort 
            Jim, Patti, Abigail, Amanda & Ben.

My former Ohio BMV colleagues have said it best about a very conscientious, kind and caring human being .

John brought his wise problem solving counsel and wit wherever he went. 

When others might be withdrawn, negative or gloomy, John brought his can do  problem solving, humor & light that made life better for many. 

Sending you our prayers, love and sincere condolences -Mary and family.

My sincerest condolences go out to John's family.  We worked at the BMV together and he was always very kind and helpful.  Rest in peace John.

John was the most pleasant attorney to work with at the Ohio BMV when he first came to our agency.  He befriended many people there and always had a kind word for all.  My condolences to his family and friends.     


Earl Eugene Hiell
BMV Retiree’s Group
Cincinnati, Ohio

We remember John with great respect and affection. During his time with the BMV he was known for being kind, approachable, and generous with both knowledge and good sense. Though he retired years ago, his influence and example continue to inspire those who had the privilege of working with him.  Whenever he came to Akron, he always steered us to the Waterloo for lunch to get a cream puff!

I just heard the sad news about John's passing today.  I worked with John for many years at the Ohio Department of Public Safety.  He was an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced BMV attorney, Compliance Officer, and administrative hearing officer. He was such an asset to the agency and helped me out as I tried to navigate legal and policy issues as a newly hired ODPS employee.  More importantly, he was a kind and funny individual.  I will never forget the impromptu games of "Jeopardy" in the legal suite and his laugh. :-)  My condolences to John's family; he was one of a kind and will be missed.

I am truly sorry to hear of John’s passing.  I worked with him years ago, and he was intelligent, thoughtful, and kind.  Praying that happy memories comfort his family.

OBITUARY

John Guldin

September 1, 1940 – October 28, 2025

Schoedinger Worthington

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