John A. Ceol's Obituary
John A. Ceol, 75, of Lorain, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026 at his home under the compassionate care of Cleveland Clinic Hospice.
John was born on March 7, 1950, in Lorain, Ohio and was the beloved son of Irvin and Ruth (nee Congetta) Ceol. He was a 1968 graduate of Lorain High School and went on to build a life defined by dedication, hard work, and devotion to his family.
John proudly made his career as a welder and ironworker with U.S. Steel/Republic Steel. He began his employment there in 1969 and remained for 47 years, retiring in 2016. Prior to his long career in the steel industry, John worked from 1967 to 1969 in the maintenance garage for Lorain Employee Transit Lines.
John enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life rich. He loved to read, was an avid Cleveland sports fan, and found peace working in the yard. He also treasured time spent at his condo in Florida. A talented and artistic man, John hand-painted Fast Track game boards—something he took great pride in creating and truly enjoyed playing.
Above all else, John loved his grandchildren. He delighted in watching them play sports and being part of their lives in every way possible.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the time and help that Pete and Scott provided, and also to the Cleveland Clinic Hospice and the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda (nee Bain) Ceol; daughters, Dawn M. (Garrick) Sweet of New Paris, OH, and Kimberly A. (Maurice) DeValle of Whiteville, NC; grandchildren, Jaelyn, Reagan, and Katelyn Sweet, and Evan and Emma DeValle; brothers, Mark of Lorain, Alan of North Ridgeville, Brian (Juanakee) of Galena, OH, Scott (Shelly) of Chatham, OH, and Todd (Suzanne) of Waxhaw, NC; sister-in-law, Marge Martin; brothers-in-law, Pete Bain and Mike (Co) Bain; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Ruth Ceol; brother, Jamie Ceol; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Ceol.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral center. Private family interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in memory of John to Cleveland Clinic Hospice, 9500 Euclid Avenue/AC322, Cleveland, OH 44195, or to the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, 5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210, Bradenton, FL 34211.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?

