GENEVA — Following a courageous battle with leukemia and multiple complications, John David Buskirk, age 33, passed away at his home, surrounded by loving family and friends, on Saturday evening, Jan. 10, 2009.
Buskirk was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 9, 1975, to Franklin and Kathleen (Spellacy) Buskirk. He lived most of his life in Geneva. A true Herald, John graduated from St. John High School in 1993, where he was a standout member of the football and track teams. He graduated from Gettysburg College in 1997 with a Bachelor’s degree in History. He played football for the Gettysburg College’s Bullets, where he was also a member of the track team and belonged to Sigma Alpha Episilon.
John taught at Saints John and Paul High School, served as the head football coach and most recently as an assistant coach. He taught Social Studies at Harvey High School, where he also served as the head football coach and girls track coach.
Even in the face of much adversity, John continued to pursue a graduate degree and was scheduled to receive a Master’s in Educational Administration from Ursuline College in May. He was also a member of the FOE 2243 in Geneva.
Fondly known by all as “Coach Buzz,” he had a passion for coaching and teaching young people.
Easy to please, John loved just spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed walking his dogs and helping his father-in-law on the family farm. He looked forward to Sunday dinner and his mother-in-law’s cooking.
A devoted and faithful servant, Buskirk was a member of Assumption Church, where he attended grade school.
John is survived by the love of his life, Jessica Clare (Stocker), whom he married on June 11, 2005; his mother, Kathleen Buskirk; three brothers, William (Kim), Patrick and James; nieces and nephew, Nicole, Emily and Zachary Buskirk; in-laws, Anthony and Susan Stocker; and brother-in-law, Patrick Stocker; and his three dogs, Hershey, Reese and Riley, and cat, Killer; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and a circle of friends that he considered family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Franklin; grandparents; five unborn children; and his friend, Luke Krebs, who passed away from leukemia in May 2008.
Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, at the John Mahoney Gymnasium at SS. John and Paul High School, 541 West 34th St., in Ashtabula.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at Assumption Catholic Church, 594 West Main St. in Geneva.
Contributions can be made to the family at any Key Bank location, to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 902 Westpoint Parkway, Suite 300, Cleveland, Ohio 44145, or Saints John and Paul School, Ashtabula, Ohio.
Arrangements are being handled by THE BEHM FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 175 South Broadway, Geneva, Ohio. Obituary at www.behmfuneral. com and starbeacon.com
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John D. Buskirk
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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