John Magyari

John Magyari (“Papou”) was reunited with the love of his life Rose on July 14, 2023.

Nothing brought John more joy than his family. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his three children (Allen, John J. and Reynette) and his three grandchildren (Brandon, Sebastien, and Chloe). He dedicated his life to providing for his family.

While attending Yorkville High School, John enlisted in the Navy where he served in World War II stationed in the South Pacific. John spoke fondly of his time in service and told stories of fishing trips with his captain in which John rowed while his captain fished. Another memorable story was of the time John ran naked on a South Pacific Island catching butterflies. That particular story conjured images that haunt his children to this day.

Upon discharge, John returned to Yorkville. Soon after returning, his fate was sealed when a beautiful young woman named Rose set her sights on him. Unfortunately, Rose’s family did not share her fondness for John—at least not initially. But John was persistent and won them over. John and Rose were married on January 21, 1950.

John and Rose lived in the house John grew up in. They lived there until 1969 and brought their three children home to that house—Allen in 1951, John J. in 1954, and Reynette in 1961. In 1969, after the state took their home to build a highway, the family bought a house down the street for $1 and moved it across the street to sit atop of what was John’s beloved garden.

Not one to shy away from hard work, John worked 42 years at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel. Unlike his cohorts, John wasn’t one to fraternize at the bar after work. Instead, he hurried home to have dinner with his beloved Rose and children. Until he retired at the age of 62, John walked to and from work every day.

John was a staple of Yorkville. He loved to garden, collect spring water, walk the Village, and talk to everyone he encountered. John knew no stranger and exuded charm. In retirement, John had more time to garden, pick blackberries, and teach Reynette the benefits of homemade mud baths. His life may have seemed simple, but for John, it was perfect.

Having married a devout Greek, John fully indoctrinated himself in the church. He faithfully volunteered with Rose at every church event.

Retirement also provided John “Papou” and Rose “Yia Yia” ample time to spend with their grandkids. Brandon, the oldest grandchild of Papou and Yia Yia (son of John J), was born in 1993. John and Rose frequented the route between Yorkville and Galena to dote on Brandon.

Papou and Yia Yia also enjoyed long vacations in Florida with Allen and his then-wife Pascale Scoyez and their two children Sebastien and Chloe. John was fortunate to live long enough to see Sebastien follow in his footsteps by enlisting to serve his country and benefitted from the love and care provided by Chloe in his final years.

Admittedly, the years following Rose’s death in 2008 lacked the same level of joy, but that is to be expected when someone loses the love of his life. John’s children and grandchildren remained his greatest source of joy. And nothing made him happier than having everyone together.

The family wishes to thank Bickford of Worthington and Hospice Caretenders for the care they provided John in his final days. With their assistance, John passed away comforted by his family, including Pascale who remained liked a daughter to John to the very end.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating John’s 98 years on Friday, July 21,2023 at Zoodochos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church in Martins Ferry, Ohio from 11 am until the time of service of 1 pm, with Father Constantine Makrinos officiating.

Full Military Services will be conducted by the Belmont County Honor Guard at Upland Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Zoodochos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church.

Funeral Arrangements were entrusted with Borkoski Funeral Home, 337 Jefferson Street, Tiltonsville, OH, 43963.

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