John Foley, age 91, died Saturday, August 3, 2024, at his home in Shelby, surrounded by his loving family.
John was born on April 5, 1933, in Richland County, to the late Nicholas and Anna (Martin) Foley. John had been an area resident his entire life, graduating from Shelby High School in the class of 1951. Following high school, John enlisted in the Air National Guard serving his country. After his service, John settled down and married the love of his life, Patricia Foley, on September 18, 1955.
John was known for being a hardworking man. He worked primarily in the tool and die field, where he was employed at GM for the majority of his working life, retiring in 1993. John was also a second-generation farmer and would spend the majority of his free time in the fields. John understood the importance of preserving small family farms and he worked diligently on carrying on his family farm. As a direct result of John’s dedication, he was awarded the Farm Heritage Award from the Farm Credit Mid-America in 2013. John was a life member of the Tri-State Gas and Tractor Association as well as an honorary member of the Mansfield Liederkranz.
Family was an important part of John’s life. Aside from his farm, there was nothing that John loved more than to spend time with his family. He made it his goal in life to make sure his children and grandchildren were taken care of and grew up with a better life than he did. John was a man of many interests. Like most farmers do, he enjoyed hunting and visiting tractor engine shows. Of all things, he loved going out with Patricia and dancing the night away to some good polka music. He eagerly looked forward to his monthly class lunches, to catch up with his classmates. When not hard at work at GM or out on the farm, John enjoyed traveling. The destination did not matter, as long as he was with his wife, whom they shared a favorite vacation in their trip to Maui.
John is survived by three children Joni (John) Greathouse of Florida, Jean (Bob) Burrows of Port Richey, FL, Jon (Sheryl) Foley of Shelby; four grandchildren Sam (Fiancé Kristi Boyce) Foley, Luke (Brenda) Foley, John (Carmen) Greathouse and Jamie (Jeremy) Payne; four great-grandchildren Augustus Foley, Taylor Greathouse, Morgan DeNero, Jaxon Payne, Journey Payne, and Vella Foley.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years in 2020.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the Ohio Health Hospice team for all of their care.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the OhioHealth Foundation at 3430 OhioHealth Parkway, Fl. 3, Columbus OH 43202.
Per John’s wishes, funeral services will not be observed.
Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Foley family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: https://www.barkdullfuneralhome.com