John Alexander Antonini, age 83, passed away peacefully, March 28, 2026, at Mentor Cleveland Clinic. He was born December 8, 1942, in Charleroi, Pa. to James Antonini and Anne (Verbich) Antonini. He is preceded in death by his parents. John is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Jane Kristyne (Wyse) Antonini; loving son, Jonathan (Guadalupe) Antonini; loving brother, Justin (Patricia) Antonini; loving sister, Marian (Kevin) Korenoski; loving grandchildren, Tyler, Max, Isabella, Chloe and Cadence; and loving nieces and nephews, Ben (Michelle) Antonini, Matthew (Stephanie) Korenoski, Julia (Alexi) Dubrunfaut, Lana Antonini, and Miles Korenoski.

John was raised in Johnstown, Pa., attended Johnstown Catholic High School, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Kent State University.

John was a beloved and respected teacher and taught history, was a Social Studies department head, and coached football at Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio. He later continued his teaching career as a history professor at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Painesville.

John was a family man first and foremost. His best friend was his wife Kristyne and they made a steadfast and loving team. John had such patience, compassion, and love for everyone; never judging others. These qualities, along with his passion to learn, made him an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and teacher which left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and students.

John enjoyed working with his hands, but it was the work he did with his heart that made it all come to life. Gardening, yardwork, and wood working were some of his best crafting hobbies because it brought joy to him creating useful and beautiful things for the people around him. He also had a talent for and loved repairing items. A common phrase was often spoken by those who knew him well, "Give it to John. He can fix anything!"

History and astronomy called to John. His passion to learn about the past often had him looking to the stars... He was an historian to the core and studied diligently to gain a knowledge of life, our world, and the universe. Some of his favorite things to study were politics, the civil war, westward expansion, aviation, and space travel. He so enjoyed many an evening star gazing through his telescope.

On a lighter side of being an historian, John loved watching old westerns and sci-fi movies. Indiana Jones and Star Trek were some of his favorites.

Sports was also a big part of John's life. Football was atop the list. He played, coached, and watched football. The love of football was a part of his life from the time he was just a little boy, all throughout his life until his last days. He was a devoted Pittsburgh Panthers and Steelers fan. John also had a true passion for playing golf. He practiced consistently at mastering his golf swing. We all knew what he meant when he said, "I'm going to go hit a bucket of balls."

In closing, John's kindness, cheerful personality, quick wit, generosity, and love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Friends will be received 9:00-10:30AM Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 242 North State Street in Painesville. Committal will follow at the Riverside Cemetery.