John Paul DeBarbrie

John Paul DeBarbrie, 89, of Tiffin died at 3 am Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Tiffin Rehabilitation Center.

He was born September 12, 1934, in Tiffin, to Vincent and Janice (Griffin) DeBarbrie. He married Eileen M. Wise, on January 25, 1956, in St. Mary Catholic Church. Eileen died May 15, 2017.

Survivors include three sons, Steven (Sue) DeBarbrie, Chris (Li Deng) DeBarbrie and Mark (Barb) DeBarbrie; seven grandchildren Lauren DeBarbrie, Michael (Larissa) DeBarbrie, Joy (Joe) Lanham, Jon (Shen) DeBarbrie, Ryan DeBarbrie, Corey (Kiley) DeBarbrie, Collin (Surya Veerabagu) DeBarbrie; a great-granddaughter, Haden DeBarbrie, and a sister Anne Bilger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his stepfather George Ringle, a brother Bill Ringle and two sisters, Jane Kidder and Marilyn Troup.

As a child, he studied violin, was a pin setter at Bowl A Drome and enjoyed frequenting the 2 movie theaters in downtown Tiffin to watch a few westerns. He was a 1952 Graduate of Calvert High School where he was a member of the Glee Club and met his high school sweetheart Eileen Wise. He served in the US Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division where he earned his jump wings and he later served in the Army Reserves. In the 1950's he attended Tiffin University and operated DeBarbrie's Variety Store located at the corner of Miami and S. Sandusky. Along with his wife, they performed in the "Unique's", a popular dance band, where he was the lead singer and square dance caller for 17 years. He retired as a journeyman machinist from Roppe Rubber Corp.

In retirement he enjoyed genealogy. His grandparents arrived in New York City from Genoa, Italy and later settled in Painesville, Ohio as confectioners. John's father Vincent and Uncle James extended the business to Tiffin as DeBarbrie's Confectionaries and also operated The Gibson Hotel and restaurant located in downtown Tiffin. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and Tiffin Lions Club
He will be remembered for his strong faith, love of family and for continuing the traditional homemade Ravioli for Christmas dinner.

Visitations will be 4:00-7:00 pm., Thursday, January 25, 2024, at TRAUNERO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 214 S. Monroe St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419)447-3113.

Prayers will be said at 9:30 am Friday, January 26, 2024, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Revs. Matthew Radar and Gary Walters concelebrating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the United Veterans Council of Seneca County. The Rosary will be recited in church 30 minutes prior to Mass.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Calvert Catholic Schools.

The family would like to thank the nursing staffs at Mercy Health Tiffin Hospital, Tiffin Rehabilitation Center, and Southern Care Hospice for their fine care for John.

For directions, to order out-of-town flowers, to view the Celebration of Life video, or to send condolences, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com.