John D. Rachel "Rach", age 88, of Massillon, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his

home surrounded by his family.

He was born October 24, 1937, in Massillon the son of the late John and Agnes (Duffy) Rachel.

John supported and raised his family as a steelworker with the Timken Company, retiring in 1999.

In retirement he spent his time starting and raising plants in his greenhouse for his vegetable and flower

gardens, always sharing his young seedlings with family members.

He was also an avid woodworker and wood carver. Every family member has some personal gifts

handmade with his artistic eye. He enjoyed fishing, family vacations and holidays. Spending time with his

family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was his greatest joy.

In 2018 John, his wife Stella and a group of family members traveled to Ireland. It was his “trip of a

lifetime”, and he spoke of the trip frequently. He always said, “I left a piece of my heart there.”

He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish - St. Mary Campus, Massillon K of C Council #554, 3rd

Degree.

John is survived by his wife of 70 years, Stella (Appman) Rachel; daughter, Pamela Sandy; daughter and

son-in-law, Cindy and Raymond (Herb) Lynn, daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Curtis Alloy; son and

daughter-in-law, Joe and Heidi (Hostetler) Rachel; sisters, Rita Thrasher and Marlene Leeper; step-

brothers, Robert and Daniel Rachel; step-sister, Susan Wyant; nine grandchildren; and 21 great-

grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-brother, Jay Rachel, and Pamela’s son, his grandson,

Jason Davis.

The family will gather at a Celebration of Life at a later date.

In his memory, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place,

Memphis, TN 38105-9969

Condolences to the family may be made here on our tribute page.

Heitger Funeral Home and Crematory 330-833-3248