John E. Bisesi

John E. Bisesi, 91, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, surrounded by family.

He was born in Akron, Ohio on July 7, 1934 to the late Joseph P. and Mary R. Bisesi. He graduated from Garfield High School in Akron, Ohio in 1952. After an excellent baseball career at Garfield, he joined the Greater Akron AA League's Alex Redl Golf Shop team in 1952. A year later, he got an opportunity to play pro ball with the St. Louis Cardinals organization where he played for two seasons. He returned to Akron where he developed into one of the all-time great infielders in the AA League's history. Playing at shortstop and second base, he first starred for the Krispy Kreme team that grabbed three league titles in six seasons. He then joined the Black Labels dynasty that rolled up an unbelievable eight championships in nine seasons. He was known as "Mr. Vacuum" in the field and "Mr. Clutch" at bat. In 1969, he earned the coveted Frank Garcia award-given to the league's most oustanding player. In 1982, he was inducted into the Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame as part of their inaugural class.

He retired as a foreman from the City of Akron Highway Maintenance Department and was a proud United States Army veteran.

He was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his family, weekly golf outings, and tending to his yard and flowers. He truly was a great father - the best!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph P. and Mary R. Bisesi as well as brother, Joseph R. Bisesi.

He is survived by the love of his life, Donna Bisesi (Simmons), with whom he shared a beautiful marriage for 69 years, his children: Jack (Lori) Bisesi, Tina (Joe) Salem, Michael (Robin) Bisesi, Terri (Bruce) Elliott, and Toni Lynn Bisesi as well as brothers Tony (Patti) Bisesi and Tom (Lynn) Bisesi. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren as well as beloved nieces and nephews.

Per our father's wishes a private family service will be held.

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