John Gerald Macken

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the news that our beloved John G. Macken, 79, of Akron has gone home to be with the Lord on January 20, 2026.

John was born to the late Samuel and Lucy {Brown} Macken on June 17, 1946, in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1965. Shortly after graduating, he entered the military, where he served as a Marine and fought in Vietnam. John earned the Bronze Star for his bravery, risking his own life to command his unit after his squad leader fell, ensuring his wounded comrades were evacuated safely.

Following his service in the Marines, John went to work at Firestone as a machinist, where he worked for 17 years before retiring. John was a man of many accomplishments, but his proudest one was always his family. Though he loved his adventures and went on plenty, he also found joy in the simplest things like his coffee, his newspaper and his TV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Lucy Macken; siblings Ann, Ita, William, and Patrick; grandson Collin Abbott; and many other loved ones.

He will be deeply missed by his children Susan, Julia (Dave), Patrick, James (Korina), and Sara Macken; grandchildren Keagan, Cole, Nolan, Miyana, Anthony, Avery, Aiden, Isabella, and Ayson; great-grandchildren Zayvien and Leo; brother Joe (Loretta) Macken; former wife, the mother of his children and lifelong friend, Janet Macken; and many other friends and family whose lives he touched over the years.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305 on Thursday, January 29th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A procession will follow to Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, where well-deserved military honors will be held, and John will be laid to rest. To leave a special message for John's family, please visit the guest book below.