John William Lasher

John William Lasher, 73, of Bath Township, Ohio, died on October 21, 2016, of complications from a rare form of ALS.

Born on September 27, 1943, in Gloversville, New York, John earned degrees from both Eastern College and Boston College. His years of social work helped make him an authentic listener and a kind purveyor of advice. Many in the Akron community knew him from his decades of service in real estate.

John was the great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandson of 1710 Swiss immigrant Johann Sebastian Lasher, a fact he discovered during countless hours of research for his family history books. An avid genealogist and thoughtful traveler, John reveled in learning about history and culture.

Though John was an ardent supporter of Cleveland sports, the team he supported most was his beloved family, cheering every step of their diverse paths.

John is preceded in death by his father, Gordon Lasher; mother, Helen Lansing, and brother, Jerry Lasher. He is survived by his wife, Cathleen Chenevey Lasher; son, Matthew Lasher; daughter-in-law, Morgan Lasher and grandson, Anderson Lasher; daughter, Catharine Lasher and future son-in-law, Joseph Simonsen; son, John Lasher, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Jodi Lasher, and grandsons, Jason and Justin Lasher; son, Stephen Lasher and grandson, Paul Lasher; sisters, Catharine Purdy and Patricia Beck and other loved family members.

John loved Wise potato chips and strawberry ice cream. He enjoyed dancing and live music, sunsets and moonlight, tall doorways and family jokes. But above all, John fiercely loved his family and was surrounded by their love in his last days.

Calling hours will be held TODAY, Monday, October 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Happy Days Lodge in Peninsula, a place John loved to visit. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Association. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)