John “Jack” Kenneth Charles, 86, of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2014. Jack was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a die-hard Steelers fan and would never let any of “yinz” forget it. Jack was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
Very proud of his Irish heritage, Jack was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernian. He is an Irish icon, not only in the Akron area but the entire State of Ohio having been a Past State President of the A.O.H. Jack was founder of the Irish Festival in Cuyahoga Falls that is held annually the second week of June. He is also one of the founders of the Akron Feis and the Akron St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In 2013 he was the honored Grand Marshal of that parade. Although a proud member of the Mark Heffernan Division in Akron, Jack organized the St. Brendan A.O.H. Division in Cuyahoga Falls. Because of his outstanding and distinguished service to the Hibernians, Jack was bestowed the most coveted citation as a National Life Member.
Jack was an avid sports fan. He was a life-long player and coach. Jack managed successful Hibernian and Falls Savings teams. He was one of the founding members of the Akron Silver League where he was a perennial All-Star and Travel Team player. Although he retired as an active player at age 85, he was considering a comeback this year!
In addition to loving God and his family, Jack also loved his country. He was a proud Army veteran of World War II serving as an M.P. in Ethiopia. Jack was a member of American Legion Post #281.
A proud Union member, Jack had retired from the Ford Motor Co.
In 2007 Jack was preceded in death by the love of his life, Mary Eileen (Dixon). They were happily married for 57 years. He is survived by his children, Kathie and Darrell Linton, Colleen and Kevin O’Connor, Eileen Charles, John and Lisa, Brian and Connie, and Mike. He also leaves beloved grandchildren, Tara (Jack), Sean, Ryan, Breanna, Katie Beth, Bridget, Corey, Shandan, and Jake; and great-grandchildren, Jack “J.T.” and Kelley. He also leaves his brother, Bob (and Barb) Charles; sisters, Pat and Sally; and brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Maggie Nordstrom.
Calling hours will be FRIDAY from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home (811 Grant St.) where the Hibernian Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Cuyahoga Falls. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery where VFW Post 3383 will render military honors. Please go to Jack’s Book of Memories at www.dunn-quigely.com where you may also view and leave condolences.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to the Shamrock Cultural Society (2000 Brown St., Akron, OH 44301).
PLEASE LIGHT YOUR CIGAR AND RAISE YOUR GLASS OF JAMESON IN LOVING MEMORY OF JACK!

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