John Folkman

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John L. Folkman, aged 74 years, the beloved husband for 52 years to Melanie (nee Wittekind), dear father of Nathan (Minna), Brenna (Thomas Danis), Callie, and Maggie (Christopher Seeds), loving grandfather of Theodore, Emma, Noah, Phoenix and Arlo, devoted son of the late Robert and Sylvia (nee Lawson), cherished brother of Randall (deceased) (Amy), Andrew and Robert, fond uncle and great-uncle. John was a United States Navy Veteran. Contributions in memory of John suggested to The Cleveland Museum of Art HERE, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106 or to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

On January 3rd 2026, John, of Cleveland Heights, OH passed away at University Hospitals, surrounded by his loved ones. Although we are all heart broken and feel it was too soon, John always believed that “arriving early meant that you were on time.” John was a beloved father and husband who has been described by many as “silly, caring, and a great listener.” He was the kind of dad who would show up to a house party when you were in your 20’s and ask “who needs a taxi?” and would stay up until you got home, turning off the lights right as you walked in. He was a natural mimicker who, just by listening and observing, could pick up any instrument (oboe, guitar, banjo, piano, harmonica) or language (French, Latin, Swedish.) John had a deep love for animals, and his compassion for them was evident in his daily life. He could often be found snuggling with the family dogs at night. He also had a special way with the birds that found their way into the house; before gently releasing them, he would wrap them in a towel and reassure them that they were safe.

John, the inventor of the Walkie Bug (which started with his children and was passed down to the grandkids,) was more than just a great dad and grandfather, he was someone who helped make our Halloween costumes or teach us the exact mechanics of a firm handshake. He loved humor (specifically, bad puns), reading, obscure indie films, doodling, the Cleveland Museum of Art, playing Axis & Allies, living out his pilot fantasies playing flight simulator, building sand castles, genealogy, sci-fi, biking, soccer, photography, robotics, and more.

John was a man of character who prior to being drafted willingly chose to enlist in the Navy during the Vietnam War, stating that he "wanted to serve the country in a way that would not hurt anyone." As a hospital corpsman on the USS Raleigh LPD 1 he was able to provide much needed support to wounded marines, sailors and soldiers in the Mediterranean during deployment. During this time he was also awarded a Special Commendation for helping a civilian. He later served at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA, providing support to the operating room, while even getting to deliver a few babies. His time and experiences as a medic and surgical technician in the Navy later led him to volunteering with the Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland, where he helped assess clients and prescribe medical treatment.

John was humble about all the things he could do, including being an amazing ice skater or knowing how to water ski on one foot. He was someone who took his job seriously as the Supervisor of Business Services at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District and the Director of Business Services with Mayfield Heights City School Districts, in addition to his time as a consultant with the Ohio City Schools Council. Prior to working in education he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Case Western Reserve University in Anthropology. He was always interested in people, learning about them and working with them, and was a lifelong learner who later learned to sail (aboard the “Bitty Boat”,) scuba dive, play cricket, learn Arabic among many other things; his interests were endless. John, dad, “the dad,” “Johnny Boy”- you will be missed immensely. We love you.

John is being cremated and will be buried in a family plot in North Carolina in the summer of 2026.

DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, OH.