TALLMADGE — John N. Hiller, 90, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to family and work, as well as a talent for and love of art, sports, and humor.

Born in Akron to the late Lester and Mary Hiller-Falcone, John grew up under challenging circumstances that shaped his work ethic and appreciation for simple pleasures. As a boy, his world focused on spirited street football, and sandlot baseball at Topper Field, where his lifelong love of sports took shape. At Garfield high, where he held the record for one-arm chin-ups and was voted “best figure” in his senior class, his letter sweater bore his nickname, “The Duke” and his jersey number “9’, a numeral that went on to hold deep meaning for him throughout his life. His youth was marked by singular people such as the occasional teacher, family member, mentor, or coach who saw something special in him and stepped in to help change the course of his life.

At just 17, working for the railroad in downtown Cleveland, John was entrusted with raising Bridge 19 to clear passage for President Eisenhower’s entourage - one of many times that a responsibility beyond his education, years, or training was placed in his hands by those who saw he had what it took to handle it. An analytical thinker, gifted self-taught artist, and all-round athlete, John could easily have pursued many different paths, but love and family turned out to be the guiding forces of his life.

From the moment he first locked eyes with Charlotte Mae McGee across a set of pews at The Chapel on Fir Hill, his top priority became her happiness. Together they built a marriage marked by teamwork, laughter, travel, and a shared outlook on life — a rare and beautiful partnership lasting over 63 years, that became the solid foundation of their children’s and grandchildren’s lives.

Just two weeks after their wedding, John was drafted into the Army. A skilled draftsman with remarkable precision and intelligence, his outstanding test scores and character qualified him for highly classified assignments in the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations - such as working in the Pentagon and drafting secret Vietnam airfields. He was on a first-name basis with “Jack” Kennedy and served as an honor guard at his inauguration - among numerous other encounters that placed him near some of the defining moments and figures of his era.

Following his military service, John devoted over 35 years to drafting and engineering for the Dominion East Ohio Gas Company, helping to shape infrastructure and communities throughout Northeast Ohio. He also contributed to Stow’s sidewalk civic improvement program, and helped clear trees and prepare land for Camp Carl.

He was a member of the American Society of Highway Engineers and Junior Achievement and deeply treasured the friendship and camaraderie of his Dominion East Ohio Gas Retirement Breakfast Group, affectionately known to the knights and maidens involved as “The Round Table.”

But more than any professional achievement, John’s greatest accomplishment was the life he built with and for his family. Fiercely devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren, his idea of masculinity was ahead of its time in terms of tenderness, involvement, appreciation, and emotional support. He defended and encouraged his children in every challenge they brought to him.

Using found materials like empty utility cable spools, salvaged wood, and rocks, John transformed the family backyard on Brittain Road into something of a magical world shaped by pure imagination and resourcefulness. The countless hours of adventure, creativity, and play that his efforts encouraged, became gifts of childhood wonder that our family will treasure forever.

John also enjoyed sports cars - to the point where odds were about even that when he left in one car, he might return in another. He was also known for battling leaves like a knight fending off dragons. He had an affinity for history and timelines, especially medieval and biblical - always mindful of where his own life fit into the larger picture of history. His approach to life was one of discipline, balance, and routine, which while low on excitement, brought stability and reassurance to those who depended on him. Similarly, he found great purpose in everyday responsibilities. In addition to other habits of his generation that he steadfastly avoided, he rarely if ever used harsh language, instead filling his home with offbeat bits of trademark humor, or “Hiller-isms”. His stories, observations, and wit are now part of the family vocabulary that will be handed down for generations.

Long after his passing, his family will continue measuring themselves against the enduring example he set - of quiet integrity, devotion, humility, humor, self-discipline, and unconditional love.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charlotte Hiller; and his siblings, James and Merillyn Hiller.

He is survived by his daughters, Shawn Ritchie and Sherri Ciccarelli; son, Jeff Hiller; grandchildren, Nolan Ritchie, Austin Hiller, Gianni Ciccarelli, Sage Ciccarelli, and Alice Ritchie; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish his stories, humor, guidance, and love.

Pastor Dan Page will officiate the funeral service 11:30 AM Monday, May 18, 2026, at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow, OH 44224. Friends may call 1 PM to 3 PM, Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the funeral home. Interment Stow Cemetery.