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John A. ‘Jay’ Rife

MEDINA, Ohio — John A. “Jay” Rife, 67, of Lester Road passed away suddenly Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 at 12:31 p.m. as a result of a one-car automobile accident.

Born May 21, 1955 in Port Clinton, Ohio, he was the son of the late John Merle and Jane Neiser Rife. A lifetime area resident, Jay was a retired banker working for Central Federal Bank in Wellsville, Ohio. After Jay’s retirement from banking, he was employed by the Dawson Funeral Home in East Liverpool.

Jay was a graduate of East Liverpool High School Class of 1973, and then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in Pennsylvania. He was a former member of the Calcutta Rotary Club and the East Liverpool Jaycees.

Jay was an avid Steelers fan, enjoyed watching amateur car racing at the Mid-Ohio Racetrack while camping there and really enjoyed music, attending as many live concerts as he possibly could. He always had a smile on his face, and he loved to laugh. He truly enjoyed his family and friends, especially all his four-legged friends. Jay was a genuine soul, to know him was to love him and anybody that knew him was truly blessed.

Jay leaves behind his three children, his daughter Cameron E. Rife of Massillon, Ohio and his sons, Nikolas J. Rife of Massillon, Ohio and Ryan Stoakes and his wife, Nicole of Sandy, Oregon; and two granddaughters, Aria and Eliana Stoakes.

In addition, he also leaves behind one sister, Roseann Rife of Hong Kong, China; his companion, Stephanie A. Parish of Medina, Ohio; and all his furry friends.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022 at 2 p.m. at the Dawson Funeral Home in East Liverpool with Pastor Norm Eckert officiating. Friends may visit the family two hours prior to the service.

Immediately following the service, family and friends will gather at The Cove Lounge on Dresden Avenue in East Liverpool, Ohio.

View Jay’s memorial webpage and send condolences online at: www.dawsonfuneralhome.com.

10/5/22