John Alvin Hope
The family of John Alvin Hope wish to share his passing on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Hospice of the Western Reserve. John was 83 years old.
John was born on April 16, 1943, during a late winter snowstorm, to parents Elin Issacson Hope and Shirley Lee Hope. He grew up in Painesville, Ohio, and is a proud graduate of Harvey High School, Class of ’61.
Through one of his good friends, John was introduced to Mary Lou, the love of his life. They were married on June 20, 1965, and last year celebrated their 60th anniversary.
In his early adult years, he was employed at Joseph Dyson Company as the night foreman in the machine shop. A few years later, after he and his wife bought their farm in Thompson Township, Ohio, he became the Road Superintendent of that community, a position he held for the next 30 years.
Since retirement wasn’t enough to keep him busy, he became the grounds keeper for the former Ledgemont Schools. Farming was his passion and he could be found on one of his Case tractors plowing a field to plant corn or cutting hay for baling, as well as gardening and caring for his prize-winning hogs.
John volunteered for the Geauga County 4-H program, serving for 30 years, both as an advisor to several clubs and as a breeder of hogs. Some of his proudest moments occurred when the 4-H kids would work hard enough with their animals to earn ribbons or winning Grand or Reserve Champion.
John was a dedicated member of Grace Lutheran Church in Thompson Township, where he served as building supervisor and grounds keeper for many years. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing the piano, listening to polka music and keeping up with the world of antique tractors, especially the Case models.
John is survived by his wife, Mary Lou (nee Postman); daughter, Susan (Scott) Studer; son, Aaron (deceased); granddaughters, Lola (Charlie) Humr and Sienna Studer; and great-granddaughters, Iris Humr and Violet Humr.
Visitation is Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 2-5 p.m., at Behm Funeral Home, 26 River St., Madison, Ohio. The funeral is scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, 8091 Plank Road, Thompson.
Instead of sending flowers, the family suggests gifts to these organizations: 4-H Camp Scholarships, OSU Extension Office, P.O. Box 387, Burton, OH 44021. Please checks payable to: Geauga County 4-H Clubs. Also, The Memorial Committee, Grace Lutheran Church, 8091 Plank Road, Thompson, OH 44086.
Behm Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online obituary may be found at www.behmfuneral.com.
