John M. Ference, Jr., 92, of Liberty, OH, formerly of Sharon, passed away peacefully with family at his side late Monday evening, June 17, 2024, in Shepherd of the Valley.

Mr. Ference was born September 23, 1931, in Sharon, a son of the late John M. Ference, Sr. and Alice (Kaelin) Ference.
John worked on the shipping dock at the former Sharon Transformer Div. of Westinghouse Electric Corp. He later worked in maintenance at the Mercer Co. Court House, retiring in 1996.

John was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Hubbard, OH.

An avid bird watcher, he also enjoyed feeding the birds and had a lifelong affinity for animals, especially family dogs. He always looked forward to spending time outdoors on the water, especially while visiting his daughter and family at her lake house. Above all else, John was a family man who loved spending time with his grandsons, great-grandchildren, and their families.

His beloved wife of 53 years, Dorothy A. (Tomko) Ference, whom he married June 27, 1953, preceded him in death March 27, 2007.

John is survived by three daughters, Deborah Williamson (Bradley), Hubbard, OH, Susan Blais, Liberty, OH, and Mary Elizabeth Sheehan (Edward), Avon Lake, OH; four grandsons, Christopher Sheehan (Katie), Andrew Williamson (Corinna), Brian Sheehan (Aarika), and Jeffrey Blais (fiancé, Alyssa); six great-grandchildren, Clara, Amelia, America, Maverik, Maddie, and Emma; three brothers, Francis Ference (Sharon), Joseph Ference, and Philip Ference (Kathy); a sister, Mary Rose Taylor, Hermitage; and a brother-in-law, John Tomko (Joy).

In addition to his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by three brothers, Walter, Louie, and Chuck Ference; and a brother-in-law, Jack Taylor.

In keeping with his wishes, a private funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Church, Hubbard, OH.

Entombment: St. Rose Mausoleum, Hermitage.