John Thomas Golliher

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, John Thomas Golliher, 84, died in Tavares, Florida on August 19, 2026. Tom was born in Meriden, Connecticut, on July 12th of 1942 to Frank E. Golliher and Katherine I. Holzapfel. One of the fondest memories of his childhood was the special fishing trips he took with his dad. After graduation from Cleveland Heights High School, he attended Kent State University. He then joined the military and proudly served his country in Germany. Upon returning home he completed his studies at the University of Akron and graduated with a degree in Electronic Technology. He then began his career with Ohio Bell as an Telecommunications Engineer. ` While attending Kent State University in 1961, Tom met the love of his life, Judith Baldwin. On their first date, Judy asked if they could “just be friends?” To which Tom emphatically replied, “NO! NO! NO!” Eventually Tom won Judy over and they began dating. The two would write letters everyday while Tom was deployed. When he got home they were married at the Akron, Ohio Courthouse in 1966, a partnership that would last for the next 60 years. He was a devoted father to his three children Tamera, Randall and Deanna. He was the kind of dad who was always building, fixing and creating something for his children. Whether it was building treehouses where they could play and make memories or taking the kids on summer trips to a cabin in Canada, Tom never failed to show his everlasting love for them. Tom also treasured his role as a grandparent to his six grandchildren, Kelley, R.J, Robert, Andrea, Harley, and Skylar. Tom found joy in being their “Papa” and would often wake up early to make breakfast and stay up late for game nights together before bed. It was during these simple occasions that he created some of the most cherished memories with his grandchildren. Everyone who knew Tom knew how much he enjoyed fishing, golfing and traveling. In 1996, Tom and Judy bought a motorhome beginning nearly 20 years of vacations and adventures together on the open road. Perhaps their most notable journey was spending 58 days in Alaska. Tom will always be remembered for his patience, devotion, wisdom and unwavering love. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, father or grandfather and we will miss Tom everyday. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. Tom was preceded in death by Katherine and Frank Golliher, Tamera (Mark) Golliher, Rick (Marv) Golliher, Linda Burner, Thomas Baldwin, Dorothy Baldwin, Roger Baldwin. Tom is survived by Judy Golliher, Randall (Susan) Golliher, Deanna (Rachel) Golliher, Jim Burner, Alex Baldwin, Chris (Jodi) Baldwin, Kelley (Jon) Peshek, R.J. (Courtney) Golliher, Robert (Sarah) Golliher, Andrea Strange, Harley (Tayler) Kasper, and Skylar Golliher, Katherine Golliher, Abigail Golliher, Bonnie Golliher, Grey Kasper, and Jamie Peshe

John Thomas Golliher

July 12, 1942 - August 19, 2026