John Andrew "Jay" Rachel

John A. “Jay” Rachel, 65, of Massillon, passed away unexpectedly, of natural causes, at his residence, Saturday evening, September 10, 2022.  Born in Barberton, January 26, 1957, a son to the late John D. and Margaret L. (Hise) Rachel, Jay graduated from Northwest High School in Canal Fulton with the Class of 1975. He furthered his interest in auto mechanics while in high school with auto shop classes at Massillon Washington High School then additional studies through Lincoln Technical Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana.  He retired as a fleet mechanic with the US Postal Service, working mostly from the vehicle maintenance facility in Canton.  He also worked part-time for Rohr’s Towing Service in Massillon.

A beloved brother, uncle and cousin, Jay was a friend to all.  His unpretentious nature and sense of humor made him good company.  A life-long motorsports enthusiast, in his younger days, he enjoyed drag racing.  He was a member of several Ford Performance Clubs and a great NASCAR fan.  As a member of the Canton Ohio Prime Timers, he enjoyed the company of good friends, heading out to lunch or dinner, and settling in for an afternoon or an evening of cards.

Predeceased by his parents; Jay is survived by his sister, Susan (Larry) Wyant, of Canton, brothers, Robert (Natalia) Rachel, and Daniel Rachel, of Lakeland, Florida, and a half-brother, John Rachel.  Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon.  The family will receive condolences from 2-4:00 p.m. in the funeral home.  Cremation and a private burial will follow.  The family has suggested honoring Jay's memory with an act of kindness or a donation to a favorite charity. 

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