Poland - There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish - St. Matthias Church, 915 Cornell St. Youngstown, with Father Martin Celuch, J.C.L. officiating, preceded by a 9:15 am prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, for John Protopapa, 76, of Poland, who passed away Friday evening, March 18, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. John will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends for his sense of humor, his kind heart and his ability to always make everyone feel like they were his friend. He was born September 2, 1939 on the Eastside of Youngstown, the son of John Michael and Dorothy (Palmer) Protopapa and was a lifelong area resident. John attended East High School and then was enlisted into the United States Army where he proudly served his country and earned the rank of Corporal (E4). He was a warded the Sharpshooter medal and received an honorable discharge on August 12, 1958. John began his career working at Youngstown Sheet & Tube for 10 years and then was employed for the City of Youngstown for over 30 years as a firefighter and retired in 2000. John was a member of St. Matthias Church and the International Association of Fire Fighters. John enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and going with his wife to country music concerts. He also had a passion for cooking and was known for his homemade pastas and spaghetti sauce that was made from his tomatoes that he grew and canned from his large garden. John was an avid sports fan and he loved rooting on his favorite teams the Ohio State Buckeyes and the New York Yankees. He leaves behind to hold onto his precious memories his beloved wife of over 55 years the former Phyllis Toker whom he married October 29, 1960, his children John (Debbie) Protopapa of Struthers, Donna (Christopher) Culp of Florida, Debbie (Ray Sikora) Protopapa of Youngstown, Joann Protopapa of Conneaut, Sandy (Joseph) Pulcini of Pittsburgh, Barbara Protopapa of Youngstown, Julie (Steve) Boyle of Florida, Joe (Kathleen) Protopapa of Wisconsin and Rocky Protopapa of Poland and nine grandchildren which were the apple of his eye Michael and Michelle Protopapa, Samantha, Marilyn and Page Douglas, Ana and Jackson Protopapa and Carter and Jacob Boyle. John was preceded in death by his parents, a former son-in-law Andrew Douglas and a brother Anthony Protopapa. Family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday, March 20, 2016 from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book, and send condolences to the Protopapa family. John's family would like to extend their heartfelt Thanks to the Hospice House and their staff for all the care and compassion that were shown to them during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers material contributions may be made in John's name to the Rich Center for Autism, 1 University Plaza, Youngstown, Ohio 44555.

Prayers will begin Monday at 9:15 am at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home and the Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 am at St. Matthias Church.