John "Mark" Sedlock

John Mark Sedlock, 70, who left us too soon, passed away June 7, 2025. He was born on June 4, 1955, and grew up in Ravenna, Ohio.

He enjoyed playing golf with his friends and had a sharp wit and warm personality that made him unforgettable to everyone who knew him. After high school, Mark earned a degree in business from Ohio Northern University.

After he met the love of his life, Frances Lomelo, he went on to work for Simcox Steel while also pursuing his passion for hospitality. He opened a bar in Akron, Ohio, fondly known as The Akron Townhouse — a place that became a local staple. Later, he purchased McNasty's in Kent, continuing his legacy in the local bar and restaurant scene. Mark was a man of deep routine and quiet discipline. Rain or shine, he ran an hour a day in full sweats, reciting his nine prayers as he went. At 5:00 PM sharp, he'd unwind with a cold Miller High Life — a small but sacred moment of joy in his day.

In the later years of his life, Mark worked alongside his son as a Senior Advisor for Common Ground Parking Services. There wasn't a day you wouldn't find him walking the lots in downtown Akron, proudly supporting the family business and spending time talking to both his children. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Joann Sedlock; father in law, John A. Lomelo; brother in law, Anthony J. Lomelo.

Mark is survived by his wife, Frances; his children, Christopher (Taylor Russo) and Rachel Sedlock; his brother, Tom (Janet) Sedlock; mother in law. Adeline Lomelo; sisters and brothers in law, Rose, Simon, Andrea, Matthew (Jen); and many nieces, nephews, and an abundance of friends who will miss him deeply.

Calling hours will be held on July 16 at Our Lady of Victory Church 73 North Ave., Tallmadge Ohio from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with a funeral Mass to follow.  The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on Our Lady of Victory's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ourladyofvictorychurchtallmadge/.

Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Ravenna, Ohio.

A Short Essay From Rachel Sedlock

Most people spend their whole lives searching for "their person." I was lucky. I was born with mine. My dad.

He called me Bella which means beautiful in Italian. He was my first phone call in the morning and my last at night. He knew me inside and out—my thoughts, my habits, my fears, my dreams. He always said, "There's not a problem I can't fix," And he meant it and somehow, it always felt true. Whether it was money, heartbreak, stress, he was there. No hesitation. No judgment. Just love.. He was everything to me. My best friend. My protector. My home. He knew me better than anyone else ever will. He got me completely. It was me and him against the world.

He supported me unconditionally, through every test, every therapy session, every heartbreak, and every random new recipe I cooked up. If I didn't answer his call, he'd show up at my door just to check. If I got an A, he cheered louder than anyone else. If I was down, he brought Olive Garden soup and reminded me that it would be okay. We could talk for hours about everything—politics, dating, school, even his wardrobe. He picked the weirdest chair to watch TV in. We'd honk and flip each other off when we passed on the road. We were each other's go-to for advice, for reassurance, for laughs. He trusted me. He let me be free. He let me feel. And he always made me feel safe.

My dad was a Catholic man who prayed nine different prayers a day, owned bars (Akron Town House and Filthy McNasty's) in the '80s and '90s, and had a silly, lovable sense of humor. He wore sweats every day, drank Miller High Life with gas station vodka, and ran every morning to "sweat off the beer." He had black hair, a thick mustache, a golden tan, and a heart big enough to carry everyone he loved. He always made it clear that I was his person, too. And now, as I sit in the stillness of this grief, I am left with that love… and it's louder than the silence. Thank you, Dad for everything. You were my whole world.