James Harezga, age 73, of Howard, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 4, 1951, in Buffalo, New York, James was the son of the late John and Virginia (Polowy) Harezga. He was raised in Buffalo, where he developed a strong sense of family, faith, and service that guided him throughout his life.
On August 5, 1983, James married the love of his life, Marilyn (Gniazdowski) Harezga, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and shared memories. James worked as an electrician at FT Precision in Fredericktown, Ohio, where he was respected for his skill, dependability, and warm spirit. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing, boating, golfing, cooking traditional Polish dishes, and sharing his recipes with family and friends. His love for food and the joy it brought to others was a hallmark of his warm hospitality. He also spent time volunteering at the Hope Now Furniture Bank, a cause close to his heart.
A devoted member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Mount Vernon, James lived his faith through service, kindness, and humility. He was also a passionate supporter of the arts, frequently attending and sponsoring local community concerts.
James’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his daughter Lindsey Issari and son-in-law Mike Issari; and his adored grandson Leo, who affectionately called him
Dziadzi. He also survived by his brother Joseph Harezga of Buffalo, NY.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Virginia Harezga; his brother, Gregory Harezga; and his brother-in-law, John Gniazdowski.
James will be remembered for his generosity, quiet strength, sense of humor, and the deep love he had for his family—especially the special bond he shared with Leo.
The family will receive friends from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, and from 8:45–9:45 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Snyder Funeral Homes, Flowers Chapel, 619 E. High Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Mount Vernon, with Monsignor Mark J. Hammond as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Mount Vernon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’s memory to Hope Now Furniture Bank or a local music or arts organization.
The Snyder Funeral Homes are honored to serve the family of James Harezga
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com