John M. Chando Jr., 85, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Friday, June 19, 2026.
John was born Dec. 31, 1940, to John and Cecelia (née Ryniec) Chando, and raised in South River, N.J. He graduated from Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School in New Brunswick, N.J.
He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1953 and served faithfully for the remainder of his life. A plumber by trade, he also worked at Ridge Tool in Elyria, Ohio, for over 40 years. Even long after retirement, he continued to enjoy “a good project” around the house. John also loved cars, music, nature, baked goods, and studying God’s Word.
He was known by friends and family as a “classy” guy. Affectionately known as “Papa John” by his “bonus” family, he would always refer to himself as: “Self!” until his family started saying “Self!” for him.
He married Linda Lee (née White) on Nov. 16, 2014. “Johnny” and “Linnie” spent over 11 years together, especially enjoying the time they spent in Arizona — where he got to achieve a lifelong dream of feeling like a cowboy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Robert (Barbra) and Ronald (Lydia).
He is survived by his wife, Linda Chando; siblings, Charles Chando and Susan Meade of New Jersey; three children, John III (Ratikorn) Chando of California, Jason Chando of Elyria, and Jacqueline (Kieth) Wendling of Florida; grandson, Phra Timothy Chando, Thailand; bonus children, Shawn (Dana) Roeder of Elyria, Troy (Becky) Roeder of Bellevue, Danielle (Scott) Prater of Painesville, and Melanie Wylde of Missouri; bonus grandchildren, Jalen, Johnathan, Savannah, Madeleine, Hayden, Baron (Chloe), Bristy (Mason), Brayden (Kate), Benjamin (Ashleigh) and Loryn (Damen); and nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and many friends.
The family will oversee a memorial talk held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 189 Mansfield Ave., Mount Vernon, Ohio.
The service will also be live streamed via Zoom for those unable to attend in person.
Meeting ID: 6991019753
Password: 119105
Brother Steve Andrews, affectionately known by John as “little brother” will be giving the talk.
The Snyder Funeral Homes in Mount Vernon are honored to serve the family of John M. Chando Jr.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com