JOHN R. BIRCHFIELD

January 4, 1922 - February 26, 2015

John R. Birchfield Jr. of Willoughby Hills passed away February 26 at the Hospice of the Western Reserve. He was born on January 4, 1922 in Charleston WV. He was the son of Rose and John R. Birchfield Sr. John graduated from New York University in 1949 where he was a member of the Zeta PSI Fraternity. John worked for several greater Cleveland firms including TRW, White Motor and was last an editor at Penton Publishing, he retired in 1987. John served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps in WWII. He enjoyed sport car racing and skiing. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol System since 1968. He last served on the Patrol at Peak & Peek Ski Resort in NY. John was selected as outstanding Ski Patroller in1985. John is survived by his beloved wife Helen; His brother in law Bill French of Corpus Christi, TX; Sister in law Betty Rini of Rockville, SC; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John (Rus) and Rose Birchfield; his brother Lewis Birchfield.

A private memorial service will be held later when he is buried at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, OH.