Juan "Chico" Gutierrez, Jr., 72, of Salem formerly of North Lima, passed away Monday, December 26 following a short illness.

Juan was born April 17, 1944 in Berg's Mill, TX, a son of Juan and Orline (Martinez) Gutierrez. He was a dedicated father and servant to God, his church, and his community. Juan enjoyed gardening, his time spent in Boy Scouts of America helping at Camp McKinley, serving at Mt. Olivet United Church of Christ, helping out with 3Cs food distribution, and spending time with his dogs, Chula and Alfred. He especially loved sharing stories with everyone he met and praying for them. He leaves behind his sons Charles of Youngstown, Lucas (Jolinda) of Plain City, and Marcus of Rogers; his daughters Juanita Plant (Jesse Torres) of Defiance and Miria Minch (Joe Steel) of Defiance; his brothers Leonardo (Shirley) of Youngstown, Antonio (Vicky) of Campbell, Roy (Janet Conroy) of Boardman, Ramon Sr. of Youngstown, Fidel (Sue Bebe) of Struthers; sisters Socorro West (Gary) of Niles, Angelita Poracky (Lawrence) of Boardman, Evangelina Hnat (Joseph) of Leetonia, Guadalupe Crispin (Alfredo) of Apopka, FL, Esmeralda Zoldak (Joseph) of Austintown, Sulema Garcia (Luis) of Youngstown, and sister-in-law Mrs. Beverly Phillips of Austintown; sixteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, Juan was preceded in death by his wife, Sharyn Rae Seifert, whom he married April 21, 1967. He is also preceded in death by a grandson, Charles Joseph Gutierrez II, brothers Rosando and Alvino. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 30 at Mount Olivet United Church of Christ in North Lima with the Reverend John J. Bradley officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 29 and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Burial will follow at the Mt. Olivet United Church of Christ Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to South Range Council of Church & Community (3-Cs) Food Pantry in North Lima located at 11836 South Ave, North Lima, OH 44452.

The family has entrusted Seederly – Mong & Beck Funeral Home with the arrangements. Friends may visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the online guest registry or to send private condolences.