BARSALA, John J. Jr., 83, of Lebanon, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Born on March 22, 1942, in Braddock, PA, to John Sr. and Frances (née Wojtaseski) Barsala. John devoted his life to education, athletics, and his family. He spent his entire 31 year career in education at Brookville Local Schools, teaching 7th grade science and math, as well as coaching high school football and baseball. He retired in 1995.
John graduated from Wittenberg University in 1964 and later received his Masters in Counseling from the University of Dayton. While at Wittenberg, he was a proud member of the 1962 Division III National Championship football team. Throughout his coaching career, he led the Brookville Blue Devils football program with dedication and heart, guiding the team to the state title game in 1976, where they were state runner-up. He also amassed 399 wins as the head baseball coach. His significant impact on student-athletes was later recognized with inductions into both the  Brookville High School Athletics Hall of Fame and the Miami Valley Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lynne (née Hart) Barsala; his sons, Andrew (Beth) Barsala and Michael Barsala; his sister, Patty Fellers; his grandchildren, Alex (Lindsay) Barsala, Jake (Sarah) Barsala, Zach (Alexis) Barsala, and Nick Barsala; and his great-grandchildren, Ella, Daniel, Lily, James, Beau, and Scarlett.
He was a parishioner at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lebanon.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 5–7 PM at Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home in Lebanon. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lebanon, with Father Brice Berger presiding. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ohio's Hospice, Dayton chapter.