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John Paul Rohe, LPN, passed away on December 27th, 2019, in the company of his family in the Philippines. John was born August 14, 1952 in Columbus, Ohio, the eldest child of Mary M. Brinkley and Paul H. Rohe. He first became enchanted with the Philippine Islands as a child when his father, an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserves, was stationed there for active duty from 1958-60. When the family returned to Ohio, father and son became active in the Boy Scouts of America, where John eventually achieved Eagle Scout. Upon graduation in 1970 from North High School in Columbus, John received an appointment to the US Naval Academy which filled him with a never-ending patriotism for his country. In 1982, he married Kathy E. Schide, eventually settling in Cleveland, Ohio while working for the Ford Motor Company. For his excellent performance, Ford awarded him a trip to Rome in 1985 which he gave to his parents, inspiring them to embark on a decade of world travel. He and his wife successfully ran their own high-performance car parts company, Rohe Racing, for over a decade. In 2008 he moved to East Tennessee to become the primary in-home care provider for his elderly parents. Following his mother's example, he became a certified nursing assistant and began studying medicine. In 2012 at age 60, he earned his Practical Nursing degree from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology and became licensed to practice in Tennessee. That year he also became engaged to Maria Cecilia Cruz, whom he joyfully wed in 2014. He was looking forward to retirement in the Philippines with her and his new family who had enthusiastically embraced him as a member. At the time of his death, he was employed at Encompass Health Careers, caring for homebound children and their families; he was previously employed at Life Care Centers of America, Camellia Home Health, and Life Care Nursing Home. He was a big man with a big heart, and a bigger sense of humor, being one of the most accomplished pranksters around. He was also a devout Christian and animal lover who took his therapy dogs to visit the sick and elderly at places like Morristown's ALPS Adult Day Services. A similar form of outreach was his annual performance as Santa Claus for the children in his family and beyond. He was happy to have performed that ritual for his Philippine family at the time of his passing. John was preceded in death by his parents and his previous wife, Kathy. He is survived in the States by a son, four siblings, three nieces, a nephew, numerous cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews; also by his wife, Maricel, and many numerous siblings, cousins, children, and grandchildren of his extended family in the Philippines. A celebration of his life will be held at All Saints' Church on Saturday, January 25, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Morristown ALPS Adult Day Services. Arrangements by Alder Funeral Home.

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