John Edward Behnke

John Edward Behnke, 76, fell asleep in the Lord on June 15, 2026.

John was born on November 1, 1949, in Guam while his father was stationed there with the U.S. Navy. He was raised in Youngstown, Ohio, where he developed a lifelong love of music. A gifted musician and songwriter, he performed and recorded with several bands throughout his life, including The Behnke Brothers, sharing his talents and creativity with many.

On June 20, 1978, he married Shelley (Manoff) Behnke, with whom he shared nearly forty-eight years of faithful marriage. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and devotion to one another. John and Shelley began their life together in Southern California, where they welcomed and raised their four children. In the early 1990s, the family returned to Central Ohio, where they established deep roots within a faith community that became an integral part of their lives.

As a founding member of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Orthodox Church in Columbus, Ohio, he dedicated more than thirty years to the parish community. He served faithfully as a Subdeacon and Director of the Kliros. He loved Christ with his whole heart and remained steadfast in that love throughout his life, finding strength, purpose, and peace in the life of the Church and the hope of the Resurrection.

John retired from JPMorgan Chase in 2016, but those who knew him best understood that his greatest achievements were not professional. They were found in his unwavering faith, his devotion to family, and a life lived with discipline, diligence, and integrity.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara Jean (Hughes) Behnke and William Edward Behnke; his stepmother, Evelyn Behnke; his son, Ian Behnke; his brother, Thomas Behnke; and his sister, Kristine Davidson.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Shelley (Manoff) Behnke; his children, Kelley Naples (Joshua) and their children, Cafelle (Viktor), Cirenne, and Luke; John Behnke and his partner, Kara; Karly Elliott (Ryan) and their son, Roman; and Mitchell Behnke, his fiancée, Cassie, and stepdaughter, Jocelli.

He is also survived by his beloved godchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and fellow parishioners. He took great joy in watching new generations of his family grow and flourish, and he cherished the privilege of serving as a spiritual guide, mentor, and godfather to many. His love, prayers, and example will remain a lasting blessing to all who knew him.

Though his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him, take comfort in the promise of Christ’s Resurrection and in the assurance that John has entered into the eternal rest prepared for those who love Him.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, in the chapel at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 N. High Street, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035. Burial will follow immediately at the gravesite within the cemetery.

A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Orthodox Church, 191 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201.

Flowers may be sent to Newcomer Funeral Home, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43231.