John V. Saalfeld

John V. Saalfeld of Cincinnati, Ohio, died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on May 7, 2026. In January of 1964, he was married to Margaret (Peggy) Saalfeld, and had a son, David. John was 84 years old.

John was preceded in death by his father Leo Saalfeld and his mother, Martha Saalfeld (nee Mollenhoff).

He is survived by his loving family, his son David, his daughter-in-law Amy, and his only grandson Connor, also his sister Mary Kay and late brother-in-law Robert Lanier, and niece Criss, also his brother Steve and sister-in-law Cindy.

John was a member of Cincinnati Stage Employee Local 5. He was Technical Director at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and had recently received his 50 year pin with Local 5. He worked as a stagehand at Music Hall, Playhouse in the Park and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

John had a love of racing and cars. He enjoyed Tristate Dragway and Edgewater Motor Speedway. He also had a love for nature, photography and sitting on the porch with family and friends. He will be remembered for his love of family, friends, neighbors, nature, Cherokee Purple tomatoes, his kind heart and his ear for classical and jazz music.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. at Vitt, Stermer & Anderson Funeral Home, 4619 Delhi Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 15 at 9:30 a.m. at St. William Catholic Church, 4108 West 8th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. Memorials may be made in his name to Local 5 Apprenticeship Program.