Harry Merritt Johnquest

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Harry Merritt Johnquest of Youngstown, OH, fittingly on All Souls Day, November 2, 2025, at the age of 74. He was born on November 28, 1950, to Merritt and Ellen (Elwell) Johnquest.

Harry was a seeker, inventor, and collector of many things. His wide-ranging interests and talents included creative writing, art, cars, motorcycles, and music—attending Woodstock, among countless other music events. He generously gave his time to a variety of causes, from local shelters and community gardens to theatre production, marine life rescue, and more. In the mid-1970s, he co-founded a successful free clinic and crisis hotline center in Chesterland, OH. Skilled in the trades, he worked as a licensed plumber and electrician, and served on the HVAC team at Case Western Reserve University for many years, where he also studied photography.

An avid sailor, in the early 1990s, Harry sailed his boat from Lake Erie to Savannah, Georgia, via the Erie Canal and down the Atlantic Coast. In Savannah, he lived aboard his boat for many years, working with the U.S. Olympic Committee during the 1996 yachting events, writing for the local paper, caring for a historic estate, and serving as editor for Clean Coast Inc.’s newsletter.

In his later years, Harry often traveled from his home in Youngstown to Ashtabula Harbor, where he enjoyed sailing on Lake Erie and restoring one of the harbor’s historic homes.

He is survived by his brothers Gilbert and Mathew Johnquest, his sister Amy Johnquest, his nephews Ryan Johnquest, Patrick Conlin, and Connor Johnquest, and his niece Astrelle Johnquest.

Harry was a kind and generous soul who will be deeply missed. Harry will be remembered for his curiosity, generosity, and adventurous spirit. A celebration of his life will be held this spring in Ashtabula Harbor; date to be announced.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.

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