Share Service Information for John A. Sells

Obituary

John A. Sells passed away on May 26, 2022 of malignant melanoma. He was born in Bethesda, Ohio on May 7, 1938 and grew up in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from South High School in 1956. John enjoyed playing baseball and basketball, and for many years was a high school basketball referee. More recently John enjoyed golf, spending time with his beloved pet Karri, and visiting family and friends in Columbus. John enlisted in U.S. Army in 1961 and was stationed in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. While in the service, and playing on an Army baseball team, John got two base hits off the future MLB pitching legend Phil Niekro. Following four years in the Army, John became a Columbus Police Officer in 1964. While on the police force John worked in homicide and fugitive investigations. He retired from the force in 1987. John reunited with his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sandra (Sandy) Fishking, in 1984. They were married in 1985, and immediately following his retirement moved to her home in Carlsbad, California. They enjoyed traveling, hosting visitors in San Diego, and supporting the Columbus and San Diego Zoo's. John extended his law enforcement career in San Diego as a Court Security Officer for the United States Court. John was also a lifelong and avid Cleveland Indians baseball fan. Preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Sells (Fishking); and parents, Lova and Arthur Sells. John is survived by sister; Barbara Wachter (Les), and nieces and nephew; Pam Pulver, Christi Dreher, Theresa Dershem (Dave), and Kenny Green. John will be deeply missed by in-laws Tim and Tracie Fishking, Terri and Randy Miller, niece and nephews Tessa Fishking, Maxwell Fishking, Andrew Miller (Olivia), Taylor Miller and many friends. A visitation will be on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 5-7pm at the John Quint Treboni Funeral Home, 1177 W 5th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43212. A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, July 16 at the St. Joseph Cemetery, 6440 S. High Street, Lockbourne, Ohio 43137. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com