Joseph D. Funk

DOYLESTOWN - Joseph Donald Funk passed away at the age of 71 on March 12, 2024 at the Cleveland Clinic, Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center.

He was born on August 13, 1952 in Wadsworth, OH to the late Frank and Rose Marie (Petit) Funk.  The second oldest of six children, he is also preceded in death by his older brother Frank. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Barbara, their two sons, Jonathan (Rachel) and Brian (Angela) and beloved grandchildren, Wyatt, Weston, Zilpha; brothers Tom (Marilyn), Bob, and Mike; sister Sue (Harry) Hunter; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Joe was a legendary systems analyst who retired from Goodyear after 43 years of service. He excelled in all the sports that he played, which included softball, basketball, soccer, running and golf.  As a result of his extraordinary talent, he was inducted into the Summit County Softball Hall of Fame in 2022, where his legacy remains. Joe briefly reclaimed his role of goalie with his adult children on a for fun soccer team in his 60’s. He was an avid swimmer and lifeguard in his earlier years. He was a member of an Akron Marathon relay team in 2015.

Joe was the “bestest” dude ever as a brother, husband, father, and grandpa/papoo. Never one to enjoy sitting, Joe had many hobbies, which included gardening, fishing, hunting, camping, working on his farm, growing huge pumpkins, painting gourds, carving walking sticks, and making maple syrup.  Joe also enjoyed ballroom dancing and could be seen tearing up the dance floor at weddings and social club dances. 

His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he spent every minute he could with them. Joe loved watching them play sports, rarely missing a game. Joe was also skilled at playing the accordion and making up words.  He was a Bigfoot enthusiast, and enjoyed watching nature shows. He created wonderful memories on his many trips to his favorite place, Beaver Lake Canada, with friends Bob and Jeanne Hengle, and family. To know Joe was to love him, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 4022 Johnson Rd., Norton, OH, 44203 with Fr. Peter Morris, Celebrant. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Zak-Thacker & Monbarren Funeral Home, 132 N. Portage St., Doylestown, OH, 44230. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 161 W. Clinton St., Doylestown, OH, 44230. Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com  

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-658-2211)

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