Joe Elmer Homonai, 80, of Wadsworth passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2011. Joe was born on May 14, 1931 to the late Gabor and Flora Homonai, in Wadsworth, OH where he lived his entire life. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was in the 19th Infantry Regiment. He was captured during the Korean War and spent three horrifying years as a Prisoner of War. He witnessed great pain and suffering, not only for himself but for his friends and comrades.He was awarded numerous service medals. He married Evelyn Bird on June 25, 1955 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sharon Center and later became a member of First Christian Church in Wadsworth. They had 56 wonderful years together! He built their home, including all of the trim work, in which they still reside. Joe retired from Ohio Match company after 32 years of service. He also worked at TRICIL in Akron for five years. Life was hard for Dad from a young age but he always managed to smile. He was a “jack of all trades” and if something needed to be done, no matter how difficult, he always found a way to get it done. He loved his family, his church, camping, doing anything outdoors, his dog “Duke”, and his Steiner tractor. Special thanks to his daughter-in-law Sheryl who was always there to help Mom take care of him.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Gabor and twin John E., sisters; Julie, Helen and Margaret, brothers-in-law Harold Baum, John Kovatch and William Moyer and sister-in-law Betty Homonai.
Joe is survived by his wife Evelyn, daughters; Carol (Ed) Dalessandro and Debbie Parker, sons, Jeff (Sheryl) Homonai and Kevin (Kelly) Homonai. There are 10 grandchildren; Ryan (Jennifer) Dalessandro, Jill and Laurie Dalessandro, Kate, Aaron and Kacy Homonai, Julie (Ken) Humberson, Kurt (Mary) Parker, Megan and Courtney Homonai, 4 great grandchildren Alaina, Nicolas and Rebekah Dalessandro and Nolan Parker along with his brother-in-law Joe Wetshtein and sister-in-law Mona Homonai.
The family will receive friends 2-4 & 6-8 PM Sunday at the Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman St., Wadsworth. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00AM Monday at First Christian Church, 116 E. Boyer St. Wadsworth with Rev. James L. Singleton officiating. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Memorial Contributions may be made to First Christian Church.

Hilliard-Rospert
(330-334-1501)
www.HilliardRospert.com