NEWTON FALLS - Joseph Shifra, 83, of Newton Falls, entered eternal life on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, at the Cleveland Clinic.
Joe was born July 27, 1929, in Newton Falls, the son of Paul and Barbara Simko Shifra, at the family residence.
He received his formal education in the Newton Falls school system.
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Shifra
Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on March 18, 1948, and was assigned to aviation ordnance. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 10, 1950.
Upon his return to civilian life, Joe was employed in various positions until he began work at Republic Steel as a rigger. He retired from his duties in 1996 from WCI after 36 1/2 years of service.
He was a faithful parishioner of St. Michael Catholic Church of the Byzantine Rite in Newton Falls. Along with other parishioners, Joe was active in the construction of the church and the pavilion.
Joe was a lifetime member of the AMVETS Post 112. Joe also belonged to the group of friends known as the McDonald's Morning Coffee Club.
He was an old car enthusiast who looked forward to attending old car shows to locate parts for his own vehicles. With his vast knowledge of various trades, Joe could undertake and complete any project he started. He was proficient in the repair of cuckoo clocks. Family and friends who attended functions at his home or at the church could enjoy his culinary skill in roasting pigs.
Relaxing pastimes for Joe were traveling and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Joe also liked to dance and, in his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Memories of Joe will be carried on by his loving and caring wife, Charlotte, whom he married on Oct. 11, 1990; his children, Gloria (Barry) Cihan, Larry (Donna) Shifra, Sue Headley, Jeff (Marcy) Janus, Eric (Christy) Janus and Shannon (Michael) Blasio; his adored grandchildren, Troy, Kevin, Carissa, Elise, Carrie, Zachary, Sadie, Kelli, Kate and Luci; and his 12 great-grandchildren.
Preceding Joseph were his parents; his brothers, John and Paul; his sisters, Mary Kelly and Helen Soho; his son-in-law, Thomas Headley; and his best friend, Elio Carocci.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Borowski Memorial Home in Newton Falls. A funeral liturgy will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael Church in Newton Falls.
Joseph will be laid to rest in St. Michael Cemetery in Newton Township.
That family requests that material tributes be made in memory of Joseph to the charity of their choice.
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