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Joseph Michael "Joe" Truini

Joseph Truini Obituary

Joseph "Joe" Michael Truini

Joseph "Joe" Michael Truini, 37, of Akron, Ohio, formerly of Mingo Junction, died Friday July 24, 2009 in Akron.

He was born November 4, 1971 in Steubenville, the son of Joseph A. Truini and Kathleen (Lucas) Hoover.

Joe was a journalist for Crain Communications Inc. and an avid runner that participated in numerous marathons throughout the country. He was affectionately known as "Voo Doo Joe" in the running community.

Joe was preceded in death by his stepfather, Bob Hoover Sr., and his grandparents, Joe and Sue Lucas and Sam and Tillie Truini. Joe is survived by his parents, Kathy Hoover of Mingo Junction, Joseph A Truini and his wife Valerie of Steubenville; three brothers, Andrew Truini and his wife Melissa of Imperial, Pa., Thomas Hoover of Mingo Junction, Lucas Hoover of Steubenville; several aunts, uncles, cousins and a niece and a nephew.

Visitation will be on Tuesday 6 to 9 at Blaschalk-Wilson Funeral Home, 115 Union Ave., Mingo Junction. Friends are then invited to attend visitation on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of Funeral Liturgy at 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Mingo Junction, with Fr. James Dunfee officiating. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Mingo Junction. Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of your choice in Joe's name. Please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes.com on or after Tuesday to view Joe's memorial video.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Akron Beacon Journal on Jul. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Truini

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John Russell

August 8, 2009

So long Voodoo Joe, a great friend and a terrific person. We worked together and ran together, and he was a super person in both ways. I've written a short tribute to Joe on my running blog: http://hitthetrails.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/finally-back-to-trails/

Michael Truini

August 1, 2009

Joey, as I would call him, my cousin and good friend. I still can't believe you are gone, but not forgotten. I've known "Big Joe" since childhood and won't forget. I'm foolish for not spending more time with you after college as we both lived in Akron. It's now I realize what a great impact you had on everyone you met. You gave no excuses and found the time for others when they needed you physically and emotionally. Joe's spirit will live on in all of us. I'm still soo sad but inspired to be half the man he was. God speed Joe.

Ann Marie Halal

July 29, 2009

There's not much more I can say that others haven't so beautifully said. I haven't seen Joe in several years, but when I would run into him he would always treat me as a friend. His being gone so soon is one of those inexplicable things in life. My heart goes out to his friends and family.

Lori Euler

July 29, 2009

I am not sure I have the words to express my sympathy to you all, Joe's family, the people he told his runner buddies about, the people he loved dearly. Joe was an amazing man and meant so much to me, I don't think I would still be running today if it weren't for his inspiration, his motivation and his friendship. His quick wit, his charm and compassion are already missed. I will see you again one day, my friend, at a much grander finish line, have a banana waiting for me, ok?

Dave Gross

July 29, 2009

I also knew Joe through an online running forum. Our group had meetings and runs that happened around the country, but I had not traveled to any of them yet. Unfortunately, that means I never knew the distinct pleasure of meeting him.

Everyone I know who has spent time with our friend "Voodoo" has always raved about what a truly kind soul he was.

November in North Carolina was to be the first time I met him. I was so looking forward to it. I am forever saddened at the loss of Joe, and at the lost opportunity to simply shake his hand, and share a laugh with such a great and unique man.

It was an honor to know him - even just through our written exchanges. He was a source of constant inspiration and entertainment. I'm just so terribly sorry for your loss.

Anna Engelbrektson

July 28, 2009

I only met Joe in person one time (at the Surf City marathon last year) but he was truly an inspiring runner and all around good guy. He will certainly be missed by all of us that knew him online.

Staci Grimes

July 28, 2009

Please, lovely family of Joe's, understand that he has deeply and permanently touched many, many people beyond the visible scope of his life. Thank you for sharing him with us. We cherish his kindness, his intelligence, and his generosity.

I regret not being able to run with him one more time, or spend more time talking. But the inspiration that he and his life have imparted will influence me for the rest of my life.

There are many people who will run tomorrow in his memory. We will continue to tell his stories.

Thoughts and prayers to you.

Jill Litzel

July 28, 2009

Dear Joe,

Thanks for being a part of my life. It is great to know you. Whenever we'd see each other, you always made me laugh at the crazy conversations we would have in the Valley. I will think of you, and I can't wait to see you in the next life. I will miss you til then. God Bless You, your family,and all your friends. God Is Love

Craig S

July 28, 2009

I never had the priviledge of meeting Joe in person. We met via a running forum and I enjoyed sharing in his stories of running and thoughful posts on other topics. I was socked and saddened to hear of his passing. He touched many people and he will be missed greatly by the running community. My sympathy and condolences to his family.

July 28, 2009

Joe was known to us as "Boxer Joe". I will remember Joe fondly. He would come to gatherings with mutual friends, and he and I would talk about the cool things about Steubenville. What a great guy, truly a genuine and kind human being. God bless his spirit and his family.
Jennifer Hayward, Akron OH

Scott Merryweather

July 28, 2009

I've known Joe for over a decade, but will miss him for life. We talked several times at work about rollerblade street hockey, marathons, Survivor shows and Jeeps. He alway had something positive to say or an interesting take on it all. Joe was full of life on so many levels. My prayers go out to his family & friends. You will be missed my Friend.

Glenn Presutti

July 28, 2009

Joey was a great nephew we always had fun playing golf and talking he will be missed by me very much. Thanks for the memories.God bless him.

Jill Forsythe

July 28, 2009

Joe,
You were loved by many.
You enriched many lives.
Your smile was contagious.
You were a faithful friend.
And a kind soul.
We all wish you well on your new journey.
You are missed by those of us you left behind.
Peace.

Jennifer Fields

July 28, 2009

My husband & I had the privilege of meeting Joe just one time (celebrating my first marathon in 2005), but he left an impression on both of us. His smile had a way of entering your heart and bringing joy. He was an inspiration as an athlete and as a person. I will miss Voodoo so much.

July 28, 2009

A good man with a ready smile and a happy laugh. It is my good fortune to have had the chance to know and work with Joe. He will be missed.

Joe Arcilla

July 28, 2009

I've had the privilege of meeting Joe, or "Voo" to those who knew him in the running world, a few times, but those times made me feel I had known him for a lot longer. He had a sense of warmth and caring as large if not more so than the man himself, and he will be sorely missed

Meredith Murphy

July 28, 2009

Joe
you were a good man with a kind heart and an inspiration to us all. Seeing you run could bring a smile to anyone's face.

You will be missed big time.

Amanda Bundek

July 28, 2009

Joe was a great person and an inspiration. He always had encouraging words and a way to make one laugh when training got tough. He was an amazing athlete and friend. He will be deeply missed.

Angel Nardo

July 28, 2009

Joe you will be missed and I am sorry we couldn't have spent more time together. I have known you since we were children and I am glad that we reconnected these past few months. You knew the love I had for you and you have taken a piece of me with you but you have made me and this world a better place. God bless you and hold you near. You are deeply missed and I will miss my trips to Akron and you coming to Columbus. Rest in piece my beautiful man.

Denice Woyski

July 28, 2009

Certain people are carried in our memories forever. "Voodoo" is one of those people. I will always remember him as a fellow runner in a caveman suit, a kind and funny man with a big heart. He will be missed.

Courtney Imhoff

July 27, 2009

I also knew Joe as "voodoo" and am very sad to hear this news. He was a great runner, a great friend, and a big part of our online running community. He will be missed. A lot.

Courtney (wyrillco)

Jenna Miller

July 27, 2009

Joe was very special to me. I met him in May and we became very close quickly. I'm going to miss him very, very much. Gosh, he was probably the nicest, most decent man I ever met.

My sympathies to his family.

Susan Bartmon

July 27, 2009

I knew Joe as "Voodoo" and will always remember him as a good person and friend.

My deepest sympathies.

Frank Strazzulla

July 27, 2009

When a man as full of life and health passes away unexpectedly, it reminds us to live every day to the fullest...and also reminds us in these difficult times that if you have your health and family intact, life is good...Godspeed, Joe!

July 27, 2009

His Facebook page, running the marathon, captured him well. But I knew Joe as a reporter. Joe was someone who always had time to talk, was always listening for a more interesting angle, and really encouraged those of us willing to step out on a limb. He had the heart of a lion. He took his work seriously, or I should say my work seriously, without taking himself too seriously. Thanks for Joe.

Robin Ingenthron

July 27, 2009

His Facebook page, running the marathon, captured him well. But I knew Joe as a reporter. Joe was someone who always had time to talk, was always listening for a more interesting angle, and really encouraged those of us willing to step out on a limb. He had the heart of a lion. He took his work seriously, or I should say my work seriously, without taking himself too seriously. Thanks for Joe.

Cindy Stevens

July 27, 2009

It is indeed a sadder world--especially here at work--without Joe in it. He was definitely a 100% sweetheart whose kindnesses and comments and goodness will be so terribly missed. Heaven's lucky to have you, Joe! God bless you there...and God bless your family here.

Matthew Hersh

July 27, 2009

I'm a fellow journalist -- I never met Joe, but I knew his work well. My condolences to his friends and family.

Ruhan Memishi

July 27, 2009

Joe was such a wonderful guy. I worked with him when he was in his 20s. He was so sweet and always so upbeat about life. I haven't seen him in a few years, but I'll always remember him. It's a shock and a huge loss. My condolences to all who mourn him.

Debi Reed

July 27, 2009

Joe, one of the nicest people I have ever met...and worked with. What a sweet soul. His love for competing even in the company Halloween contest to playing in the company golf outing. And with Joe as my partner, how could we not win. I will truly miss him not only as a co-worker but a truely good human being. I will miss you Joe.

Ed Rich

July 27, 2009

Joe was a great guy. I'll miss all of our in depth home improvement discussions. It always seemed like he was either coming back from a race or planning to travel soon to one. Our endless discussions regarding Survivor were priceless! He loved to needle me. - I'll miss laughing with my friend.

Megan Greenwalt

July 27, 2009

Joe was a great guy who will be sorely missed at work. I'll especially miss hearing about his marathons and food-eating contests. I am still shocked and saddened that I won't get to see him everyday. My prayers go out to his family. God bless you Joe, rest in peace.

Dan Hockensmith

July 27, 2009

Gonna miss seeing Joe out running on the Towpath and along Market Street -- when I first joined Crain I immediately recognized him from the road. Also will miss quirky conversations in the break room and hearing about marathons. Nice guy.

Gary Ilijevich

July 27, 2009

I met Joe at a 10K run in Kent around July 4, 2006. Over the last few years I would see him at running events and mostly would see him in passing on the Sand Run Trail near his home. I would hear details about his latest or a future marathon he was in. I often looked forward to seeing him on my runs.
I think that MANY fellow runners would recognize his picture and would remember him with his dreadlocks. My condolences to the family. I am in shock. He was a great guy.

Erin Whorton

July 27, 2009

I attended grade/high school with Joe. He was a quiet guy but not shy. He was very friendly and had a great sense of humor. I reconnected with him over the passed several months and enjoyed his friendship. He has always made me laugh and brought a smile to my face. I will miss him and will pray for his family and friends.

Beth Ann Earle

July 27, 2009

Joe was such a sweet, sweet soul. We worked together years ago at Crain. Since then, whenever we'd run across each other, Joe always had a big smile and a hug for me. The world is a little smaller without Joe in it.

CJ Hollenbach

July 26, 2009

A great guy and always had a smile on his face. You will be missed at the gym. I will think of you often....

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