Joseph Somjai

Joseph Somjai Joseph Somjai, 81, resident of Forestview, formerly of Melrose Ave in Erie, died Monday, February 5, 2007 at Saint Vincent Health Center. He was born October 16, 1925 in Holden, W.Va., a son of the late Stephen and Margaret Holbus Somjai. He lived in Erie since 1946. He was a graduate of Albion High School and served our country in the US Army in Germany with the 526 Military Intelligence SVCO 7th Army as a Hungarian Interpreter during the Korean War. Prior to his retirement, Joe was a freelance draftsman and worked for many companies such as GE and Erie Pres. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, the VFW and was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns and Indians. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Staff Sgt. Stephen Ray Somjai, who gave his life defending our country in the Korean War. He is survived by three sisters, Julie DeDad of Erie, Betty Orr of Edinboro, and Margaret Harkness of Erie; and an aunt, Mary Chuzie and her husband, Stephen. Joe was the uncle of Suzanne DeDad, Nicholas DeDad and his wife, Kerry, Matthew DeDad and his wife, Monica, Sandra Luthringer and her husband, Jeff, Cathy Myers and her husband, Greg, Gary Orr, Bob Orr and his wife, Kathleen, Donald Orr and his wife, Nancy, Allan Harkness, David Harkness and his wife, Karen, Darlene Kerstetter and her husband, John, and their families. Friends may call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry St., an Independent Care Group Affiliate, on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and may attend a Funeral Mass Friday at Blessed Sacrament RC Church, 1626 W. 26th St., at 10 a.m. Entombment will be in Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery Mausoleum. To send condolences visit www.icgerie.com. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.