Joseph R. Skraba, died Friday, December 29, 2006 after a three year battle with cancer. Joe fought his illness with great courage, strength and dignity.
He was born on Jan-uary 4, 1947 in Akron, Ohio to the late Joseph A. and Mary Skraba. He was a graduate of Archbishop Hoban High School and The University of Akron, where he received a degree in Social Work.
Joe was retired from Summit County Job and Family Services, where, for 30 years he served those most in need as the Special Programs Administrator.
He was a long time member and Sunday school teacher at Cornerstone Church and, at the time of his death, was a member of Crossroads Community Church. His deep faith and love of his God were so evident that many turned to him for solace and spiritual guidance and he never failed them.
Joe enjoyed music, camping, electronics and sports. One of his greatest joys was coaching each of his sons, as they shared their mutual love of baseball.
He was a devoted son, loving husband and caring father. As his heart's legacy, he leaves his wife of 31 years, Colleen Malloy Skraba and their sons, Joshua and Zachary. He will also be missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and many friends, whom he loved dearly.
Keep your heart open and He will heal it.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, 11 a.m. at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Avenue, Barberton, 44203, with Jerry Butcher and Clark Gable officiating. Visitation Tuesday, 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haven of Rest, P.O. Box 547, Akron, 44398, or Wayne County Hospice, 2525 Back Orrville Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
(Campfield-Hickman-Collier 330-745-3161.)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cathy Green
January 3, 2007
Oh my gosh, words can't even begin to express my sorrow for you and your family. I just read the obituary and I am so very sorry that I wasn't there for you, Colleen I know your loss and my heart breaks I will be in contact with you very soon,you were there for me when I needed you most I just wish I could be there for you now.I am so sorry, Joe and you were the best neighbors in the world I miss you so much and am sorry that I wasn't there when you needed me.
Always remember we were loved unconditionly no matter what, never a day goes by that I don't Thank God for what I had.
Kathie Hathy Peters
January 3, 2007
Dear Colleen and Boys,
I just heard the news about Joe's passing and am truly sorry! Joe was a dear friend and co-worker at SCW/DHS. When I had a problem or a question, I knew I could always go to Joe and he'd help me out. He'd quote to me from the Bible and the advice was always right on track! He knew that Book backwards and forwards! He was always there to share a joke and a laugh, too. He beamed when he talked about his sons. I always liked to hear his adventures with them, too! I am so sorry to learn that Joe has been taken from his loving family--and the rest of us--so young. God must have needed him more.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack Eldridge
January 3, 2007
Colleen and boys..
Joe was a good friend and a trusted
confidante. He loved music and he loved life. He was secure in his faith. I will never forget Joe and will heed his advice, always. He was a great guy and I loved him.
Maureen Lough
January 2, 2007
Colleen and boys,
Joe will be sorely missed by many. He was such a good man and has left his mark on those who had the good fortune to make his acquaintance. Through you and yours his spirit will continue to inspire goodness.
Maisie Cox
January 2, 2007
Dear Colleen and boys,
I have known Joe since I began at the department in the early 70's. He has always been a caring and dedicated person to his job, friends, and family. While I haven't seen either of you since my retirement, Pammy has kept me informed about his sickness. I am very sorry as he will be greatly missed by many. Good memories, as many have said, are the things that keep you going.
You are in my thoughts
Katy Hatton
January 2, 2007
Colleen, I am so very sorry about Joe. He was a very special person married to a very special person. My prayers are with you and the boys.
sandee brasko
January 2, 2007
Dear Gumba, Josh & Zack,
I cannot express my feelings for how John & I feel at this time. I just want you to know that you are in our prayers always. I will always be thankful to Joe for the spiritual lessons he taught all of us at Cornerstone Church.
Love,
John & Sandee Brasko
Debra Chase
January 2, 2007
Colleen,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. You and Joe were among the most caring people back then, and it is thanks to Monica that I found you now. Know that you have been in my thoughts across the years, with care and affection. Love and peace, Debra
Drusilla Allende
January 2, 2007
Colleen,
My condolences to you and your family. Joe touched many lives and he definitely made a difference in this world. May God Bless You all.
Eric & Mel Gable
January 2, 2007
With our deepest sympathy and love to all the family. Our thoughts and prays are with you.
Adam & Tina Gable
January 2, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories and faith in God bring you comfort. Isaiah 57 1&2
Geri Cromley
January 2, 2007
May God bless you Colleen, Josh and Zack and keep you all in His Loving arms. Jo-Jo was my dear cousin. He will be missed.
Bucky & Agnes Kovach
January 1, 2007
Colleen and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Joe was always one of the good guys who left an impression on everyone.
Judy (Skraba) Wangberg
January 1, 2007
Jo Jo was a cousin that I spent many fun times with growing up playing on their player piano. Even though we lost touch as we got older, "once a Skraba, always a Skraba" kept us connected. My thoughts & prayers are with Colleen, Josh and Zach.
Bill, Barb & Joe Watkins
January 1, 2007
Colleen and sons, We are sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. We have fond memories of Joe when Josh and our Joe played summer baseball together.
Judy Boyle
January 1, 2007
Colleen and Family:
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was always a great guy, helpful and caring. He had a great sense of humor and a smile for everyone. He will be missed by so many. May your memories of happy times give you comfort. God be with you and your family.
Doris Combs
January 1, 2007
Dear Coleen, sons, family and friends of Joe, Please accept my condolences in your loss of this wonderful man. I regret that he has left our world where he touched the life of so many. May peace be with you.
Chuck & Pattie Urdzik
January 1, 2007
Colleen and sons,
Joe and you will forever be in our hearts. We will miss Joe terribly... but we also have such a wealth of memories accumulated over the years to sustain us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy (Solnick) Gent
December 31, 2006
Colleen...I am saddened about your loss. Joe was a caring person who always had the time to listen and to offer his help. I have wonderful memories of Joe. My thoughts are with you.
Mark Ravenscraft
December 31, 2006
Dear Colleen, Josh, and Zach,
Joe served so many in so many ways. I'm very sorry he suffered during his 3 year cancer battle, but I'm sure, as with everything else he ever tackled, he showed everyone around him how to handle illness while continuing a loving ministry toward others. During Joe's 30 years with county government he was always a role model of what a dedicated public servant should be - caring, kind, knowledgeable, committed and passionate about helping others. Joe stood out and always will - in our hearts and memories. He was very special. The best we leave behind, is the legacy that lives on in our family. I know his two boys will carry forward the spirit of caring and love Joe exemplified. My prayers are with you and also with Joe -- we all learned from his example.
Dennis Abdoo
December 31, 2006
Colleen,
My condolences to you and your family.
Kathy Odum
December 31, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Monica Evenden
December 31, 2006
Colleen and sons, I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your children.Take care, dear old friend. Monica Urycki Evenden, Keene Ontario
Sharon Kimmy
December 31, 2006
Colleen
My deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. My thoughts are with you.
December 31, 2006
Colleen,
I am very sorry to read about your loss and I offer My sincere condolences to you and your family during this very difficult time, Joe was one of the good guys!
Nancy L. Wilson
Akron, Ohio
Jane and Richard Skraba
December 31, 2006
Dear Colleen and family,
Our deepest sympathy and condolences on Jo Jo's passing. Our prayers are with you.
Jim Hennessy
December 31, 2006
Joe was more than a fraternity brother to me. He was friend, confidant, and spiritual mentor. I will miss talking with him but rejoice knowing that he is made new and whole, and is resting in the arms of the Lord.
Jane Jursik Harrison
December 31, 2006
Jo Jo was a dear cousin whom I grew up with. My sincere sympathy to Colleen, Josh and Zach.
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