Joseph M. Bezilla

Joseph Matthew Bezilla, 94, of Berlin Center, passed away Monday evening at Crandall Medical Center. Born February 28, 1931, in Youngstown, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Anna C. (Brosko) Bezilla and was a lifelong area resident. Joseph graduated from Chaney High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He spent over 30 years as a steelworker with U.S. Steel before retiring in his early fifties, which allowed him many years to enjoy the things he loved most. An avid outdoorsman, Joseph looked forward to fishing and hunting every season. He hunted deer, groundhog, squirrel, and rabbit, and he enjoyed preparing and cooking what he brought home. He was also a talented baker, known for his exceptional apple pie and his well-loved elderberry wine. His wife, Nadine Anderson Bezilla, whom he married on February 3, 1968, preceded him in death on February 19, 2008. Joseph leaves to cherish his memory his son, Kristian Bezilla of Salem; his daughter-in-law, Kelly Kirkland of Salem; his daughter, Debbie Bezilla Blackstone of Little Rivers, South Carolina; son, Joe Bezilla of Columbus, son, Mark Bezilla of Florida, and his two grandchildren, Luke and Shane. He is also survived by three sisters, Mary Louise (Carl) King of Cortland, Frances Ann Foit of Ravenna, Rita McKenny of Youngstown and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his wife, Joseph was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen Bezilla, and his sister, Helen Darby. Friends may call on Friday, December 12th at Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
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