Joseph R. “Joe” Underation, 76, passed away peacefully with his family on Dec. 20 at Akron General Hospice Care Center from an aggressive abdominal tumor.

Joe was born at home in Barberton on St. Josephs Day in 1941, and therefore gained his name from his parents and grandfather who shared the same name.  His parents Mary and Pete Underation raised him among 6 other siblings in a loving and sometimes difficult environment brought on by the sacrifices from World War II and his father’s service in the Navy.  They were truly of the Greatest Generation.

Joe graduated from Norton High School in 1959, and immediately began his own service in the Navy, ending in 1962 when he entered the machinist apprenticeship at B.F. Goodrich.  Joe served 42 years at B.F. Goodrich as both a machinist and a maintenance specialist at their chemical plant.

In 1965, Joe married the lifetime love of his life, Patricia Ann Burian, and they began the joy of raising a family of three sons, Steven, Joe, and John.  His commitment was that each son would be “an asset to society and not a liability”, and with Pat’s love and guidance gave each the best education they could. However, his best gift was the priceless legacy of the Underation family name. With his parents, grandparents, and brothers and sisters, they built a family name which continues in honor, respect, and opens many doors. It was always Joe’s wish that the members of his family closely guard their reputation of the family name, and build it for the benefit of future generations.

Joe also served 22 years as a public servant on City Council in Barberton, living out his personal creed of “don’t complain about problems, get involved and help solve them”. All who knew Joe felt his servant’s heart. He lived non-judgmentally to serve others, knowing that true success in life is through the quality of your relationships.

Joe was also a lifetime member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, Assembly 167, through which he served many officer roles, most notably fulfilling his dream of owning a club facility.  Joe helped to buy, build, and manage the club building at 888 W. Hopocan Ave. in Barberton for many years with the help of his brothers, friends, and hardworking members.  He also served Sokols on a national level, and retired as an Honorary Supreme Officer, serving as Chairman of the Supreme Auditors.

Joe was a lifelong member of St. Cyril and Methodius church in Barberton until it’s closing, and afterward joined as a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Barberton with Fr. Bob Jackson. Joe was also a member of Knights of Columbus #1617, the Barberton VFW, and Catholic War Vets. Joe was an award-winning bowler, golfer, loved to fish, hunt, and travel with his “Smootchie” Pat.

Joe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia “Pat” Underation, and leaves behind his brothers Richard (Dona), Pete (Sandy), Bob (Beth) and Marty (Sue) Underation.  He also is survived by his sisters Jean (Larry) Macko, Mary Ann (Jim) Roma, brothers and sisters-in-law Kent and Susan Burns, Ed and Helen Keen, Linda Burian, Barb Gipson, sons and daughter-in-laws Steven (Lisa), Joseph (Robin), John (Kelly), grandchildren Daniel, Joshua, Benjamin, Matthew, Emily, Luke, Nathan, David , and nieces and nephews.

A heartfelt thank-you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at CVICU and 9100 at Akron General, Select Hospital, and Edwin Shaw Hospital. A special thanks to Lisa, Rich, Dona, Sue, Barb, Jim, and Mary Ann who gave special support during Joe’s last journey of hospitalization.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1263 Shannon Ave., Norton. Fr. Robert Jackson celebrant. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Calling Hours Wednesday from 3-8 P.M. at the SILVA-HOSTETLER FUNERAL HOME, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Prince of Peace in Joe’s name.

This world is an emptier place without Joe’s presence here, we know that Heaven is a much fuller place with his arrival.  To his dying day he drew strength from listening to the 23rd Psalm, knowing that “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”. Joe will truly be missed here, but his presence and legacy will never be forgotten.

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