Joseph J. Skapin

Joseph J. Skapin, 83 of Lorain, died Sunday, September 9, 2007 at St. Mary of the Woods in Avon, following a long decline of health. He was born February 8, 1924 in Lorain where he lived most of his life. He was a graduate of Lorain High School class of 1942A and also graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1954. Skapin served as a corporal with the US Army during WWII in Italy, serving with the 91st Infantry Division. He was awarded 3 bronze stars and the Purple Heart in three campaigns. He was a forward observer with the 362nd Cannon Company. He worked as accounting supervisor at American Ship and later as controller with the Cincinnati Sheet Metal Company in Cincinnati, a subsidiary of American Ship. In 1968, he was a cofounder of Central Bookkeeping and Tax Service in Lorain and as of late practiced as a sole licensed certified public accountant practitioner. Skapin was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Elyria, where he served on the parish council and finance committee, as well as other church activities. He enjoyed bowling, golf, polka dancing and traveling. He is survived by 2 nieces, Judith (George) Herman of Lafayette, Louisiana and Alanna (John) Stadler of Homeworth, Ohio; several grand-nieces and nephews and great-grandnephews. He was preceded-in-death by his wife on February 5, 2007, Theresa B. Skapin, parents, Jacob and Bernarda (nee Voyt) Skapin and brothers, Jack, Albert and Cyril. Friends may call Thursday, September 13, 2007 from 5-8 pm at the Dombrowski-Humphrey-Riddle Funeral Home, 1939 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, Ohio. Visitation will also be on Friday, September 14, 2007 from 10:00 am until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 41295 N. Ridge Road, Elyria. The Reverend James Ols, pastor, will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain with members of the American Legion Post 30 and VFW Post 451 conducting military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, PO Box 634445, Cincinnati, OH 45263-4445.