Joseph A. Tornabene

Joseph A. Tornabene, age 90, of Elyria, died Thursday, April 14, 2011 at New Life Hospice Center, Lorain, following a lengthy illness.
He was born Nov. 28, 1920 in Lorain and graduated from Lorain High School in 1939. He moved in with his son last year.
He served in the US Army during World War II as a seargent. As a seargent, participating in the battles of Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and Ardennes. He was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon w/4 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Ribbon and Bronze Star Medal.
Joseph worked at Lorain Works US Steel for 13 years, retiring in 1982. Prior to this, he worked in the shipping department of Fruehauf Trailer, Lorain for 13 years, and Colson Company in Elyria for 13 years.
He was a member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Lorain, and the United Steel Workers Union Local 1104. He enjoyed fishing and making fishing lures, gardening,
watching sports, and working on puzzles.
Surviving is his wife of 64 years, Cecilia (nee Oravec); a son, Joseph of Elyria; grandchildren, Roelf Tornabene and Vanessa Pappas; 2 great grandchildren; a brother, Andy of Lorain.
He was preceded in death by his son, Tom; a daughter, Dorothy Tornabene; parents, Agostino and Mary (Monteleone) Tornabene; and sisters, Dorothy DeMaria, and Mary Dembiec.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 7-9 pm in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, where funeral services will be Monday at 9:30 am followed by mass at 10:00 am at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 418 W. 15th St., Lorain. Rev. Fr. Robert Glepko, pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory may be made to New Life Hospice, 5255 North Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.