07/21/2008

Joseph C. Abele

July 20, 2008

OFDA received word this afternoon that Joseph C. Abele, age 61 of Toledo, Ohio died on Sunday, July 20, 2008 at home after his battle with cancer. Joe was born on October 31, 1946, the eldest son of Elden Abele and Mildred (Green) Abele. Joe was the owner of the Abele Funeral Home at 1910 Cherry Street, Toledo.

Joe graduated from St. Patrick's of Heatherdowns School where he was the first to earn Eagle Scout status. Joe was a 1964 graduate of St. Francis DeSales High School as well as a graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He also attended the University of Toledo. He was an active member and attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church for many years.

Joe is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ellen (Sweeney) Abele and his daughter Anne; a brother James (Carol) Abele, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

His family loved spending their summers at their Lake Erie, Sand Beach cottage. Joe was an avid fisherman and very active in the Sand Beach Association. He was director and vice president of the Sand Beach Conservancy.

Friends may visit at the Sujkowski Funeral Home of Rossford, 830 Lime City Road, Rossford on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 from 2:00 8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 11:00 AM where the family will greet visitors beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be private.

Ellen and Anne would like to thank Dr. Piere Triozzi and the Staff of the Cleveland Clinic for hope. The family suggests that those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Joe to please consider Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.