It is with great sadness that the Lombardo Family announces the passing of Joseph Andrew Lombardo, on June 4, 2021, at the age of 96.

Born on May 25, 1925, in Akron, Ohio, to Paul and Mary (Iorio) Lombardo, Joe  graduated from South High School and was a WWII Army veteran who served in the Philippines.

He was honorably discharged in 1946, and received a Victory Medal and a Bronze Star for his sacrifice, bravery and honor while serving his country.

In 1951, Joe met and married the love of his life, Mary, and together they raised a family of 6 children. Jo e loved music and was quite an accomplished accordion player (polkas were his favorite). He always enjoyed a good card game (especially euchre), and was an avid golfer, bowler, and winemaker extraordinaire.  He loved chocolate and big bowls of ice cream, too.

Joe was employed as a baker at City Bakery and retired from Akron Standard Meats.

To family and friends who knew him best, Joe will be remembered as someone very special. Always loving and always giving, Joe donated 130 pints of blood to the American Red Cross.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council  3529, served as Grand Knight from 1992 - 1994, and earned the 4th degree in 2017. He belonged to The American Legion Post 0255, The ABC Polka Club, and Our Lady of Victory Church.

Joe always put family at the top of his list, and will forever be remembered asking family members "Do you have a ticket?" at gatherings as they came in the door. Whether it was a cookout, his birthday or Christmas, he wanted nothing more than for his family to be all together. That's all he ever asked.

Joe was predeceased by his sister Josephine, and brothers-in-law Tony Dipane, Joe Schember, and Ernie Zugaro.

Joe leaves his sweetheart and dance partner of almost 70 years, Mary, and a legacy that includes Marie (Mel Strbich), Paul Lombardo, Natalie (Bill) Cooper, Louise (Bob) Monnot, Jo Ann (Jim) Hurley, and Phil (Peggy) Lombardo.

He was Nonno to 12 grandchildren: Kristen Lee, Jeff Robinson, Andrea (Kyle) Smith, Allyssa (Vinnie) DeLuca, Stephanie (Chad) Bever, Kevin (Regina) Smyth, Patrick (Lisa) Hurley, Rachelle (Marvin) Grandison, David (Megan) Hurley, Lauren Hurley (fiancé Justin Forshaw), Anthony and Nicholas Lombardo and 14 great-grandchildren.

Also left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Jennie Schember, Marian Zugaro, Pauline (Don) Rainey, brother Andy (Karen) Lombardo, brother-in-law, Frank Leonardi, and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 from 4-7p.m. at Hennessy Funeral Home, 552 North Main Street, Akron, Ohio where the Knights of Columbus will say a full rosary at 6:30 p.m.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 73 North Ave., Tallmadge, Ohio at 1 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on Our Lady of Victory's Facebook page: http://www. facebook.com/ourladyofvictorychurchtallmadge/ .  Those who are unvaccinated or at risk are asked to please consider continuing to wear a face covering while in Church.

Interment with Military honors will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, have a Highball or a Manhattan in Joe's honor or have a drink for Joe on the 19th hole.