Obituary of Joseph C. Lilly

Joseph C. Lilly, 96, of Stow, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2020. Joe was born on June 24, 1923, in Akron, Ohio to Joseph C. and Catherine R. (Shircliff) Lilly. He spent his childhood in the Kenmore area of Akron, graduating from Kenmore High School, then joining the U.S. Navy in 1942 (Lighter-Than-Air division) as an airship rigger in World War II. He helped in assembling and reassembling downed blimps which patrolled for submarines. In 1943, while on leave in Lakehurst, NJ, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Georgia Loesch, and together they had four children, Diane, John, David, and Becky. Joe is a long-time resident of Stow, building his home on Elm Road in 1953 where he resided until present day. He was an original member of Holy Family Parish, helping to construct the Church in 1960. Joe was an expert finish carpenter and took great pride in his trade. While working as a carpenter for Goodyear in his early career, he built the custom mahogany desk for Charles Lindbergh's airplane. A few years later, he teamed with Thomas and Luli Homes, building custom homes in the Stow, Hudson and surrounding areas. He then was hired by the John G. Ruhlin construction company where he worked 25 years in management. Prominent jobs included: Children's Hospital in Akron, Akron General Hospital, Rockynol, Oberlin College, Akron Baptist Temple, Saint Thomas Hospital, and Rolling Acres Mall, among many other buildings, bridges and roadways. After spending 25 years with Ruhlin, he retired in 1989 as a project manager. Joe had a big heart and was loved by all. His passions included all Cleveland sports teams, eagerly watching all Indians, Cavaliers, and Browns games. He loved taking care of his yard and continued mowing his grass with his beloved John Deere until age 95. He enjoyed technology, using his laptop daily, scratch-off lottery tickets were a passion, always hoping to "hit it big." Most of all, his love of family was obvious when he lit up while spending time with his children and granddaughters. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Georgia; daughter, Diane Burgy, brother, Richard (Dick) Lilly, and sister, Mary (Betty) Hall. He leaves behind his daughter, Becky Conn (David) of Hudson, along with granddaughters, Laurel Conn and Melissa Conn, both of Hudson; son, John Lilly of Hartville; son, David Lilly of Lake Havasu City, AZ; grandchildren, Jeffrey Burgy of Michigan, and Heather Burgy of England, along with many nieces and nephews. There are no calling hours. Mass of Christian Burial Friday 10 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial Northlawn Memorial Gardens.