Joseph Attilo Davoli, 90, U.S. Army Veteran

He was born on January 3, 1925 in Matoaka, West Virginia to Carmello and Ermerlinda (née Trapaso) Davoli. As a child, the young family moved to Lorain in search of work at the steel mill, then known as the National Tube. The family settled in South Lorain and lived above a potato chip factory by Vine Avenue. As a teenager Joe worked at the local drug store. He graduated from Lorain High School in 1943 and was drafted into the Army the following July.

He was trained to be a heavy machine gunner and sent to England in January 1944. On June 6, 1944, D-Day, Private Davoli went ashore on Utah Beach with the 4th Infantry Division commanded by Gen. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. He took part in the battle for Normandy until he was seriously wounded by a German bullet to his jaw. Evacuated to the United States, he spent 8 months in a military hospital, undergoing multiple reconstructive surgeries. As he healed, he began to work with the Dental Officers, treating other soldiers with facial injuries. His work was recognized by being recommended for transfer to the Medical Department as a dental technician and promotion to the rank of Sergeant. Joe was discharged in 1946 with the Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Medal, European Theatre Medal with Bronze Arrow head (D-Day) and Bronze Campaign Star (Normandy), Distinguished Unit Badge, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Joe attended Lorain Business College. He had a tax preparation business for over 50 years. He worked as an accountant at Nelson Stud then Lorain Products, retiring at age 65.

He was an active member of St. Frances Cabrini Parish and the former St. John Church. He was a member of the parish financial counsel, endowment fund, Holy Name Society and volunteered at most fund raising activities. Joe was YMCA champion ping pong player. He taught First Aid for the Red Cross.

He will be deeply missed by his daughters Carolyn (Barnard)Davoli-Reisz and Pamela (Gary) Baker and step-daughter Anna (Jack) Broz all of Lorain; brother Frank (Rita) Davoli in Lorain; brother-in-law Louie Carpino of Lorain; grandchildren Ricky, Rochelle, Kevin, Andrea, Anthony, John, Michael, Eric, Kasia, and Adam; and great-grandchildren: Xavier, Brandon, Logan, Avery and a great-granddaughter expected in May.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Alina Jadwiga Davoli (née Groblicki) in February of this year; his first wife Agnes Davoli (née Gearde); his parents; sisters Maria Dietrich and Rose Carpino and step-son Janusz Antosiak.

His family will receive friends Sunday, May 17 from 2 to 8 PM in the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain. The Holy Rosary will be recited Sunday afternoon at 4 PM by the St. Frances Cabrini Holy Name Society. His funeral service will be Monday with closing prayers in the funeral home at 10:30 AM., then funeral mass at 11 AM in Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, 2143 Homewood Dr. (Grove Ave. and Homewood Dr.) Lorain Ohio. Rev. Father John C. Retar, Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst. Military honors by the Disabled American Veterans Louis Paul Proy Chapter 20.

His family suggests memorial contributions to Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish Endowment Fund, 2143 Homewood Dr. Lorain, Ohio 44055

For further information and to sign the online register book, see Reidyfuneral.com.