Joe Worman

Joseph D. Worman, age 93, died peacefully in his family’s farm home on Hamilton Road in Gahanna, Ohio, where he had lived for 79 years. Joe was a 1950 graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School. Joe was the stage manager at The Ohio Theatre for 40 years and a member of the IATSE Local 12 Stage Hands Union.

Joe’s biggest accomplishment was saving The Ohio Theatre from destruction in 1969. When it was announced that it was to be torn down to build the new State Office Building, Joe started the grass roots effort to raise money to buy the Theatre and save it from destruction.

Joe received several citations for his work at The Ohio Theatre including a Senatorial Citation from the State of Ohio, a Special Recognition Certificate from the Ohio House of Representatives, and a Citation of Recognition from the Columbus, Ohio Mayors Office.

Joe is survived by his good friend of 28 years, Rick Darling; nephews, Steve Worman of Hardy, VA., Jerry Solt (Marilyn Malcolm) of Westerville, John (Paula) Worman of Gahanna, Jim (Janet) Worman of Galena; nieces, Vicky (David) Rarick of Carrol, Lisa Jones of Port Richey, FL., and Tammy (Dave) Viola of Sunbury.

He is preceded in death by parents Charles “Jack” and Fay Worman; brothers, Jay (Erma) Worman, John (Punk) Worman, Bob (Betty) Worman; sister Virginia Boley; and good friend of 30 years, Wayne Johnson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 4pm-7pm at Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home, 1051 E Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. Joe’s funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 10:30am. Services will conclude with interment at Mifflin Township Cemetery.