Joseph John Kerekesh

KEREKESH, Joseph “Joe” John, age 89 of Kettering, OH, passed away September 10, 2012, after an extended illness. Born April 19, 1923, in Lorain, Ohio, Joe grew up in the town of Vintondale near Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest child and only son of Theresa (Dobias) Kerekesh and John Kerekesh and is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife Wilma, his parents, and four older sisters. Joe is survived by his daughter Nikki Mercer of Atlanta, GA, sons Michael (and wife, Dodie) of Hagerstown, MD, and John of Kettering, his closest niece, Darlene Hughes of Beaver, PA, and numerous other nieces and nephews. Joe served valiantly as a decorated Marine in WWII, stationed in the Pacific Theater, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was a proud patriot and American. His two sons later followed him into the Marine Corps. In his career, Joe oversaw commercial and heavy construction projects. Early on, he participated in the building of the locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway among other major construction projects in the Northeast and Midwest. In 1961, he experienced a near death 40 foot fall while inspecting a Dayton public school building. His survival was a true miracle. Joe ultimately retired in 1985 from Dayton's Defense Electronics Supply Center (DESC) as a Procurement Officer. Whether it was his children's friends or his own, he loved nothing more than drop in guests. Joe was a masterful cook and enjoyed sharing his culinary talents, often serving dishes that had yet to reach Dayton, Ohio. Everyone agrees, Joe had a zest for life! With Wilma and Nikki, he made a few visits to Hungary and Czechoslovakia tracing his family tree and reconnecting with relatives. A deep pride in his Hungarian roots shaped Joe and his family. He was a strong and determined Marine, unyielding in his convictions and at the same time, a loving and caring husband, father and friend. Joe truly epitomized America's Greatest Generation as chronicled by Tom Brokaw. He will be sorely missed. There will be a private Catholic Mass for family and friends. Pallbearers will include dear friends Fred Kaiser, Jim McGuire, Mike Neil, and Ed Toby. Please contact the family for service details. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates contributions to Joe's favorite causes: The Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or Recycled Doggies P.O. Box 12773 Cincinnati, OH 45212.