Thomas Joseph Obituary

Thomas L. Joseph

A gentle man, husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Thomas L. "Tom" Joseph went to his heavenly home Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Birchaven Village.

He was born Feb. 1, 1938, in Fremont, to Charles Jefferson Joseph Jr. and Janet Chapman Joseph.

He grew up in Worthington and after the death of his father, he moved to Green Springs at the end of his junior year in high school. During his senior year, he was President of the senior class and captain of the football team. He attended Bowling Green State University and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1961 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

In 1959, he married Judith Davis, who died in 1988. Two years later on May 5, 1990, he married Carol Dale, who survives along with three children, Wendy (Dave) Carbone of Hudson, Jeff (Louanne) Joseph of Findlay, and Jennifer (Craig) Cook of Fostoria; 11 grandchildren, Anthony (Megan) Carbone, Addison (Taylor) Carbone, Tyler (Myranda) Joseph, Caleb (Alison) Joseph, Dalton Cook, Madeline Cook, and Laura Cook; great-grandchildren, Josie Carbone, Sunnie Carbone, Evie Joseph, Odin Joseph, and Callahan Joseph; and brother, William of Toledo.

Tom was also preceded in death by his parents; and brother, James of Bryan.

He worked for Blaw-Knox Corporation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His first two years, he participated in a B-K formal management training program that involved working in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Wheeling, West Virginia. In 1967, he worked for Atlas Crankshaft (Cummins Engine Company) in Fostoria as manager of Facilities Engineering and Environmental Control, where he managed a core of people in building construction and maintenance, cutter grind, and major machinery installations. At the age of 48, he had an opportunity to accept an early retirement option in 1986 after 20 years of employment. In Fostoria, he worked three years as Plant Engineer for Seneca Wire Company. In 1990, he was hired by U.S. Steel as an owner's engineering consultant for the construction of the Pro-Tec Coating Company in Leipsic. Fostoria Schools hired him for his construction management services in the construction addition to Field School and the construction of Fostoria Middle School. Later, he performed these services for the 1995 construction of Findlay Country Club, the Chamber of Commerce renovation, the Geyer Real Estate new office building, and the Hancock Federal Credit office.

While living in Fostoria, he led the conversion of a dump into a city park and as the Kiwanis President, he was recognized by the Ohio Kiwanis Division as a Distinguished President in 1976. He led the construction of a 60-unit Wesley Village Senior Citizen housing facility and volunteered in the United Way and the Redmen's Booster Club. He assisted in the site selection, in the purchase of property and in the construction of Arealand Park (now a part of the Hancock Park District).

Tom was a 1991 graduate of the Hancock Leadership Program and in 1999, he received the National Distinguished Leadership Award for exemplary service and commitment to the community. He was one of four founders of the Findlay Habitat for Humanity in 2002 and served as its President in the early years of startup. President and Laura Bush greeted Tom at the Findlay Airport on Oct. 28, 2004, and declared him a "professional volunteer" as a part of the Bush's USA Freedom Corp representing two years or over 4000 hours lifetime volunteering. He served nine years on the City Planning Commission and seven years on the City Shade Tree Commission. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, serving as Trustee President, church choir member, and owner's representative on the Church's 2005 large expansion project. Tom also served as President of the Hancock Credit Union, the ADAMS board, and the Senate Club (a Findlay literary club).

Tom and Carol traveled to over 35 overseas countries, were active bridge players and golfers, members of Symposium, Square Dance Club, Findlay Country Club, and couples' book club. He was an avid collector of Findlay Glass, enjoying scouring antique shops all over the country, relaxing and fishing at his cottage at Lake Erie, skiing in Michigan and New York, and working in the yard.

He faithfully followed The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Guardians. He will be remembered as a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, a volunteer who always got things done, a good neighbor in his condo association, and his laugh and his love of life.

Tom's memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, Findlay. Inurnment will take place at the First Presbyterian Columbarium.

Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to City Mission, Findlay or The Community Foundation, Re: Tom and Carol Dale-Joseph.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.