ASHTABULA — Joseph Nicholas Jammal, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, in the Hospice Unit of Ashtabula County Medical Center.
He was born Jan. 10, 1927, in Cleveland, the son of Nicholas J. and Mary (Abraham) Jammal. Joe attended Trenton High School in Trenton, N.J. where he first met his future wife, Helen M. Kateusz. Upon graduating High School in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. On April 14, 1951, he married Helen and together they celebrated sixty-one years of marriage.
Mr. Jammal attended Pennsylvania State University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. He worked as an engineer for General Electric and Rheem Manufacturing before joining his father at Ashtabula Rubber Company in 1955. He was Ashtabula Rubber’s first engineer and provided much of the technical innovation that helped the company grow. In 1965, he became President and Chairman of the Board. He retired as President of Ashtabula Rubber in 1996 and remained Chairman.
Mr. Jammal was a Trustee of the Ashtabula County Medical Center for 20 years. He also served on the Board of Directors of Plasticolors for 20 years, the Northeast Ohio National Bank for 10 years, Catholic Service League and as a member of the Mother of Sorrows Parish Council. He supported American Legion Baseball for over 50 years, a program which helped players earn scholarships for college. In 1998, Mr. Jammal was recognized by the Growth Partnership of Ashtabula County with the George H. Kaull Award for Entrepreneurship.
Joe’s greatest joy was being with his family; his wife, Helen and sons, Nicholas and Christopher made him proud to be a husband and dad. His grandchildren brought joy and happiness into his life.
He is survived by his loving wife, Helen M. (Kateusz) Jammal; two sons, Nicholas J. (Lisa) Jammal of Ashtabula and Christopher W. (Patricia) Jammal of Lakewood; five grandchildren, Joseph, Sarah, Samantha, Matthew and Thomas Jammal; and one sister, Eleanor A. Jammal of Ashtabula.
He was preceded in death by his sister, LaVerne Angebranndt; and his parents.
Calling Hours will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 21st, at ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 22nd, at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Mother of Sorrows Worship Site, 1464 W. 6th St., Ashtabula. The Rev. Ernesto Rodriguez will preside. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Ashtabula County Medical Foundation, 2422 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 or to Our Lady of Peace Parish, 3312 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004.
Obituary at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.
