Joseph Lipovac

Joseph Edward Lipovac, 88 years old, late of Copley, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, January 4th, at Akron Summa Hospital. Joe was born July 8, 1937, in Barberton to the late Joseph Carl Lipovac and Frances Teresa Pavlic.

Joe grew up in Sherman and graduated from Norton High in 1955. He worked through college on highway construction, but his education was interrupted in 1961, when he was drafted into the US Army, where he was stationed in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany. There he fell in love with his dear wife, a German girl, Renate Martha Meeh, who moved to the other side of the world just to be with him.

After being discharged from the Army, Joe graduated from Kent State University in 1965 and began a long career as an engineer at The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. One of Joe's many accomplishments included a 1992 patent for the process of applying the signature yellow lettering on Goodyear racing tires. By the time he retired from Goodyear in 1999, with 34 years of service, Joe had many other patents to his name.

Joe loved his work at Goodyear, but his true passion in life was his family. Throughout his life, Joe was always with his family. Joe has traveled the world with them; most recently turning 88 while in Germany with them at his side. Joe was also committed to staying helpful and busy with his house and yard until the very end. His love for his family knew no end.

Joe was a parishioner and usher at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Copley for over 40 years, as well as a patron of the Barberton Slovene Center.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Renate Martha Lipovac (née Meeh), sister and brother-in-law Frances (Joseph) Szoke, and two daughters, Michele (James) Egleston and Heidi Lipovac. Additionally, he was "Opa" to three beloved grandchildren, Madison Anne, Emerson Meeh, and Joseph Daniel. We will always remember him as the kindest, most intelligent, generous and loving man in the world-the best husband, dad, Opa, friend, or brother anyone could ask for.

Calling hours are Thursday, January 8, 4:00-7:00pm at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Rd, Copley, OH 44321; Mass of Christian Burial is Friday, January 9, 11:00am at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 1676 Cleveland-Massillon Rd, Copley, OH 44321. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Joseph's memory to the Copley Outreach Center.