Joseph Rilling

Joseph Rilling, 90, of Akron, passed away April 5. He was born August 20, 1925 in Akron, Ohio and lived most of his life here. He was the husband of one wife, Janice Rilling, for nearly 64 years and son to Mary and Thomas Rilling. He is survived by their two children, Kristen Conrad (happily married to David) of Plain City, Ohio and Mark Rilling (happily married to Juanita) of Bethesda, Maryland. He was blessed with two grandsons, Forrest and Aaron, along with many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife as well as his parents, sister and brothers. Joe was a skilled draftsman for much of his professional life at Goodyear Aerospace. Prior to joining the US Navy during World War II and serving on the USS Celeno in the Pacific, he worked at Baumgardner Burial Vault Company in Akron. In addition, Joe sang in a quartet at the McKinley Avenue Church of God, and served as a Deacon and sang in the choirs of the Hartville Church of God and The Chapel in Akron. Joe cared deeply for his family and provided for them through hard work and example. He designed and built their house, including construction, masonry, and finishing; also, landscaping and tending an orchard and garden. He could do well basically anything he tried, whether designing, repairing or making, including playing keyboard instruments by ear, and teaching himself to play golf -- well enough to even get a hole in one at Mayfair C.C. Under all that toughing it out to get everything done to his level of satisfaction was a soft-hearted man. He never fully got over the tragedy and desperation of the soldiers he supported during the war, or ran out of gratitude to God for forgiveness and acceptance. He thoroughly enjoyed a good joke, whistle when at peace, and loved a good polka. He took exceptional care of his beloved Janice as she declined and grew frail; his loving care of her was often observed and mentioned by total strangers. He remained a devoted and engaged Dad, Grandpa, and Friend. Always available and eager to help, he blessed and will be missed by all who knew him well. Friends may join the family to remember and celebrate Joe on Saturday April 16, 2016 at 11am in the Ivy Chapel inside the entrance to Greenlaw Memorial Park Cemetery, 2569 Romig Road in Akron. Immediately following the memorial service family friends will meet for lunch at Milich's Village Inn restaurant located at 4444 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Norton, OH 44203. In lieu of flowers, contributions and notes of thanks can be sent to OhioHealth Hospice, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43214