Joseph R. Manhart

Joseph R. Manhart age 86 of Massillon passed away April 20, 2012 at Laurels of Massillon. Joe was born September 7, 1925 in Massillon to the late Joseph & Mary (Jacobs) Manhart. He was a 1944 graduate of Washington High School. During World War II, Joe served with the Army in Europe. His Division liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp. Joe was employed at Eaton MFG. until he purchased the Jingle Skoot Ice Cream Company in 1961, until retiring at the age of 49 in 1974. The next ten years he was a sales representative for Farris Produce Inc. His time, talent, and treasure were devoted to St. Joseph's Parish. Because of his work at the parish as a child, cleaning the church, singing in both the youth and later men's choir, past president of the Holy Name Society, teaching CCD and pre CANA Classes, organizing three dances each year for six years, initiating the ten week fish fry drawings, selling 'world famous popcorn', and playing Santa Claus at the school for many years. Joe received the Schrader Award for this, his dedication to St. Joseph's Church. His personal passion was feeding and helping those in need through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Twenty-eight years ago with the help of his wife Alice they initiated the 'soup kitchen 'at St. Joseph, assisting with food baskets, clothing, lodging and other needs. This service program continues today. As a member of the Knights of Columbus #554, he served in all offices, including Grand Knight of the 3rd Degree and Faithful Navigator of Bishop Massillon 4th Degree. He served as State-wide Chairman against Abortion and as Diocesan Community Activities Director. In 1971, he was selected 'Knight of the Year' for the State of Ohio. His family will remember Joe for the Respect he held for the Love of his Life, his wife, Alice. The influence and example he instilled in his family continues today through their actions. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son Robert J. Manhart (2009), and two grandchildren Joey and Matthew Manhart. Joe is survived by his wife of 62 years Alice (Friedrichsen) Manhart. They have six living children and their spouses: Joseph E. & Felicia Manhart of Naples, FL, Michael J & Christine Manhart of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, David W. & Lori Manhart of Coral Gables, FL, Mark A. & Dr. Isis Manhart of Boco Raton, FL & Canton, OH, Judith S. & Edward Cebulko of Las Vegas and Hills & Dales Village, OH, Becky A & Patrick Tully of North Lawrence, OH. Nine grandchildren: Stephanie, Steven, Lexie, David Alan, Julie, Alisanne, Andrew, Hunter, Lucas, and two great grandchildren Ryan & Mariah. ` Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Massillon, his pastor Fr. Raymond Paul will officiate. Burial will be at Sunset Hills Burial Park. Friends may call Tuesday from 6-9 PM at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. Memorials can be sent to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Joseph Church. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Paquelet Funeral Home And Crematory 330-833-3222