Joseph Zakowski

Joseph Zakowski, 89, of Lorain, died Thursday, October 15, 2015 at New Life Hospice Residential Center, Lorain.
Born August 16, 1926 in Lorain, he lived in Lorain his entire life. He graduated from Lorain High School in 1944 and served with the US Merchant Marines aboard the Halaula Victory as a radio operator in the Pacific Theater.
Joseph was the owner and operator of Zakowski Excavating in Lorain for 34 years, retiring in 1991. Prior to this he worked for Bendix Westinghouse in Elyria.
He enjoyed listening to music and keeping up with current affairs, summer cookouts and family and holiday gatherings. In his younger days he enjoyed fishing.
Surviving is his daughter, Jeanne (Dale) Schwartz of Lorain; son, Michael Cherney of Avon Lake; grandchildren, Derek Schwartz, Brittany Montgomery, Bethany Cherney and Michelle Cherney; great grandchildren, Ellie, Morgan, Chase and Jacob.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Maria (nee Kinney) in 2011; parents Bernard and Ezabela (nee Alukevic) Zakowski; a sons, Mark in 2015 and George Cherney Jr.; brothers, John, William and Benjamin; and sisters, Helen Popovich and Mary Rufo.
The family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. Graveside services will be Wednesday at 11:30 am at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Twp with the Disabled American Veterans, Louis Pall Proy Chapter 20 conducting military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donation be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
To send online condolences go to www.dovinfuneralhome.com