Joseph R. Kmatz

Joseph R. Kmatz, 91, of Middleburg, Ohio, passed away surrounded by his children on July 27, 2026. Born on November 10, 1934, in Bergholz, Ohio, to the late Anna Marie Kmatz (Booth). He married Sally Adams on May 18, 1956, who preceded him in death on July 31, 2012, after spending 56 wonderful years together.

Joe proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was a Lifetime Member of the Amsterdam VFW Post 232. He was a Charter Member of the East Springfield Fire Department where he served as Chief for several years. Joe was also a 59 year member of the Unionport Masonic Lodge #333 F.&A.M. and a lifelong member of East Springfield Church of the Cross. After retiring from Y&O Coal Company Nelms #2 as a coal miner, he served as Springfield Township Trustee for another 28 years before finally retiring on December 31, 2021, at the age of 87.

Joe loved fishing and listening to Polka music. He was able to live independently thanks to his son-in-law Keith Cain who always went above and beyond to care for him.

In addition to his wife Sally, Joe is preceded in death by two sisters Doris (Manual Prokopakis) Booth and Margaret (Donald) Myers, a grandson Joseph M. Kmatz, and his companion of the last 10 years, Mary Reed.

Surviving are a brother, Jack (Noami) Booth; three children, Debbie (Bill) Cain of Ravenna, Ohio, Joey (Connie) Kmatz of Sabina, Ohio, and Betsy (Keith) Cain of Middleburg, Ohio; four grandchildren, Carlene Ruffino (Tyson Wagnor) of Hockley, Texas, Sarena (Gary) Carr of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Jamie Kmatz of Sabina, Ohio, and Nathan Cain of Middleburg, Ohio;five great grandchildren, Parker Ruffino, Gracie Ruffino, Austin Kmatz, Taylor Carr, and Cameron Carr, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends will be received for visitation at the Everhart-Bove Funeral Home, 285 Second Street, Bergholz, Ohio, on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. A Masonic Service will be held that evening at 7:45 P.M. An additional visitation hour will be held the following day, August 1, 2026, from 10 A.M. until time of services at 11 A.M. with Pastor Tom Snodgrass officiating. Burial will follow at Bergholz Cemetery with military honors.

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