Joseph William Habraken Jr.

Having lived a life of grand accomplishments and adventures, and fighting a courageous battle with multiple myeloma, Joseph William Habraken Jr., 87, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, at Western Reserve Hospital on July 11, 2022.

Lovingly known as Bill, Billy, Willy, Joe, Coach, Hobs, Dad, Papa Joe and Grandpa Joe, he was born in Kent, OH on September 22, 1934 to the late Joseph William Sr. and Catherine (Hostler) Habraken.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patricia Ann (McNeil/Dostal) Habraken; five children, Joe Habraken (Kimberly Rich), Sue “Susie” (Rod) White, Peter (Lynn) Habraken, TD (Melody Kocsis) Dostal and Jay (Sue Lumley) Dostal; grandchildren, Elyse White, Karlie (Joel Leius) White, Kyle White and James Habraken; great grandchildren, Emmett, Kellan, Ean, Evan and Ezra; sister Donna Matteson; brothers, Jerry (Judy) Habraken and Richard (Carole) Habraken and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sisters, Rita Habraken and Mary Catherine Taylor; bother Robert Habraken and nephews, Lawrence and Gerald Taylor.

After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1952, Joe went to work for Akron Water Works at the Lake Rockwell Plant.  He was drafted and served in the United States Army from 1954-1956, having served the majority of his time in Korea.  After returning from the military, Joe went back to Akron Water Works, working his way up to operations, treatment and laboratory supervisors, while attending Kent State University.  His academic focus was in Biology and Chemistry.

In 1982, with 30 years of service to Akron, Joe relocated to Florida and began employment with the City of Tampa at the Morris Bridge Water Plant as Chief Operator.  During his career with the city, Joe transferred to the Hillsborough River Water Plant as Chief Operator in 1985 and was promoted to Treatment Supervisor in 1987.  In 1993, Joe joined a start-up company called Kemiron Inc. and held several positions and titles, including, Plant Manager, Southeast Sales Manager and Senior Technical Service Advisor from 1993-2006.  He was an active member of the DEP Exam Review Committee in the state of Florida since 1984.  Joe was the consummate teacher and was an instructor for the Ohio Operator Training Committee (OTCO), the Florida Water Plant Operator courses at Hillsborough Community College and Pinellas Vocational and Technical Institute.  He was also an instructor at the FW&PCOA State Short Schools and Regional Short Schools for over 20 years.  He was the chair for the FW&PCOA continuing education committee, reviewing and writing CEU courses, certifying and maintaining the data base.  Joe was also a past President, life member, education chair and CU Committee Chair with FW&PCOA and past member, past National Top Ops Chair of the FSAWWA.  He was a member of WEF and member of Florida Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers.  He holds Ohio Water Treatment Operator III and Wastewater Operator I, Retired and Florida Water Plant Operator A licenses.

One of Joe’s greatest passions was ice hockey.  In 1970 Joe met Don Lumley, who was the first coach of the Kent State University Ice Hockey team.  He was instrumental in helping Joe create the youth hockey program in Kent.  Joe wanted to bring his love of ice hockey to the children of Kent and the surrounding communities.  He worked with the local city recreation departments and the Kent State Ice Arena and Athletic Director to establish teams for kids ages 4-18.  This early adoption was known as the Tri-County Hockey League and 52 years later is now the Kent Cyclones.  In 1971 Joe approached Kent Roosevelt High School and its athletic director with the idea of starting a high school team.  This club team was established in 1972, reaching the playoffs in the 4th and 5th seasons and became a varsity sport in 1977.  Joe was the first coach and coached through the 1976 season.  Joe was inducted into the Kent City Schools Hall of Fame in 2007, for major contributions to the Kent Schools.

He was an avid fisherman throughout his life, fishing in the Great Lakes, the many inland lakes of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, Alaskan waters and the Rio Colorado in Costa Rica.  He enjoyed many years with friends and family at his Marblehead, Ohio condo.  He treated all of us to many amazing fish fry’s.  Joe also loved vintage cars and spent over 10 years restoring a 1934 Ford Sedan, his pride and joy.  He also loved to travel, and went on many cruises, traveling to Italy, Alaska, the Mediterranean Ports and the Caribbean.  Joe loved the yearly trips to Las Vegas with his family, always accompanied by his mother, well into her 90’s. He enjoyed Bluegrass Music, which inspired him to buy a 5-string Banjo.  He will always be remembered for his helpful, supportive nature and the fact that he would do anything for his family if it would help them in the slightest.  He was a fun loving, caring family man who touched the lives of so many.  We miss him everyday.

Calling hours will be Friday, August 19, 2022 from 6:00-8:00PM at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 12:00PM at University Parish Newman Center, 1424 Horning Rd. Kent, OH 44240, with the Rev. Fr. Chad Johnson as Celebrant.  Inurnment will follow at Standing Rock Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to The Kent Hockey Program at www.cyclonehockey.org, St. Patrick Tuition Assistance Fund, 313 N. Depeyster St. Kent, OH 44240 or to any local, feed the hungry organization of your choice.

The family asks that you please wear casual, bright, summery colors to celebrate Joe’s life.