Joseph Henretta

Joseph Thomas Henretta, age 71, passed away on Friday, April 29 in the comfort of his home holding his wife's hand. He endured a 17 month courageous battle with neuroendocrine cancer. Tom was born in Barberton, Ohio to J.T. and Edna Henretta. He was a graduate of Archbishop Hoban High School, The University of Akron and The University of Akron School of Law. He also served in the Army in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Tom began his career in the family grocery business, Sparkle Market. After he obtained his law degree, he practiced law for 40 years. Tom was a well-respected attorney who treated his clients with compassion. He also spent the last eight years as a part time magistrate with the Summit County Juvenile Court mentoring teens. He won numerous awards throughout his career demonstrating his excellence in practicing law, among them the Akron Bar Association Senior Lawyer of the Year, the RC Norris Advocate Award, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the UA School of Law, and the Tonahill Award for excellence. He served on many boards throughout his busy life. Tom was a parishioner at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church and St. Brendan Catholic Church in Shallotte, NC. He was a member of Silver Lake Country Club, St. Vincent Knights of Columbus, AAJ, Akron Bar Association and OAJ where he was past-president. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, J.T. and Edna, brothers Denny and John, his grandparents, father in law Bill Aylward and brother in law Mark Aylward. Tom is survived by his loving and devoted wife Carolyn, sons David (Sheila), Kevin (Jen), daughter Megan, stepson Matt Seikel, grandchildren Stella, Chloe, Eli, and Maizy, sisters Sally (Sam) Tomlinson, Patti (Rob) Keith, and Beth (Bill) D'Amico, mother in law Dorothy Aylward, sisters in law Aileen (John) Nicolino, Maureen Barcic, Linda Henretta, brothers in law Tim and Larry (Mindy) Aylward. Tom also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jennifer Payne of Summa, Dr. Christopher Hoimes of University Hospitals, Harvey at CVS Pharmacy, the entire Summa at Home Hospice team, Jill Wilson RN, Aileen Powers, the Hoban guys and gals, and the countless grade school friends, high school friends and friends who sent cards, meals, flowers, prayers, and visited Tom on numerous occasions. Tom enjoyed reading, gardening, history, photography, travelling, and The Moody Blues. He loved the arts and was a founding Board Member of Actor's Summit. He lived one day at a time, and cherished every moment of his life. He lectured around the country about substance abuse and helped so many people who are alive today to tell their stories. Tom was always there if you needed him. Mass of the Christian Burial, Tuesday, May 10, at 11 am at St. Vincent Catholic Church, 164 W. Market St. Friends may call on Monday at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St. from 4-7 pm and Tuesday one hour prior to Mass. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Joseph T. Henretta '62 Hoban Boys and Girls Track Memorial Fund, One Holy Cross Blvd., Akron, OH 44306. Rest in peace, My Sweetie. I am My Beloved's, and My Beloved is Mine.