I’m altering the date on this post to keep it at the top through the weekend. Please scroll down for new posts.
Joe Tomci came home today (Thursday 08/10). In my other posts, I have had comments from his friends and family that have truly touched my heart. I can only say that I wish I had known him. He was a son any parent would be proud of and a friend to all who met him, a 2003 graduate of Stow-Munroe Falls High School, a football player, a leader and an inspiration.
Lynette, a friend of Joe’s brother Jason, told me this:
“…Joe was never ‘little,’ he’s always been larger than life…so incredibly full of life. And as he grew to be a young man, his strength of character and commitment to honor made him stand even taller in my eyes. He truly is all that has been written about him in the local press and online blogs.”
There will be calling hours at Redmon Funeral Home in Stow, Ohio from 1 pm to 9 pm, Sunday, August 13 and the funeral service will be Monday, August 14 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Stow, Ohio at 10:30 am. He will be laid to rest at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13
Other posts about Joe: Joe Tomci and In Memorium
To Joe’s friends and family:
I’d like to take this opportunity to say my famiy and I are truly sorry for your loss, but am thankful that Joe chose to stand between the enemy and us. For it is because of Joe, and people like him, that we are able to enjoy the freedoms his sacrifice affords.
I pray that God will give you peace in this time of sorrow, and strength in this time of weakness. May God bless you, and may He continue to bless America.
Sincerely,
Gary M.
Gawfer, that was beautiful! I am planning on stopping in during the calling hours because I would like to print out all the comments and make sure that the family gets them. And because it’s the right thing to do…
I mourn for the loss of such a great man, fellow citizen, and noble patriot. His sacrifice does not go unrecognized and unappreciated. I have no doubt in my heart, that his life is not wasted; that he has left his mark on this world, in a positive way; that the job he performed, and what he lost his life fighting for, has pushed history forward, in the right direction; that he had a hand in its shaping, and that nothing can take that away.
God keep his family in health and give them peace and grace in this time of mourning.
That’s wonderful, Word! And you are so right on all counts. I can only imagine the influence he had on the second graders and that it is something they will keep with them for their entire lives.
so moving, so brave, so sad, so thankful for this amazing MAN…
RIP
thanks ANNA for the post…
You’re welcome, hNAV. It’s his parents I keep thinking about these last couple of days. To lose a son and for me…well, my oldest daughter is not that much younger then he was and it really makes me think about what it would be like to lose a child…devastating.
Prayers and profound respect for the sacrifice.
Thank you, Budgie. I will do what I can to pass along everyone’s comments, messages and prayers to the family.
You are a good person, Anna, to plan a stop by the Funeral Home — perhaps leaving a printed copy of some of the heartfelt sentiments your readers have shared, since Joe’s death. Because of your blog, this young man’s life & sacrifice became very REAL to so many — from as far away as CA! Such a gesture is sure to add another layer of comfort to an already grieving family. “Joe Tomci” is a name I will always remember, the life of true American hero.
Thank you, Trish. I just am so in awe of our men and women in uniform! They are all heroes to me!
[...] photographs: From the Akron Beacon Journal article 08/04/06 Other Posts about Joe: Joe Tomci and In Memorium Published in: [...]
May God bless his soul and grant peace to his family !
Thank you for those kind words Paul. I am sure each and every prayer is appreciated!
I had to pop in and post a comment . Your post caught my eye So i figured I would post a message to you and say nice work on a decent blog. Keep up the good work.
Thank you PPlayer!
I am moved by this young mans life.
I am honnored by his sacrifice.
I weep with his families loss.
There have only been two defining forces that have ever offered to die for you,
Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul the other died for your freedom.
Thank you Gary. I agree that Joe was the epitome of honor and sacrifice. My dad sent me that quote…I love it because it is so true!
I know that this has been posted some months back, but I felt the need to reply on Memorial Day. Joe meant so much to his Marines that it is hard to even put into words. My husband was one of them. His name comes up almost daily and his memory is always in our hearts. We miss him….
I’m glad you stopped by Staci. It is because of men like Joe that we have the freedoms that we do. Thank you for your husband’s service and may God continue to bless all of you.