Joseph E. Thayer, Sr., 81, Former Vermilion Township Trustee

He was born February 6,1928 in Berea and had lived in Vermilion since 1945.

He worked as a stationary engineer for Ford Motor, Sandusky and retired Dec. 30, 1990, and was a life member of the U.A.W. He also worked as a marine engineer for Great Lakes Steamship Co.

He served as Vermilion Township Trustee for 20 years, and as Constable for Vermilion Township for 6 1/2 years. He was Zoning Inspector for Vermilion Township for 2 years and served on the Erie Regional Planning Commission where he was chairman for 3 years. He was a member of the Erie County Trustees and Clerks Association serving as chairman for 3 years.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Vermilion, a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Vermilion and a 4th Assembly, Sandusky. He was a former social member of the Italian American Beneficial Club, the Eagles Club, Huron and the Holy Name Society. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena, Largo Florida.

Survivors include his daughters, Lois Thayer of Winterpark, FL, Teresa (Gerald) Coalburn, Orlando, FL, and Peggy (Jack) Konrad, Fremont; son, Joseph E. ( Richell) Thayer, Jr. of Sandusky; 4 grandsons, Joe and Jeff Thayer, and Derek and Brian Baker; 2 great grandchildren, Regan and Evan; sisters, Agnes Janasko, Sheffield Lake, Rita Rhinemiller, Howard, Ohio and Pat Zimmerman, Vermilion.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Margaret (nee Leko) on June 20, 1991; 2nd wife, Jean Ann (nee Williams) on March 11, 2002; daughter, Elizabeth "Betty" Smith, 1995;a great grandson, Jacob A. Thayer on April 21, 2008; and a brother, Paul Thayer.

Friends may call Monday, June 22, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Honor Guard serving from 7-9 p.m. with a service at 9 p.m.

Prayers will be said in the funeral home, Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 10:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion at 11a.m, Father Phil Feltman will officiate. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the St. Mary School Endowment Fund, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, Ohio 44089.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.