Joseph J. Ash

Joseph J. Ash of 1517 River Street, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2013 in the Strong Memorial Hospital following a short illness. Mr. Ash was born July 17, 1922 in Olean and was a son of John Joseph and Adele Simon Ash, Sr. On Sep. 2, 1957 at St. Joseph's Church in Olean, he married his wife of almost 56 years, Stephanie D. Mazur, who predeceased him April 23, 2013. Joe graduated from Olean High School. While in high school, he worked at the family dry cleaners "John J. Ash Dry Cleaners". Joe served in the US Army during WWII from Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 3, 1945. After his service to his country he returned to Olean and returned to the family business where he continued to work though out his whole career. Joe was a member of St. Joseph's Maronite Church for over 90 years. Joe enjoyed all sports, especially the horse track and he even was a coach of the St. Joseph Basketball team for a number of years. Joe was very dedicated to his church where he was a trustee and volunteered to work at all of the festivals and dinners, and in 1979, he was the Masabki Award recipient. He was an equally dedicated family man who loved and was loved by his family and truly enjoyed being them. Joe is survived by two sons, John J. Ash of Spokane, WA, and Jerome A. (Lillian) Ash of Pittsford; one grandson, John Ash; one granddaughter, Emily Adele Ash; eight siblings, Emil Ash, Fred Ash, Nicholas Ash, Robert (Grace) Ash, Elizabeth Ash, Mary Jane (Charles) Braderhoft, John Ash all of Olean, and Adelle (Louis) Joseph of Anaheim, CA. In addition to his loving wife, Joe was predeceased by one grandson, Jordan Ash on March 25, 2008; and a sister, Amelia Shaheen in 1995. Friends will be received on Friday, June 28, 2013 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A service of Incense will be held at 7:00 pm Friday evening at the funeral home. Funeral Services will held on Saturday, June 30, 2013 beginning in the funeral home with a prayer service at 9:30 am followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 10:00 at St. Joseph's Parish at the Transfiguration Oratory. The Rev. Anthony J. Salim will celebrate. Burial will be in the St. Bonaventure Cemetery, with full military honors accorded by the Ritual Team of the Allegany American Legion Charles Herbal Post 892. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Joseph's Parish 331 North 4th Street, Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.