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NEWTON FALLS -- Joseph A. Prelac, 66, formerly of Newton Falls, entered peacefully into rest Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, surrounded by his family, at his home in Stockbridge, Georgia.
On Oct. 29, 1956, George and Betty Prelac welcomed their first son, Joseph.
He was a 1975 graduate of Newton Falls High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country for the next five years, including his overseas tour of duty on Okinawa Island, the Philippines, Australia, and ending at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina.
In October 1980, Joseph married his true love, Diane Frank of Braceville. They began their 43-year marriage in Stone Mountain, Georgia. There they were blessed with their two children, Timothy Joseph and Kelly Diane.
Over the years, Joseph gave his time generously helping future altar servers at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, coaching softball and baseball teams, working many hours at the barn during horse shows and actively supporting JROTC events. He always was eager for a round of golf with his buddies.
In 2021, Joseph retired as a master machinist from Withers Tool, Die and Manufacturing Company. Much of his 42-year career was spent in manufacturing facilities around the Atlanta area, managing and supporting production machining operations and tool and die departments.
Joseph was fierce in his love, loyalty and the protection of his loved ones, whether they knew it or not. His heart was stolen forever by his five precious grandchildren, Evangeline, Christopher, Piper, Macklin and Maverick.
Cherished memories will be carried on by his loving wife, Diane, and their children, Timothy and Stephanni of Kennesaw, Georgia, and Kelly and Gary McDowell of Chelsea, Oklahoma. Joseph also leaves two sisters, Christine Wolcott of Scottsdale, Arizona, and RoseMarie Benich of Glendale, Arizona.
Preceding Joseph in death were his parents, George J. and Betty J. Prelac; his sister, Georgann Prelac McCoy; and his brother, Martin Prelac.
A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, 1000 Decatur Road, McDonough, GA 30252, with the Rev. Liam A. Coyne, presider. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/@stjamestheapostlecatholicc8129/streams.
Please join the family in tribute to Joseph's life, immediately following the Mass at his home in Stockbridge.
Interment and a prayer service in Ohio will be at noon Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in St. Joseph Cemetery in Newton Falls, OH 44444, with the Very Rev. David W. Mertzweiler, V.F., presider.
Your thoughts, prayers and attendance are deeply appreciated by the family.
(special notice)