Joseph F. Adkins (Aszkiniewicz), 74, of Clinton, surrendered peacefully on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 in his home surrounded by his beloved daughters. He was born on February 26, 1943 in New Kensington, PA. to Irene (Rysak) and Walter Aszkiniewicz. Joe graduated from St. John Kanty Prep in Erie, Pa. in 1960 and continued his education at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA and later at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, earning both a B.A. in Divinity and a B.A. in Philosophy (there is a great story there, but not appropriate for sharing here). Attending prep school far away from home, Joe learned to be a loyal companion making and keeping life-long friends. Emphatically, Joe never met a stranger, was a terrific conversationalist, and was happiest when surrounded by friends and family. Post under-graduate work, Joe began his career as a social worker in Cleveland, where he met and married his late wife of 43 years, Gayle E. (Milliken). Joe and Gayle moved to Ann Arbor, MI while he earned his Masters of Social Work from University of Michigan (unfortunate choice, we know). Returning to Ohio, Joe worked for a time at Summit County Children’s Services before settling into a role in Forensic Social Work at the Summit County Diagnostic Clinic. For over 24 years, Joe’s career within the Summit County Common Pleas Court system brought him challenging work which kindled his interest in mental health, counseling, and provided fodder for some fascinating stories. Joe enjoyed spending time with friends and family, story-telling, coaching girls’ softball in Jackson Twp., Ohio, and had a wide variety of hobbies including fishing the waters of Lake Erie with long-time friend Riley, "perfecting" his golf swing, mastering the art of the afternoon nap, hunting in Southeastern Ohio, and sharing laughs with the guys at the cabin. He is survived by three daughters, Tracy Adkins of Lexington, KY, Patricia Pawlikowski of Loveland, OH and Leslie (Gerard) Flohr of Norton, OH; nine grandchildren, Anthony, Christopher, Joseph, Zachary, Abigail, Catherine, Hannah, Luke and Lillian; brothers Eugene (Kathy) of New Kensington, PA, Chester (Janet) of Lawrenceville, GA; sister Joan of Salem, OH; and countless others who will not be receiving their annual Christmas card this year (seriously the family has called the local post-office to notify them that stamp sales will decline this year for lack of Joe Adkins’ penned missives, notes, and cards). Friends will be received Sunday, May 7 from 2 to 5 pm at Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 East Cherry St .(Rt 93, Canal Fulton) with a celebration of life immediately following. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Fr. William Browne, 10 am Monday, May 8 at St. Augustine's in Barberton, followed by a brunch at St. Andrew's in Barberton. A burial service will be held for family on Monday at Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted. The family is grateful for all who have shared humorous retellings of Joe’s antics. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed. The man who loved life and taught his children to laugh and love is now safely in the arms of Jesus and reunited with his beloved wife, Gayle. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joe’s name to the Summit County Children’s Services Bed for Kids Program (330) 379-1994), Oriana House, P.O. Box 1501 Akron, OH 44309, or spend time with the ones you hold dear just like Joe would have done.

 Service Information