Joseph Azis, 90, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Euclid Hospital.

He was born March 17, 1918 in Centralia, PA, the son of Anthony and Catherine (Muzikewicz) Azis and was an Ashtabula resident most of his life.

A graduate of Montville High School, he, along with Robert Burns, started and operated the Ashtabula Airport on Carpenter Road on property that was next to his family’s farm.

A mechanic by trade, he loved to tinker and could fix anything. He operated Azis Automotive Repair on Renko Road and in the 1950’s the Civil Aeronautics Authority, which was an airplane repair and inspection shop. He had also been a paramedic and had served as assistant chief for the Saybrook Volunteer Fire Department. He was known for his numerous metal sculptures, some of which were entered in the Cleveland Museum of Art May show. He was still welding at age 90.

During World War II, he served with the Civil Air Patrol, performing security scans off the Pacific Coast and the coast of Florida for the U.S. Army Air Corps.

A licensed pilot, he loved to fly and loved animals, especially the Norwegian Elk Hounds he had for the past 30 years. He was also a 50-year member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Rising Sun Lodge #22, a beekeeper, and maintained an extensive peach and fruit tree orchard.

His survivors include his sister, Helen (Bill) Budas of Richmond Heights; one niece, Katherine (Kevin) Cummins of Highland Heights; great-nephew, David (Kim) Wascak of Springboro; great-niece, Colleen (John) Kuminski of Strongsville; and great-great-nephews, Jacob Wascak and Evan Kuminski. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Aggie and his many friends in the area.

He was preceded in death by a brother and sister in infancy; his step-father, Joseph Wisniewski; and his mother, Catherine.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 PM on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at the Zaback-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula with a service to follow at 4 PM. Burial will be in Saybrook Cemetery, Ashtabula at a later date.

The family requests contributions to the Animal Protective League, 5970 Green Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004.

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