Herbert Neil Kagarise

Herbert Neil Kagarise passed away May 7, 2017, with his wife Sarah by his side. Herb was born July 23, 1928 in East Freedom, PA to Ray and Ethel Kagarise. He graduated from Roaring Spring High School in 1946 and then served in the U.S. Army from 1946 through 1949. Herbert served in the occupational forces in Italy as a tank commander with the rank of Master Sergeant. After his discharge, he went to Penn State where he majored in Chemical Engineering. Herb graduated in 1953 and remained a loyal Penn State fan for his entire life. He moved to Ohio and settled first in Mogadore and then later in Uniontown. He worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company from 1953-1985. While at Goodyear, Herb was a manager of the passenger tire compounding department. He was awarded the Goodyear Densmore award for a compounding product that he co-developed and patented. After retirement from Goodyear, he enjoyed golfing, woodworking, hooking rugs, eating lunch with fellow retirees from Goodyear and traveling. Herb was an avid gardener and his lawn was known for being as meticulous and lush as that of a golf course. But his most favorite activity was rocking crying grandchildren to sleep. He had a magical touch. Herb was an active member of the Miller Avenue Church of Christ in Akron for over 60 years, and leaves behind many devoted friends. He was very involved in the church, and served as a Sunday school teacher, substitute preacher, choir member, usher, and board member. He served the community surrounding the church as a volunteer for the Food Bank and “Lunch on Us” program. Herb was a man of quiet but deep faith, which is reflected in the many poems and hymns that he wrote. Preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ethel Kagarise; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Barbara Kagarise; and niece, Cindy Sherman. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Sarah, whom he married on October 28, 1950; children, Gary (Nancy), Dave (Debbie), Lisa (Chuck) and Kevin (Diane); 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; younger brothers, Richard (Jan) and Gary (Jean); as well as many nieces and nephews. Friends and family will be received Thursday 12-2 pm. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 3553 Northdale Street NW, UNIONTOWN, Ohio 44685 (one block NW of the square of 619 & Cleveland Ave.), with funeral services at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Hillside Memorial Park where military rites will be conducted by Mogadore VFW Post 8487. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that people consider making memorial donations to the Kindred Hospice Foundation, 3350 Riverwood Park, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30339 (http://www.gentivahospicefoundation.org). (Hopkins Lawver, UNIONTOWN, 330-733-6271) www.hopkinslawver.com