As
we begin to understand and cope with the sudden loss of such a great
person, we will be planning a respectful memorial to Joe on this
website and on others. As an original Regional Care Coordinator and
Manager at Matrix Health Group, Joe was a leader; a staple; essential
in the creation of Matrix Health Group. We only hope that we will be
able to carry on his torch. The page will soon expand with many
photographs and stories of Joe. We would love to hear from you if you
have a special note, a photograph or a fond memory of him, and will
post them on this page. You may also click the links below in order to
view/sign the guestbook which resides at the Akron Beacon Journal's
website. Thank you.
December 28, 1971 - June 13, 2006
Joe Holibaugh, 34, of Coral Springs, Fla., passed on Tuesday, June 13, 2006.
Born
in Alliance, Ohio, on Dec. 28, 1971, he lived most of his life in
Akron, Ohio. He lived in Florida for the past five years. Joe faced the
same difficulties of living with severe hemophilia as his beloved
brother Eric, who passed in 1997. He faced his challenges as
opportunities to grow, and embraced life fully with his entire being.
In life, he brought many together with his unique style of wit and
humor, as well as his direct approach. Joe will undoubtedly live on in
the hearts of his many friends and family who love him dearly, and will
remember him for his strength and love. He will be remembered by his
11-year-old son, Jacob, as a gentle and caring father. At his time of
passing he was surrounded by those he loved. He will be missed by many.
Joe
left behind in love his loving wife, Christy Del Rossi Holibaugh of
Coral Springs, Fla.; his son, Jacob of Louisville, Ohio; mother, Donna
Ezzo Holibaugh of Florida; father, Dan Holibaugh; grandmother, Marian
Holibaugh, both of Alliance, Ohio; and many other relatives and friends.
In
lieu of flowers, Joe wished that donations be made in his memory to the
trust fund being established for his son, Jacob, at the Wachovia Bank.
Please send any contributions payable to Jacob S. Holibaugh at 12314
N.W. 25th St., Coral Springs, Fla. 33065.
When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things,
we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
that an Angel came and called my name,
and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind,
all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible,
that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you
and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity,
and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past,
but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day,
there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful,
so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand
and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.
