Joseph L. Selak

Joseph L. Selak, 87, well known local businessman and longtime Conneaut Lake resident, died Sunday, March 12, 2006 at Rolling Fields Nursing Home in Conneautville following an extended illness.

Joe was born in Dodson, MD April 10, 1918 a son of Max and Mary Selak.  He grew up in the coal mining town of Coketon, WV and like many folks from the Mountain State, he made his way to Ohio during the Depression in search of a better life.  It was in Youngstown that he met Ruth Helen Zulick who became his wife on February 16, 1943.  His beloved Ruth, who also resided at Rolling Fields, passed away in 2005.  Joe served in the U.S. Army in World War II achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant prior to an honorable discharge.

Joe spent his entire life in and around the automobile business.  He was partnered with his father-in-law in a Hudson agency in Youngstown, OH following the war.  He worked for a number of auto dealerships before acquiring an American Motors franchise in Akron, OH.  In 1967 Joe and his wife Ruth partnered with their daughter Joanne and her husband Dick and opened Northwest Yamaha in Hartstown, PA.  The dealerships operate today as Street Track ‘N Trail and Honda Cars of Meadville.  Joe retired from active participation in the dealership in 1984 in order to devote more time to his family and friends.  He was an avid golfer and bowler and played both games admirably winning a number of tournaments in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Survivors, include his daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and Dick Lepley along with their two sons Bryan and David and his wife Debbie and their two children Ashlyn and Garrett all of Conneaut Lake.  He is also survived by his older sisters Frances of Barberton, OH and Mary of Boardman, OH.  In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by five brothers.

Joe always had a soft spot in his heart for children and was fondly known as “Papa” by his grandsons who will always cherish his memory and the lessons he passed on to them and others.

Calling hours will be Tuesday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Waid-Coleman Funeral Home, Inc. 12422 Conneaut Lake Road, Conneaut Lake.

Mass of Christian burial will follow Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of the Americas Roman Catholic Church, 155 S. Ninth Street, Conneaut Lake with Rev. Steve Anderson as Celebrant.

Burial will be in Our Lady Queen of the Americas Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Crawford County, 448 Pine Street, Meadville, PA 16335.