John Joseph Woodarski, of Norton, took the hand of Jesus and walked into heaven on Dec. 5, 2006.

He was born in Akron, Ohio but had lived most of his life in the Norton area. He had attended North High School and then served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1953 where he attended the United States Army Tank training school and the Non-Commissioned Officer School. He had held the Platoon Staff Sergeant position for two years. He was then assigned to the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Battalion. He was honorably discharged in March of 1953. He was very proud to serve his country. After the service, he worked for Rockwell International for 27 years until the plant closing. He then retired from Spirol International in 1995 after eight years of service. He was a member of Wintergreen Ledges Church of God for over 30 years where he was an usher, greeter, Hill Topper and Funeral Committee worker. His love for God reached many people. He loved the hand shakes, hugs and smiles he received every Sunday from friends. They were all very special to him.

He loved the outdoors--always feeding ``His" birds and squirrels and watching the deer in the back yard. He also loved gardening and taking care of his two acre yard. He always had unconditional love for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Victoria Woodarski; his son, John (Mike); brother, Edward; sister, Gertrude Smith; and brother-in-law, Eugene Carpenter. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 53 years, Eloise Woodarski; son, Gary (Kathy); daughter, Mary Jo Shabasky (Jack); brother, Raymond (Liz) Woodarski; brother-in-law, David (Harlene) Carpenter; sisters-in-law, Arlena (Oral) Gibson and Marilyn Carpenter; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and many, many friends who loved him very much.

Friends may call at Bacher Funeral Home, 3250 Greenwich Rd., NORTON, on Thursday, December 7, 2006 from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m., with calling hours one hour prior to the service at Wintergreen Ledges Church of God, with Pastor Jim Roma officiating. Interment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Funeral home map, directions, and the Woodarski Family condolence book are available online at www.bacherfuneralhome.com. (Bacher, NORTON,