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Obituaries

Joseph D. Stockstill, 85, Former Avon Safety and Lorain County Civil Defense Director

He worked for Cleveland Trust Bank and Blue Cross of Northeast Ohio.

Joseph D. Stockstill, who served briefly as in the 1970s, devoted 10 years of his life as the Civil Defense director for Lorain County, educating the public about and coordinating emergency plans for possible nuclear attacks.

 The Rocky River resident, who died Feb. 9 at age 85, also addressed planning for natural and manmade disasters while serving the county from February 1961 through December 1971.

 With the zeal of an evangelist, Stockstill worked with local government, police and fire officials to establish emergency shelters in existing buildings for large numbers of people. He offered instructions to the public on how to create and stock a bomb shelter at home.

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 He also helped communities set up alarms systems to alert citizens to tornado warnings.

 Prior to becoming the county CD chief, Stockstill served as Civil Defense director for Sheffield Lake. He was named Sheffield Lake Man of the Year in 1966 for his community service.

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 Over the years, his community involvement included leadership roles with Lorain County Center for the Sightless, Lorain County Sheriff’s Auxiliary and fundraising campaigns for the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association of Lorain County.

 Stockstill resigned from Lorain County Civil Defense due to his increasing responsibilities at his day job as an executive with Cleveland Trust Bank.

 He continued advocating cooperation between communities for the public’s safety after moving to Avon and being appointed the village’s safety director by Mayor Donald Hubbard in January 1973.

 By the time Stockstill was named manager of general services for Blue Cross of Northeast Ohio in 1977, he and his family had relocated to Rocky River. Still looking out for the safety of others, he became involved with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department.

 Stockstill is survived by his wife, Gisela; daughter, Jane Wagner; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and brother, Richard. His daughter, Debbie Smith, is deceased.

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River.

Donations may be made to Al Koran Hospital Transportation Fund, 1000 E. Edgerton Rd., Broadview Heights, OH 44147.

Arrangements are by Malloy Memorial and Crematory of Cleveland.

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