Joe Hatalla
Orrville, Ohio
Joe Hatalla, 84, of Orrville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Akron General Medical Center in Akron, Ohio, following a short period of declining health.
Joe was born December 17, 1941, in Adah (Gates), to the late Joseph and Marie Lipchinsky Hatalla. He graduated from Carmichaels High School in 1959, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from West Virginia University in 1963, followed by an MBA from WVU.
Joe married Gloria Ann Vargo on May 2, 1964, in Bobtown, and she survives.
Joe’s career as a CPA began with Westinghouse in Pittsburgh and eventually brought him to the company’s Orrville location. Over the years, he worked for several local companies, including Rubbermaid in Wooster, Ohio. He enjoyed a long and successful career spanning more than 35 years, ultimately serving as General Manager of ProFab in Mount Eaton, Ohio, before his retirement.
Joe was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Orrville, the Orrville VFW, Wooster Country Club and Riceland Golf Course. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and longtime season ticket holder. He was also an avid and passionate golfer.
Baseball was another important part of Joe’s life. His storied playing career began with the 1954 Little League World Series and continued through an All-American career at West Virginia University. His love of the game never faded, and he continued playing softball into his 50s, often stopping at Leroy’s with his teammates after games.
Joe will be remembered for his warm personality, quick conversation and genuine interest in people. He had a remarkable ability to talk to anyone and truly never met a stranger. His friendly nature, love of sports, competitive spirit, and devotion to family and friends left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Gloria, Joe is survived by two sons, Steve Hatalla of Sacramento, Calif. and John (Tammie) Hatalla of Magnolia, Ohio; granddaughter, Jenna Hatalla of Magnolia, Ohio; sister, Josi Hatalla of Pittsburgh; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Marian Sleighter.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, at AUBLE FUNERAL HOME, 512 East Oak Street, Orrville, Ohio.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 28, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Lake and Spring Streets, Orrville, Ohio, with Father Ronald J. Turek officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org, or to First Tee, P.O. Box 3055, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004, firsttee.org.
Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at aublefuneralhomes.com