Joseph Simmons Ohr, Sr.

Boardman-Joseph Simmons Ohr, Sr., age 86, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2024, at Woodlands at Hampton Woods Nursing Home. 

Joseph was born on October 20, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to Clare Agnes Simmons and Milo Fredrick Ohr.  He graduated from Slocum Truax High School in Trenton, Michigan in 1955. During his high school and college years, Joseph developed a passion for running. In 1955, he participated and won the state cross country championship. Joseph also enjoyed sailing with his father. Together, they competed on Lake Erie using a fleet of Luder 16 sailing boats. 

After graduating high school, Joseph then attended Kiskiminetas Springs Prep School near Pittsburgh, Pa. Here, he studied and participated for the Kiski cross country team. Joseph continued his studies at Michigan State University where he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture. In 1962, Joseph completed his Master’s Degree in Horticulture at the University of Tennessee. He later returned to Michigan State to complete another Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Architecture. 

In 1958, Joe met his late wife, Carol Ann Wallace, on a blind date where they had dinner at the Detroit Boat Club, which also became the venue of their wedding reception four years later.  Joe and Carol’s mutual love for sailing drew them together. They wed in 1963, going on to have 3 children, Dr. Joseph Simmons Ohr, Jr., Jennifer Anne Farragher, and Catherine Jean Finnegan. Carol and Joseph had been married for 60 wonderful years.

Joseph landed his first job in Minneapolis as a county planner. This kick started a career in landscape architecture. With his wife and young son, he accepted a job with Duncan Landscaping in Youngstown. He worked at Duncan for a year before starting the first landscape architecture department at the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation in Youngstown, where he worked for the next 25 years.  As a nationally known landscape designer of interior landscaping, he had won many awards for the DeBartolo Corporation. He was personally responsible for designing interior and exterior landscapes for over 88 shopping malls across the country. 

Joseph also had a passion for music and singing. He was an active member of Saint Christine’s Church, where he sang in the choir and participated in the yearly Passion Play during the Easter pageant. Joseph was also a member of the Seraphim Community Chorus and Youngstown Symphony Chorus.

Joseph was passionate about spending time with his family. He enjoyed yearly vacations to the beach house in Nags Head, NC, relaxing with a book, enjoying a day on the ocean deep sea fishing with family, and spending time at the beach or pool with his children and grandchildren. Joseph enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad. He was fortunate to explore regions in Alaska, the Caribbean, Russia, and the Panama Canal.  Joe was a passionate supporter of his grandchildren’s education. He truly loved attending their concerts, sporting events, and educational activities. 

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Ann Ohr; his son, Dr. Joseph Ohr, Jr. (Kristen); and his parents, Clare and Milo "Mike" Ohr.  Joseph is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Farragher (fiancé Eric) and Catherine Finnegan (Thomas); his grandchildren, Patrick, Jenna (fiancé Alex), and Connor Farragher, Luke and Kyle Finnegan, and Madeline Ohr; daughter in law, Kristen Ohr; nephew, Peter Brett (Aimee); and great niece, Molly Silverman.

Family and friends may call on Sunday from 1-2:45 p.m. at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market Street, Boardman, where a funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. Private burial will take place on Monday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. 

Joseph’s family would like to thank Traditions Hospice and the staff of Woodlands at Hampton Woods for their compassion and care.

Contributions in Joseph’s memory may be made to the YSU Foundation, 655 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH 44502, for the Joseph S. Ohr, M.D., R. PH. Memorial Scholarship in Forensic Science. Please place in the memo line of the check, Joseph S. Ohr Scholarship. 

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences to Joseph’s family.