Joseph R. Vaughn

Joseph Ronald Vaughn, 80, of New Philadelphia died peacefully, Thursday afternoon, April 27, 2017, in his residence.

A son of the late Charles and Bernice Ralph Vaughn, Joe was born on June 6, 1936 at Dover, Ohio.

Following his graduation from Dover High School in 1954, Joe studied at Ohio University and the Ohio State University. He soon pursued his passion as a radio news announcer, a career which began at WJER Radio while in high school.

Joe’s storied career as a broadcaster allowed him to serve ABC Radio News for more than 20 years. During his tenure, he met and interviewed many celebrities such as Kirk Douglas and President Richard Nixon. He was afforded the opportunity to cover many interesting stories which included the 1977 Republican National Convention and New Year’s Eve in Times Square.

One of his greatest joys in life was being a wonderful father to his four children. In addition to being a proud and active father in his children’s daily life, Joe served multiple terms as president of the high school band parents association and the school board in New Jersey.

Joe and his first wife, Gloria, married on June 22, 1957. In 1998 they settled in the Tuscarawas Valley to enjoy their retirement years. Joe served as a Lector at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, became an active member of the New Philadelphia Rotary, the New Philadelphia BPOE 510 and the Union Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, working crossword puzzles and playing word games. Following 54 years of marriage, Gloria, passed on August 29, 2011.

Following her passing, Joe reconnected with his high school sweetheart, the former Joanne Burris, who for the past five years has shared his affection and love as his wife. Together the couple shared a blended family of children, Linda (Bruce) Thornton of Minnesota, Joseph Vaughn, Jr. of New Philadelphia, and Sharon (husband, Dean Hammond) Vaughn of Colorado; Debbie Lynch of Massachusetts, Jen (Scott) Romes Rush of Avon Lake and Stephanie (Scott) Waltjen of North Ridgeville; grandchildren, Kaitlin (Lucas) Peterson, Patrick Thornton, Gloria Hammond and Bernadine Hammond; and became Grandpa Joe to Christine, Caitlin, Mike, Samantha, Griffin, Addy, Emily and Wyatt. Completing the family is a daughter-in-law, Shelby Vaughn of Michigan and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Gloria, Joe was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Vaughn, and an infant son, John Patrick Vaughn; his sister, Martha Byer and his brother, Robert Vaughn.

The family will greet guests on Monday, May 1, 2017 from 4-6 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Pastor Brian Flood will lead a service celebrating Joe’s life at 6 PM in the funeral home’s chapel. Private inurnment will take place in the Dover Burial Park.

The family requests instead of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.