AMDG

This blog grieves the death of Joseph E. Loya and celebrates and honors his life. At the same time it tries to bring out lessons that Joe can teach us through his life……particularly concerning Christian Marriage, fatherhood, dealing with adversity with faith and courage, and the theology of suffering. It includes the following:

For Better or for Worse Until Death Did They Part…….The Agony and the Ecstasy in 61 years of Marriage. As though that were not enough for Martha, the story continues with the death of their son Nick Loya a few months later on May 15. See the write-up on Big Nick, another beautiful person in the Loya clan, at the very end of this long blog.
Fr. Thomas Loya’s Homily at the Funeral of His Father
Comments By Family & Friends Regarding Joe Loya in the Cleveland Plain Dealer On-line
The Obituary in the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Announcement of the Death of Joseph E. Loya in Behalf of the Family
Radio Commentary on the More2life Talk Show on Ave Maria Radio
A Tribute to Nick Loya, who died a few months later on May 15, 2014

Joseph E. Loya

1) JOSEPH E. LOYA & MARTHA FOLEY LOYA:

FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE UNTIL DEATH DID THEY PART.......The Agony and the Ecstasy in 61 Years of Marriage

Today at the funeral of Joseph E. Loya at St.John Byzantine Catholic Cathedral in Parma-Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, his extended family (including the many of us who could not attend because of the weather) mourned his death and celebrated his life. While reminiscing, I realized that we can learn much from his journey through life to eternity which is joined as one with his faithful wife, Martha.

Born in 1927, Joseph E. Loya, enlisted in the Navy toward the end of World War II. Taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, he graduated from St. Vincent College with a major of English. While a student, he met my cousin Martha, a student at Penn State. I remember as a kid seeing Joe in a college play. In May 1952, a year or so later, I was privileged to attend the wedding between a tall and young handsome man and my dear lovely cousin. I was just a 14 year old kid and my brother John (10) was a little urchin who managed to get in on every wedding picture. It was a big wedding with a Hungarian gypsy band in the Jackson Motel near Irwin, Pennsylvania.

Both Martha and Joe came from a line of priests. Joe’s father was the Rev. John Loya and Martha’s grandfather was the Rev. Vladimir Mihalich. Upon Grandpa's death in 1943, Joe's uncle, Fr. Stephen Loya succeeded him at St. Peter & Paul's Church, Duquesne near Pittsburgh. That brought the Mihalich extended family and the Loyas a little closer together. The segment of the Orthodox that returned to Rome in the 16^th Century were allowed to retain their tradition permitting marriage before ordination. For the sake of uniformity, this privilege is now restricted to the Byzantine Rite in dioceses of Eastern Europe.

Like all marriages, Martha and Joe did not live happily ever after as in the fairy tales. They had to confront the joys and inevitable crosses and problems present in every family. Instead of teaching English after graduating from St. Vincent College, Joe took advantage of his unusual technical ability and worked until retirement with the Ferro Corporation as a research technician; he even had a patent or two. Joe could fix anything and remodeled his modest home to house his wife and five lovely children.

Joe transmitted to his four boys and daughter a great work ethic and gifted hands that God put to great use. Tom became an artist. Nick remodeled older churches and did the interiors of new ones, mounting beautiful icons which his partner Christine painted. Greg is a technical writer for Phillips. Tim is a great handyman and now has his own farm with his wife Barbara, a teacher. Maria, the first born, became a nurse. Joe lived life with intensity, putting everything he had into his daily tasks. Thus he sometimes struggled with a temper as I myself do. He later mellowed a lot; I hope that I can do as well.

I enjoyed Joe; sometimes he reminded me of Archie Bunker. He was down to earth and at the same time so faithful to the Church, specifically to its Byzantine Rite whose traditions he kept so faithfully with great pride. Joe was active in his parish men’s group and was a member of the Men’s Choir for years. Jaga and I were greatly honored when he and Martha along with others sang at our wedding.

By the middle 70’s the agony and the ecstasy in their marriage became more pronounced. First Joe suffered a heart attack at the age of 47. A year or so later, Martha and Joe as well as the extended family had to deal with their greatest cross……Maria’s sudden and very tragic death in her early 20s. They confronted it with a tremendous faith and courage. Instead of allowing such a tragedy to draw them apart, they persevered and carried on. God rewarded their solid faith and trust in Him by giving their family one of His greatest gifts and honors, a vocation to the holy priesthood to their oldest son.

Tom studied at the Byzantine seminary in Pittsburgh and later his Bishop sent him to Rome to study at the North American Seminary. There Tom was enthralled by many of the homilies of Pope John Paul II at his weekly audiences in which he promulgated his Theology of the Body. While I was in Peru in the Summer of 1982 (at the time I taught at the Franciscan University of Steubenville where my daughter Naomi is now a student) the extended family traveled to Cleveland for His first Mass. Elmer rented a trailer and took the Pittsburgh Mihalich clan to witness this great occasion.

Fr. Tom gave me a belated special blessing when I attended his Liturgy in Solon in 1983. At the time he was building St. John the Baptist Church in which he painted the icons and an immense image of St John on the façade. In 1988 he married Jaga and I in the Byzantine Rite at the Newman Center at Kent State University where I was a doctoral student and she just graduated as a nurse. In 1990 or so Fr Tom was transferred to Joliet-Illinois, where he again built a new church in which he painted many of the icons……Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Homer Glen, Illinois. At the same time Fr. Tom is an authority on the Theology of the Body and speaks all over the country. Go to his website at www.taborlife.org.

Joe’s medical issues increased during retirement. Joe had suffered so much with patient resignation to the Lord's will.......as I heard, heart attacks, open heart surgery, strokes, numb legs, hip replacement, COPD, etc. He was at death's door several times, but always hung on with a tenacious will to live with faith and courage. Exemplary was his aging with such grace and resignation. He must have had much if not all of his Purgatory here on earth. Through it all, Martuka was at his side, taking care of him........ever so faithful. At the same time we can be grateful for the fact that Joe's mind was always good except for a little forgetting or an occasional senior moment. He was always good conversation.

They were blessed with many beautiful grandchildren; each one was a joy to them. In 2010 or so, their son Greg was ordained a deacon. It was such a joyous occasion attended by both sides of the family. By brother John served as a deacon in the procession.

Joe and Martha Loya after 60 years of marriage in 2012

Joe and Martuka celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary just last year. I was so privileged to have attended that joyous celebration as well. The Bishop officiated at the anniversary Mass and Fr. Tom was one of the concelebrants. Their son and my brother John served as deacons and several of their grandsons were altar boys.

Then last summer Nick was diagnosed with Leukemia…….another big cross and test of faith which he and his parents are again passing with flying colors. His brother heroically donated his bone marrow which put Big Nick on the road to recovery, an answer to many prayers.

In the hospital room of the Cleveland Clinic, he and Christine, his partner of many years in their church renovation business, were joined together in marriage. Since their medical costs are astronomical, they had a dinner fund raiser with entertainment in October. One can still send donations to Rev. Thomas Loya; Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church; 14610 Will-Cook Road; Homer Glen, IL 60491 (e-mail: fatherthomasloya@aol.com).

Joe Loya died on Wednesday morning December 11, 2013 at the age of 86. According to Fr. Tom Loya, his death was sudden but not unexpected. He had been ailing for years with one medical issue after another. After being diagnosed with an inoperable aneurism (he would not have survived such surgery), it was a matter of time until the aneurism would finally burst. On Tuesday he felt sick and could not hold food. That night a neighbor took him to the hospital where he died. He had received Holy Eucharist on Tuesday and was anointed shortly before he died.

The American Legion provided an honor guard at the passing of one more World War II veteran. Their numbers are quickly dwindling. Thank you, Joe for serving our Country. The honor guard gave Martha the American flag draped over his casket to keep in his memory.

About 1949 Martha (Martuka) sitting with her parents Geza and Irene Foley. Standing are Bob and his older brother Elmer Foley.

In this tribute to Joe and his family too we have to dedicate a paragraph to Martuka, an affectionate Hungarian nickname we gave her to differentiate between Aunt Martha Mihalich Eld and Martha Foley Loya. Literally, it means “Little Martha” and in the 1930s very true, but the name stuck to this day. She is usually quiet, didn't say much, calm, unemotional, and uncomplaining…..keeping a lot in. She was an anchor of strength and a steadying force in supporting her husband to complement his intensity and strong personality.

In some ways the Rock of Gibraltar might describe her, taking after her father, our Uncle Geza Foley who knew adversity. He lived through six months of Communist terror in 1919 Budapest-Hungary, opposing the Communist regime as an engineering student and was brutally beaten up and bloodied in the process. In the United States he somehow supported his family of five, being unemployed for a while in the depths of the Great Depression. Over two decades later he retired as a successful engineer at Gulf Oil.

Joe and Martha Loya with their bridesmaids May 1952

Nothing could break the marital bonds of Joe and Martha until death separated them. Such adversity would have broken many a marriage, but they doggedly continued on. They drew upon the graces from the sacrament of Matrimony for strength to get them through the rough spots and help them cope with so much adversity. Thus they persevered, knowing that their only option was to stick it out and trust that the Lord will work things out and lead them through it. Indeed He does.

In the spirit of the Theology of the Body, Joe and Martha gave themselves to each other. They epitomized the principles of the Christian marriage......permanence, exclusivity, fidelity, and commitment. May young couples follow their example despite so many fragile marriages in our materialistic culture. May all of us learn from the wonderful example of Joe, his dear wife, Martha, and the rest of his family.

Love involves sacrifices and crosses. The adversity made them better people and more holy. There’s a whole Theology of Suffering. Click on

https://www.google.com/#q=catholic+theology+of+suffering&revid=1927082769 and the apostolic letter of Pope John Paul II, Salvifici Doloris. Click on

(http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_salvifici-doloris_en.html)

There’s a deep meaning in crosses. The Lord allows them for a reason. Suffering only makes sense from the perspective of eternity as we prepare ourselves not only for Christ’s coming on Christmas, but also His second coming when sooner or later, each one of us will confront our Lord as a judge at death. It all becomes a dynamic and very effective prayer when offered up to God for the Church, the missions, for peace, a better world, for our loved ones, etc.

We'll miss Joe. May He rest in peace. For now we are separated, but yet united in the Communion of Saints. We are confident in hope that someday we will all be together again for another very happy reunion.......a big party so to speak. It won’t be long……sooner than later! Perhaps we should rejoice that Joe has victoriously made it through all of the joys and crosses of life and is united with Maria, his father, his beautiful mother, Elizabeth who suddenly died on Christmas Eve in the late 40s or early 50s, and siblings. Good-by Joe until we meet again.

After experiencing many joys and suffering our share of agonies on earth, may we all be together some day, enjoying the ecstasy of Heaven. MAKE SURE THAT YOU GET THERE, dear reader!........by embarking on the quest to become holy and close to God……..now…….before it’s too late.

APPENDIX

2) Homily for the Deceased Joseph E. Loya

By Fr. Thomas J. Loya

Monday December 16, 2013

Joseph E. Loya had the distinction of being probably one of the few people on earth who was both a son of and a father of a Byzantine Catholic priest. This put him in the “middle,” a place he never liked being. My father never liked sticking out. But he could not help it. He was tall! He was gifted. And as my brother Timothy said before the Parastas service last night at the funeral home, “Joseph E. Loya was truly a unique individual. “ He left an unforgettable impression on anyone who met him.

So, even in death, I will not dishonor the way that my father wanted to live. I will try not to put him too much in the middle of our focus this day. Besides, if I did, I KNOW he would find a way to yell at me from the grave!

We honor my father by remembering those things that mattered most to him, the things he wanted most for his family what he wanted his life to leave upon this earth.

Indeed a Christian burial is a time in which we come to remember and to be thankful-- to call to mind and remember, forever, in gratitude how this person was gift. How God, as He does with all of us, shown through this person in the ways that were absolutely unique to this individual--to celebrate that gift and be better people for it. How Providential it is that my father died during this season of gift!

On the day I received the news of my father’s passing, I sat alone in my rectory pondering the mystery of it all. Suddenly I had a very intense experience. It was so intense I thought maybe I was going mad. It was beautiful and frightening at the same time almost too much for me to take. A vision had entered my mind of my father. He was young or even ageless. His face had this beautiful, warm, loving, tender countenance. It was the uniquely, tender and loving gaze that my father was capable of and which I remember from certain moments in my life even though he was basically a stern individual, the ‘Old School’ type.

And then this profound feeling came over me that I just wanted to run up into his strong arms with those big hands and have him hold me like he did when I was a child. I wanted to run into his fatherhood. The feeling was so intense I thought it was going to take me out of my body. And I wondered what was going on. And then, I realized what it was. Through the vocation of fatherhood that my father embraced, I touched the Fatherhood of God.

Now I know intellectually and theologically that earthly fatherhood is a reflection of God’s fatherhood. But through this experience coming only after my father’s death, through Joseph’s earthly fatherhood that is now finished, I could feel, and really know intimately the Fatherhood of God. In a time when Fatherhood is missing in action and father wound is the most devastating and universal hurt of our time, the faithful fatherhood of the Joseph Loya’s of this world is an immense gift.

As I could touch God’s fatherhood through my father’s vocation, so too, I was able to touch the suffering of Jesus Christ.

Joseph Loya faced much adversity in life and he suffered deeply in many ways on many levels. Instead of J-O-E his name could have been spelled J-O-B (like the Prophet Job.) Fatherhood is all about spending oneself completely--taking the hits on behalf of the family regardless of the cost to oneself and to die doing so. Just like Jesus Christ did on the Cross.

I did not always understand my Father’s suffering and how I would wish that I could bring him consolation, resolution, take it away. But as my life has gone on, as have the years of my priesthood, I came to realize that through my father’s witness of suffering, I was able to touch the meaning of redemptive suffering. Like Jesus Christ, we all suffer on behalf of others. Another person’s suffering transforms us and our suffering transforms them. It is one of the most priceless gems of our Faith, one of the things that sets us apart from the unbelieving world that suffering itself is never the last word. Rather, because of Jesus Christ, suffering always becomes redemptive.

But there is one gift that sums up the whole of Joseph Loya’s gift of fatherhood and his life on earth: He would say: “I have one purpose for being on this earth—to bring you kids into this world and into the Faith and help this family get to Heaven.”

And to know the very soul of this ultimate gift of Joseph E. Loya, we have to turn to the Liturgy of this Byzantine Catholic Church. Last Sunday, Florence Oris, from the Cathedral parish here said to me that during the last few months of my father’s life when he could no longer come to this church and attend this Liturgy my father told her that it “physically pained him” not to be able to come to church.

My father’s hope was that his family would live that Faith and get to Heaven by way of the Byzantine Catholic Church. “I was born a Byzantine Catholic and I will die a Byzantine Catholic!” he proclaimed,” with a voice full of passion and his mighty fist pounding the table.

Why this Church? Of all the people that ever walked this earth in the last 100 years, Joseph Eugene Loya knew the warts and dark sides of this Byzantine Catholic Church. He lived it, was wounded and traumatized by it. He watched his priest father physically attacked in this own rectory by parishioners. All in the name of God and religion!! They dragged his priest father into court, shamed and maligned him all in the name of God and religion!! What terror this must have been for a child to witness!! My father knew the scandals, the divisions and schisms, the failings, the hurts, the prejudice, and the perennial confusion of this Church to know its real identity and destiny. My father had every reason to leave this Church. He had every reason to stop believing in God!! When my father would tell some of these stories to Fr. Mike Hayduk, his pastor here at the Cathedral parish, Fr. Michael would say to me, “You know Tom, it is a wonder you father still goes to Church or even still believes in God at all!” So why would my father say, “I was born a Byzantine Catholic and I will die a Byzantine Catholic!!?” Why this Church?!!

Because this church is not defined by its human profile, however glorious or fallen. Most importantly this Church is not a religion. I repeat: This Church is not a ‘religion.’ It is not an institution or an organization or a cult. This Byzantine Catholic Church is about a way of seeing--seeing the invisible, infinite, incomprehensible, immeasurable God, become visible, tangible and living according to that one and only vision of life.

It was through the Liturgy, the chant the mysticism of this Church that my father touched God. As my father would touch God through this Liturgy, and as I could touch the Fatherhood of God through my father’s fatherhood, so too can we touch the very interior life of the Holy Trinity through this Church. So too can we touch the suffering Christ in this Church, not just think about it or talk about or pretend. But to really touch it.

When you love someone and someone loves you, you don’t just read a book about them, or quote things about them, or just think about them. It is not enough just to have them privately “in your heart.” You want and need to touch them. You become intimate with them and they with you, physically, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually. So it is between God and us. And the vehicle for that intimacy with God is this Church. That is what my father knew and wanted above else for his family to know and to never forget.

The time of a person’s death and burial is always significant, even Providential. My father died when his beloved Church is in between two feast days of fatherhood. This past Sunday was the Feast of the Holy Patriarchs of the Bible and this coming Sunday, the Sunday before Christmas, is the Feast of the Fore-Fathers of Christ’s entire earthly lineage. Both Sundays are called Sundays of the Holy Forefathers.

On the day that my father died, God gave us a wink and he gave my father a playful nudge. My father would struggle with certain things in our faith, as we all do: He would say, “You hear about these guys that went off into a cave for thirty years and didn’t do anything. They sat in a cave and became saints! Or these guys that climbed up on a pole and sat there for forty years—those stylites—they didn’t have to work for a living, pay bills support a family and they became saints! That’s what I want to do. I just want to go to a cave somewhere or sit on a pole and not have to worry about anything!”

Well, according to the liturgical calendar of his Byzantine Catholic Church my father died on the feast of St. Daniel the Stylite!! Listen to how Providential the prayer is for St. Daniel the Stylite:

“You became a column of endurance and rivaled the forefathers, O holy one, becoming like Job in your sufferings and like Joseph in your trials, and like the bodiless angels though lived in the flesh. O Daniel, our holy father, intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls. “ (Tropar for St. Daniel the Stylite).

But now Joseph Loya will be laid to rest on the Feast of the Prophet Haggai. The people of Haggai’s time were called by God to rebuild the temple, to renew their Faith. But they had become despondent and complacent under the seemingly hopeless circumstances of their time. Haggai’s message was motivational—“rebuild this temple”, he told them. “Renew your Faith!” I truly believe that the gift of Joseph Loya’s entire life would be summed up in that same message to all of us today: “Love this Church. Be faithful to it! Rebuild it!” Again, the prayer for Prophet Haggai is Providential:

“Your mind was enlightened with the fire of the Spirit, you proclaimed the hidden things of God, O prophet. You revealed what was to come, pointing to the mystery of what was to happen. Beg Christ our God to have mercy on us.” (Kontakion for Haggai)

Joseph E. Loya was the very incarnation of this Byzantine Catholic Church and this Church incarnates the gift of my father’s life.

As my father’s ultimate gift to his children was our Faith and this Church and as he himself was gift to this Church, this Church will now give to him the supreme gift that we offer to all of our deceased. Since we are not capable of worthily remembering a person, it is the genius of our Byzantine Catholic Church that we ask God to take that person, Joseph Eugene Loya, into God’s memory. For only God Himself can give to that person what they are truly worthy of. Only God alone can remember and love perfectly and forever.

There is one last “wink” from God: Every man and father has their “cave,” their personal, special space where they go to regenerate. Dad’s have their chair, their cup, their tool, etc. Sometimes when I was home visiting my parents and I would start to reach for a cup my mother would say, “That’s your Dad’s cup.”

Well, this morning, I was going to drink out of Dad’s cup. When I grabbed his cup off of the shelf I noticed there was a Scripture quote on it from Proverbs 20:7: “When a man walks with integrity and justice his children are blessed after him.” Joseph E. Loya, our father, walked with integrity and justice in this life and we his children have indeed been richly blessed!

3) Comments By Friends & Family Regarding Joe Loya in the Cleveland Plain Dealer On-line

Click on http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-e-loya&pid=168528988&fhid=2611

Then click on guestbook. The comments are beautiful.......especially the ones by two of his sons, Greg and Tim. I hope that my kids can say something that beautiful about me when it's my turn to depart to eternity.

Below are the comments that I copied and pasted.

December 17, 2013

Dear family and friends,

It has taken my whole lifetime to even start to grasp the depth of my dad's character. He is probably the longest-running character study I will ever make. I never tire at talking about all his complexities of character, because he had so much understanding about how so many things worked--on the physical, mental and spiritual level. He gave us enough good instruction, wisdom, and old stories to last through the rest of our lives. He knew and influenced many people, but I wish that more could have come to know him better. He was really an inimitable guy, and we are going to spend a lot of time trying to become as savvy as he was in so many areas. If you knew him well, especially fellow family members, I'm sure that you can think of some of his amazing adventures and humorous quips and hyperboles that made life unbelievably interesting at our home and while you were in his presence. We won't see many more like him again. Thank-you, kind Heavenly Father, for making your servant, Joseph, just the way that you did. I'm downtrodden at his loss, but uplifted at the same time with joy for having been raised in his household. HalleluYah!

Timothy Loya,

Jefferson, Ohio

December 16, 2013

Dear cousins, my thoughts and prayers are with you today, even though I was unable to be with you guys today. This is such a hard time to lose someone, it is only a special angel called home this time of year.

Kathy (Boosie) Loya Bachtel

December 16, 2013

May the Almighty Creator of all place Joseph in a place where there is no more pain, sorrow or mourning, but life eternal full of love, peace, happiness and praises joining the Celestial Choir with the rest of the Loya voices. Eternal Memory.

Helen Hvasta,

St. Augustine,, Florida

December 15, 2013

Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Loya Family at this most difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Bob and Christy Collingwood,

Olmsted Township, Ohio

December 14, 2013

Dad, So much of what I know about being a father I learned from you. While just about everything else wore out, the faith you expressed through your incredible tenor voice never weakened - the inspiration behind my ordination. Blessed repose and eternal memory.

Deacon Gregory Loya,

South Euclid, Ohio

December 14, 2013

My condolences to the Loya family. Eternal Memory.

Armand Ciabattari,

Mokena, Illinois

December 14, 2013

Our condolences go out to the Loya family. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over each and every one of you.
With deepest sympathy,

Denise & Stephen Di Biase,

Chicago, Illinois

December 14, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go to the wonderful family of Joseph Loya.

Linda and Richard Botamer,

Solon, Ohio

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4) Joe Loya's Obituary in the Cleveland Plain Dealer

Below is a copy of the obituary and link to the obituary of Joe Loya. It has the address of the Church for the funeral and the funeral home for the wake. Further below is the e-mail of Greg which Tim forwarded to me.

Click on the following link. It has a guest book for comments.

http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-e-loya&pid=168528988&fhid=2611

The obituary is as follows:

JOSEPH E. LOYA, 86. Beloved husband of Martha (nee Foley). Most loving father of Maria (deceased), Rev. Thomas, Nicholas(Christine), Deacon Gregory (Kathleen) and Timothy (Barbara) Loya. Loving grandfather of Matthew, Maria, Daniel, Jonathan, Thomas, Nicholas, Stephen and Elizabeth. Brother of Marie Budd, Sr. Ivanna, S.S.M.I. (deceased), Natalie Martha Loya and Infant Nicholas (deceased). Funeral Divine Liturgy Monday, December 16 at 10 a.m. at St. John Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, 1900 Carlton Rd., Parma, Ohio 44134, everyone please meet at the Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to the Cathedral. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the YURCH FUNERAL HOME, 5618 BROADVIEW RD., PARMA, OH 44134 (Between Snow & Brookpark) SUNDAY 4-8 P.M. PARASTAS SERVICE SUNDAY 7 P.M. 216-398-1010 ~ www.YurchFunerals.com - See more at: http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-e-loya&pid=168528988&fhid=2611#sthash.wMItpDhv.dpuf

----- Forwarded Message From Greg Loya-----

From: Timothy Loya <theloyas06@yahoo.com>

To: "paulrsebastian@yahoo.com" <paulrsebastian@yahoo.com>

Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 9:15 PM

Subject: Fwd: +Joseph E. Loya

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message: From: "Loya, Greg" <gregory.loya@philips.com>

Date: December 11, 2013, 4:18:08 PM EST

Subject: RE: +Joseph E. Loya

Formal plans being set tomorrow, but viewing should be Sunday evening at Yurch funeral home in Parma, with funeral Monday morning at 10.

From: Loya, Greg

Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 8:43 AM

Subject: +Joseph E. Loya

5) Announcement of the Death of Joseph E. Loya Family in Behalf of the Family

Early this morning I was called to the ER of Parma hospital (near Cleveland, OH) and learned that the inoperable aneurism that my father Joseph had been living with finally decided to burst and he did not survive. He had received Holy Eucharist on Tuesday and was anointed shortly before he died.

My dad was the youngest of Fr. John Loya’s 4 children and is survived by his wife of over 61 years Martha, older sisters Manci (Marie) and Martha (Natalie), sons Fr. Thomas, Nicholas (Christine), Deacon Gregory (Kathleen), Timothy (Barbara) and 8 grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents Fr. John Loya and Pani Elizabeth, his sister Sr. Ivanna (Magdelene) and his daughter Maria.

It was 39 years ago that he had his first heart attack at the age of 47. Dad had been through so many medical issues including minor strokes, other heart attacks, heart surgeries, numb legs, COPD, to name just a few. His heart output at this time was about 15% and yet that kept going until the aneurism burst.

Tentative plans are for viewing hours at Yurch Funeral Home in Parma, OH, 2-4 and 6-8, with the funeral at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Wed morning. Mom’s address is:7657 McCreary Road, Seven Hills, OH, 44131 (she does not have e-mail or facebook, etc)

May God embrace him in His loving arms and let us all be aware that he now is in a place of rest, where all of his pain is gone.

In Christ,

Deacon Gregory Loya

6) Commentary on the More2life Talk Show on Ave Maria Radio

Glory to Jesus Christ! December 21, 2013

Family and Friends,

Below is a message sent to me by Dr. Gregory Popcak, a noted Catholic psychotherapist, author and radio host. Twice a month I do a brief appearance on

Dr. Popcak’s radio program, “More2Life,” which is carried on Ave Maria Radio. The program that Dr. Gregory refers to in his message was broadcast on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, two days after my father’s funeral and the day in which I was scheduled to appear on Dr. Gregory’s program.

My father, Joseph E. Loya, never liked having his life or himself personally “put on display in front of strangers.” It is in his death that God has put my father’s life “on display” not only as a necessary and inspiring witness to many “strangers” but I also believe to reveal to my father the giftedness of his life on earth which comes to its fullness in his death.

Thank you for getting these messages around to so many people. Today, Monday December 23rd, on Ave Maria Radio, I will do a five minute interview beginning at Noon (EDT) on the program that spoke about my father last week. The program is "More2Life" and people can access it at www.avemariaradio.net.

Actually I do a cameo appearance on this program twice a month. It is hosted by two outstanding Catholics and accomplished professionals, Dr. Gregory and Lisa Popcak. The program is about how to actually life live according to Pope John Paul II's theology of the body. It is an inspiring advice driven program that takes calls as well.

I can also be heard live every Tuesday (including tomorrow, Christmas Eve) on www.radiomaria.us. I host a program there called, "Beyond the Veil." And then of course there is my long running radio program, "Light of the East" which is carried on EWTN Radio affiliates all over the world. You can access this program on www.catholicradiointernational.com. All to my complete surprise Almighty God has opened many doors to me in media (TV, radio, print, conference speaking) in recent years which in turn are doors that are opened for the Church both and East and West.

--Fr. Thomas J. Loya

Hi,

I just wanted to mention that we discussed Fr. Loya's dad on the show today. Our topic was grief and loss during the holidays. We mentioned Fr. Loya's dad's passing. We asked for prayers for Fr. Loya and his family and a Deacon Lawrence heard us and called in. He shared about his own mom's passing but also shared some lovely reflections on Fr. Loya's dad's funeral. It was a powerful show overall, and I thought Fr, Loya might like to know that he and his dad were able to minister to many listeners who shared their own stories and were inspired by Fr. Lawrence's comments.

Please be assured of our continued prayers. We look forward to getting together after the holidays.

God Bless,

Greg

For a playback of that program, click on http://tunein.com/radio/More2life-p332822/. For more information about Dr. Gregory Popcak’s radio program and his ministry, “More2life”, click on

https://www.google.com/#q=more2life+radio or google “More2life”.

7) A TRIBUTE TO NICK LOYA (Added June 29, 2014)

NICHOLAS JOHN LOYA

Obituary | Condolences

LOYA NICHOLAS JOHN LOYA, 57, April 16, 1957 - May 15, 2014 Beloved husband of Christine (nee Uveges). Loving son of Joseph E. (deceased) and Martha I. Loya. Devoted brother of Maria (deceased), Rev. Thomas, Deacon Gregory (Kathleen) and Timothy (Barbara) Loya. Loving uncle of many nieces and nephews. Many friends like family - brother in Christ to All. Nick an honest, trustworthy, compassionate man did "everything with Love." Nick was a "servant of the servants" having a spiritual vocation as a Sacred Artist, designer, craftsman, teacher, cantor and a co-owner of Eikona Studios; He used his Life well in bringing people closer to God and working for God's Glory. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Nicholas Loya Benefit Fund at Huntington Bank. Funeral Divine Liturgy Friday 10am St. John Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, 1900 Carlton Rd., Parma, Ohio 44134, Everyone please meet at the Cathedral. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Family will receive friends at YURCH FUNERAL HOME, 5618 Broadview Rd., Parma, Ohio 44134 (between Snow & Brookpark) THURSDAY 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Parastas Prayer Service Thursday 7pm. 216-398-1010 ~ www.yurchfunerals.com

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NICHOLAS JOHN LOYA

Obituary | Condolences

- See more at: http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?pid=171062144#sthash.B4TW6xPp.dpuf

NICHOLAS JOHN LOYA

Obituary | Condolences

- See more at: http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?pid=171062144#sthash.B4TW6xPp.dpuf

Nick Loya, working on an icon to refurbish a Byzantine Catholic Church.

Obituary

http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?pid=171062144#sthash.B4TW6xPp.dpuf

A Tribute to Big Nick

May 2014

Big Nick, as we affectionately called him, fought valiantly in his battle against Leukemia. In fact he was winning, having been declared cancer free after his brother, Greg heroically donated his bone marrow. After his body had a reaction to the transplant (Graft vs. Host disease and C-Dif), Nick was winning again and was looking forward to being released from a nursing home where he was undergoing rehabilitation. Rather suddenly Nick's weakened body was attacked by two infections which finally did overcome despite his indomitable spirit on May 15. We can only imagine the happy reunion with his father, who died in a few months earlier in December, and his big sister, Maria.

We were shocked to hear of Nick's death and here we are stuck in Phoenix, Arizona, having to help Stephanie move in and John-Paul to move out to Colorado, and cannot attend the funeral. With Joe it was the weather and with Maria I was in Peru. Be assured that we are there today in spirit. Today we shall offer our Liturgy for him. I'm so sorry that we cannot be there to grieve with you.

It was so beautiful that Nick married his long time partner, Christina. We are so sorry that the marriage did not last long on this earth. Christina, you also have endured so much. Why does God permit so much suffering? It only makes sense as a preparation for eternity as we unite our cross with the Lord's cross and offer it up to God as a dynamic prayer for the Church, a better world, and for our loved ones. That will make a saint out of you.

Nick's mother, Martuka, as we affectionately call her to differentiate her from our Aunt Martha, has undergone so much over her life......having lost her husband and son within a period of a few months after losing her daughter in the 1970s. Mar, you are so strong, a woman of such great faith and courage. I am sure all of this will make a saint out of you. Mar, I'm so sorry that you have to go though this agony again. You and Christina are in our prayers.

We enjoyed you, Big Nick. Thank you for all that you did for the Church (and Christina too) with your art and your skill in refurbishing church sanctuaries. In that way you helped to give so many people a little bit of heaven during the liturgies. Thank you for adding so much to our lives. Your saintly faith and courage through all of this was an inspiration for us. When our time comes, as it inevitably will sooner or later, may we be as ready as you were with all that you had to go through......all of which I am sure brought you closer to God and was all a prayer really. We'll be looking forward to a big party with you in eternity. May we all make sure to live our lives as God intended so that we all are there. Any no-shows will be extremely disappointing.

Our deepest sympathies, prayers, and love from Paul and Jaga Sebastian, John-Paul, Stephanie, Naomi, Joseph and all of the extended family.

Some Beautiful Messages Regarding Big Nick

To my big brother. You tackled so many big things in life and were an inspiration to so many, including me. All my life you were bigger than life to me and my mind is filled with so many memories of us growing up, you bringing the best Uncle presents to my kids -I am so glad that we were on the same side all these years, especially being united in our Byzantine Catholic faith. You once told me that I should not be just an "ordinary" deacon - I will not disappoint you. Please keep inspiring me and hopefully so many others to do what needs to be done and not just let someone else do it. Say hi to Maria and Dad for me. Love - your brother Greg.

The beauty of a life well-lived, well-loved and God-centered is never lost. Christine, may the time and beautiful, creative projects you shared with Nick give you strength and bring you peace. You and the Loya family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mrs. Loya, I remember Nick from his early years on McCreary Road. He and my brother, Ken, were always up to something back in the field and around the neighborhood. I have heard throughout the years of Nick's inspiration of others through his artistic works and service to others. God bless you and the family. Mrs. Loya, I remember Nick from his early years on McCreary Road. He and my brother, Ken, were always up to something back in the field and around the neighborhood. I have heard throughout the years of Nick's inspiration of others through his artistic works and service to others. God bless you and the family.

My condolences to his family. Nick (as I knew him) was a kind spirit and full of life. Only remember back in school. I can remember him in track and field, and being a fast runner with those long legs! I remember joking with because he had a real good sense of humor, funny guy. You'll be missed!

I was so deeply saddened to have learned the news of Nick's passing. Nick was such a talented, energetic and funny guy. I still remember well what an absolute card he was as a teen. You could not help but like him.

I last saw Nick while in Cleveland a couple years back. I was driving down W. 7th St in Tremont and Nick caught my eye. He was at crowded lawn party. Being so tall, he stood out like only a Loya could. I stopped my car and told my passengers/friends, "I just have to go and say hello to Nick."

What a gallant fight Nick put forth in the past year. Having kept up on Nick's trials through his brother Tom, I learned that Nick's spirit and optimism could not be broken. Nick truly was a role model for us all in dealing with adversity and suffering.

My husband Stephen and I hold the entire Loya family in our thoughts and prayers.

December 17, 2013

Dear family and friends,

It has taken my whole lifetime to even start to grasp the depth of my dad's character. He is probably the longest-running character study I will ever make. I never tire at talking about all his complexities of character, because he had so much understanding about how so many things worked--on the physical, mental and spiritual level. He gave us enough good instruction, wisdom, and old stories to last through the rest of our lives. He knew and influenced many people, but I wish that more could have come to know him better. He was really an inimitable guy, and we are going to spend a lot of time trying to become as saavy as he was in so many areas. If you knew him well, especially fellow family members, I'm sure that you can think of some of his amazing adventures and humorous quips and hyperboles that made life unbelievably interesting at our home and while you were in his presence. We won't see many more like him again. Thank-you, kind Heavenly Father, for making your servant, Joseph, just the way that you did. I'm downtrodden at his loss, but uplifted at the same time with joy for having been raised in his household. HalleluYah!

December 16, 2013