Loreto Ognibene

Obituary of Dr. Loreto John Ognibene

Dr. Loreto J Ognibene, 89, of Grand Rapids, MI died January 31, 2016. He was originally from the town of North East, PA, and a long term resident of Wesleyville, Erie, PA, son of Michaelangelo and Christina DiMaio Ognibene. 'Doc'/Lorie Ognibene is survived by Margie Van Tassel Ognibene, originally of Parkersburg, IA, his wife of 64 years. Also surviving are his children, Celia Watson of Grand Rapids, MI, Vance Ognibene of Plymouth, MA, and Gail Osborn of Clarks Summit, PA along with their spouses John, Roxanne and Robert respectively, six grandchildren John, Ellen, Lindsay, Kelsey, Dean and Luke, and eight great grandchildren, as well as his sisters Christine Fosco of Tennessee and Marie Marchal of Arizona, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two other sisters, Alvira Backstrom and Grace Brown, both of Erie.

Dr. Ognibene was a graduate of North East High School in 1944 and served in the United States Army in 1945. He is an alumnus of Gannon College in Erie and received his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine degree from The Chicago College of Chiropody and Pedic Surgery in Illinois in 1951. He met his wife, Margie, in Chicago, who was an RN at The Presbyterian Hospital at the time.

Though his primary office location was in Erie, PA, he was an early pioneer of satellite office locations in Corry, PA, North East, PA and Beaver Falls, PA. He practiced podiatry for 45 years until his retirement in 1996. He and Margie were founding members of Garden Heights Baptist Church and served in multiple ministries for many years. He was faithful in his service to Christ, enjoyed sharing the Gospel with people, as well as sharing music.

He was a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, lover of Jesus, church builder, US Army veteran, trombone player, snappy t-shirt wearer, and a great laughter. He was a man who knew that winning the race is not as important as how you run it. He ran it well and cared for others more than himself and he brought joy to those who knew him.

A private family graveside service will take place on Friday, February 5 at 3 p.m., at Rosedale Cemetery in the City of Walker, MI.

You can join Doc one day in heaven by simply placing your faith alone in Jesus Christ the Lord. Simply read the short gospel presentation below and follow through.

1) You need to confess to God that you are a sinner. Repent or turn away from your sin.

• Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

• Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”

• I John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins

• and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

• Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out,

• that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

2) You need to believe that Jesus is God's Son and that God sent Jesus to save people from their sins.

• Romans 5:8 – “but God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners,

• Christ died for us.”

• Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no else for there is other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved”

• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

• John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

3) You need to commit your life to Jesus. Ask Him to be your Lord and Savior.

• Roman's 10:9-10 – “That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

• Romans 10:13 – “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”