Eli James "Jake" Kalil

Eli James "Jake" Kalil, 89, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 12, 2025 with his loving family by his side.

He was born July 24, 1935, in Ashtabula, the youngest son of Eli and Jamelia (Niemer) Kalil. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's church; attended St. Joseph's school and went on to graduate from Ashtabula High School. He married Violet Marie Takacs and together they were blessed with 72 years of love, friendship and five wonderful children. 

Jake had a long career with Conrail as a railroad conductor, going on to represent the Railroad Workers Union before finally retiring.  He was an avid Cleveland fan and enjoyed talking sports, homemade Lebanese meals, going to the horse races at Thistledown, a good game of poker, and coffee with his buddies. Jake was the patriarch of a large and loving family and more than anything, he enjoyed spending time with them - showing up to countless tee ball, baseball, softball, volleyball, football and basketball games over the years. He will be remembered for his kind and caring demeanor, his funny quotes, and the sweet nicknames he had for each of his grandchildren. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eli and Jamelia, his siblings: Liz, Juliet, Joseph, Rose and Paul, and his grandson Jaime Presciano.

Jake was a devoted family man his entire life; he leaves behind: his loving wife Violet and their five children, Dennis (Anita) Kalil, Debbie (Anthony) Presciano, Ronald (Karen) Kalil, David (Andrea) Kalil, and Diane (Tom) Zappitelli. Grandchildren: Arimys (Jeff) Kalil, Jamalia (Stephen) Kalil, Samantha Kalil, Michael (Melissa) Dibble,Tabitha (Justin) Allshouse, Kristi (Mike) Donato, Tony Presciano, Nick (Ashley) Presciano, Ronnie (Tori) Kalil, Ashley (Chris) Runyon, Eli Kalil, Matthew (Alissa) Zappitelli and Mallory (Brandon) Brown. Great grandchildren: Abra, Talia, Aja, Asher, Conley, Carmen, Lexi, Ana, Mason, Cooper, Jagger, Lexie, Tommy, Charlie, Frankie, Logan, Avery, Emmet and Bella - and great-great granddaughters Alani and Gianna. In addition to his immediate family, Jake's memory is cherished by his nieces Cyndi, Kim, Lisa and Paula.

"Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation" ~ Khalil Gibran

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 17 from 10:00 to 11:00 with mass to follow at 11:00 at OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL CHURCH, OUR LADY OF PEACE PARISH 1200 E 21st St, Ashtabula, OH 44004.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

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