Joe Kaluza is home to stay

YOUNGSTOWN — Joe Kaluza has been home for weekend visits since being in Cleveland Metro Hospital for the past few months, but today he came home for good.

Kaluza was the KFC manager who was paralyzed from the neck down after being shot during a robbery in March.

“Today is a happy, blessed day,” said Lisa Kaluza of her husband’s homecoming.

When Joe arrived at his home on the 1300 block of Ivanhoe Avenue a little after 1 p.m., he was greeted by a sign that read “Welcome Home Joe,” and by numerous family members and neighbors.

It was all tears, smiles and hugs when Joe made his way up the driveway in his motorized wheelchair that he is able operate.

Joe said spending time with his family and not worrying about having to go back to the hospital are the things he’s been anticipating.