JOSEPH M. MELARAGNO age 88; beloved husband for 67 years of the late Gloria (nee Lanzuisi); loving father of Anthony (wife Kathy Immerman), Josephine Jones (husband Richard) and Laura Valencic (husband Terry); devoted grandfather of Jennifer Jones Donatelli (husband Joseph), Amanda Jones Bhalla (husband Ritam), Terence Valencic, Jr. (wife Allie), Daniel Jones, Joseph Melaragno (wife Jennifer), Abby Valencic, Andrew Melaragno, Anthony and Carly Valencic; cherished son of the late Antonio and Josephine (nee Vaccariello) and step-son of the late Raffella Calabrese; dearest brother of the late William Melaragno (wife Mary Ann, deceased) and step-brother of Carl Calabrese (wife Mary Grace), Lee Calabrese (wife Theresa) and the late Armand (wife Priscilla, deceased), Anthony, Rudy (wife Mary, deceased), Eugene (wife Genevieve) and Donald Calabrese; dear uncle and great-uncle of many.
Joe was born on June 29, 1925 in Cleveland and passed away on May 22, 2014 at Slovene Home for the Aged. Joe was a resident of Richmond Heights for over 58 years, after moving from Collinwood. A graduate of Collinwood High School, Joe worked as a machinist for Reliance Electric for 44 years. He was a World War II U.S. Navy Veteran. He was a founding member of St. Felicitas Catholic Church, now St. John of the Cross Catholic Church and an active member of Collinwood Memories. He enjoyed baking, cooking, bowling, golf, playing cards and dancing. Joe will be fondly remembered as a man who had a heart of gold and was devoted to his faith and family.
Contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to St John of the Cross Church, 140 Richmond Rd., Euclid, Ohio 44143.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday May 27, 2014 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church at 10:00 AM. Burial following with military honors at All Souls Cemetery. The family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joe at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) on MONDAY FROM 3:00 TO 7:00 PM.
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Jerry and Barb Ziegler
Joe and Gloria were my Cape Coral Fl neighbors. They were the best . Gloria was the chef, and Joe the worker bee. I loved the way they worked together. The Waters Edge Community has missed them these past few years. They were a beautiful pair in this world, and I feel confident they will brighten up their new world.. May their souls rest in the peace of the Lord..
Anita Maroun
Dear Josie,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the death of your father. I pray God give you comfort and peace and wonderful memories of your dad. My blessings and prayers, Anita Maroun
Dolly Caldwell
Together in life, and now together in death. Forever together, holding hands and going home.
Holding you and your entire family close to my heart and sending you prayers of comfort.
Love Dolly
Nanette (Traub) Wachman
Dear Tony, Josie, and Laura
I am so very sad to hear about the passing of Uncle Joe and Aunt Gloria. I know they are not actually my Aunt and Uncle but since I was a little girl that is what I called them. In fact my Grandmother Francis was Joe’s Aunt. I have such fond memories of Joe and Gloria growing up. We would see them when they would come to Florida and I remember when my Grandmother brought me to Ohio for the first time and I met all f you. I was 7 years old. I adored all of you. Your parents were always so wonderful to me and they will be missed. I would love it if one day soon my children could meet all of you. I would like them to know the rest of my family. My love and prayers to all of you.
Nanette