Joseph LoConti

JOSEPH A. LOCONTI age 95, beloved husband for 74 years of Arlene (nee Koporc); loving father of Joseph E. (wife Lois), Karen LoConti-Diaz (Patrick Pancaldo), and the late Dennis; devoted grandfather of Scott Banner and Mary (husband Jim Klave), Rick Diaz (wife Blandine deceased), Natalie Ghislandi (husband Carlos), Dennis (wife Sara), Christina Klenck (husband Ryan), Annemarie Farhat (husband Paul), and Jeannine O’Brien (husband Sean); great-grandfather of 16 and great-great grandfather of 9; cherished son of the late John and Philomena (nee Albondante) LoConti; dearest brother of the late Andrew, Nicholas, and Henry; dear brother-in-law of Edwin, Richard, and the late Ronald Koporc; dear uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle, and friend of many.

Joe was a man of vision, integrity, and relentless creativity whose life was defined by devotion to family, entrepreneurship, and innovation. A proud graduate of John Hay High School, he distinguished himself early as a state champion wrestler, demonstrating the determination and discipline that would guide him throughout his life. He attended Fenn College where he majored in business and real estate.

Joe worked in his family’s beverage business, at a young age, where he learned firsthand the value of hard work and perseverance. From those beginnings, he built an extraordinary entrepreneurial career. Over the years he ventured into the sandwich industry, the pre-cooked food business, and was a food broker across seven states serving schools and institutions. As a true visionary, he understood the need for nutrition on a budget and used government commodities to develop different food items that fed thousands of children daily. He was the creator of the original fruit cup, the man behind the cheese and pepperoni school pizza and the peanut butter and jelly bar. And his famous vitamin-enriched “Super Donut,” was such a hit that kids and adults still rush to grab the convenient, delicious, healthy treat.

Throughout his life, Joe was always interested in new ventures and breaking the mold. He shared a particularly strong bond with his older brother Henry and with his help, collaborated in several businesses, most notably, The Cleveland Agora. Throughout their lives, they built lifelong memories grounded in trust, loyalty, and mutual respect that led to iconic community contributions.

At the center of Joe’s life was his beloved wife, Arlene, with whom he shared an extraordinary 74 year’s marriage. Their union was built on devotion, a deep admiration for one another, and an unwavering commitment to putting family first. Together they created a life rich with love, adventure, and travel, building a family and a legacy that remained Joe’s greatest pride. They were always planning family activities, which often included their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which fortified the roots of their bond and shaped the meaning of “family” for generations to come. Their generous nature allowed the family they cherished to learn, prosper, and flourish. With his encouragement, his children Dennis, Joseph, and Karen paved their own way in the business world.

Above all else, Joe was unselfish and compassionate. The true pillar of his family—steadfast and dedicated. He was a generous and honorable man whose word was his bond. Those who knew him admired his integrity, his warmth, and the unwavering support he gave to the people he loved. Joe’s legacy was his strength of character and deep devotion to family and friends. A life whose impact will be felt for generations and whose presence will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Joseph to Western Reserve Hospice HERE and St. Jude’s Hospital HERE.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at St. Noel Catholic Church 35200 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 at 11 AM. Entombment following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joe at DEJOHN FUNERAL HOMES & CELEBRATIONS CENTER, 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) MONDAY 4-8 PM.

Arrangements by DeJohn Funeral Home and Crematory.