Joseph V. Hocevar

JOSEPH V. HOCEVAR age 80, cherished son of the late John and Anna (nee Yakopich); dearest brother of the late Anne Arhar (Edward, deceased) and the late John; dear uncle of Joanne, Christine (Paul) Cevasco, Margie (Wolcott) Pugh, Edward (Cheryl) and John (Paula); Caring great uncle of Nathaniel, Caitlin, Megan, Christopher, Daniel, Laura, Matthew, Lindsay, Taylor, & Joseph and great great uncle of Ryan, Brendan, Connor, Liam, Adeline, Eliana and Kylah.

Joeseph V. Hocevar was born on February 12, 1945 in Cleveland OH to Slovenian immigrant parents John and Anna Hocevar. Joe graduated from St. Vitus Elementary School, St. Joseph High School and John Carroll University (with honors), where he received a business administration degree with a background in accounting, finance, economics, and management. After working in private industry for many years, Joe accepted an offer to become the St Vitus business manager serving in that capacity from the 1990’s to the present.

Joe was affectionately known as "Mr. St. Vitus" due to his involvement in St. Vitus Parish. In addition to being the St. Vitus business manager, he was Treasurer, St. Vitus Holy Name Society, member, St. Vitus Alumni, St. Vitus Catholic War Veterans Post 1655, and St. Vitus Finance Council. He was also treasurer of St. Vitus Endowment Trust and St. Vitus Development Corp. Former member and singer of a Slovenian men's choral group, dedicated volunteer at St. Vitus Bingo, summer church festival, and fall church festival. He served on the committee to review scholarships for both the Mihevc Grant Program at St Vitus as well as reviewer for applicants for St. Vitus Lodge #25 KSKJ.

He was also a member of St. Vitus KSKJ Lodge #25, St. Anne Lodge #4 AMLA, (former) Baraga Court 1617 COF, and Friends of Slovenian National Home (St. Clair Avenue). Joe had served on the national board of directors for American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ Life) as well as an officer of St Vitus Lodge #25 KSKJ. He also supported the Bishop Baraga Association.

Joe resided his entire life in the Slovenian St Clair neighborhood on Addison Road and the past 20 years at St. Vitus Village. He was actively involved in the former city of Cleveland Ward 23 politics, working as a ward leader for decades.

He traveled widely with his brother John and friends to Europe, Australia, Canada and all over the US. Having led many trips to Slovenia, he was affectionately given the nickname “Godfather of Slovenia”. A memorable trip for our family was a trip he led to Slovenia in 2019 to visit his parents’ and sister’s home in Kompolje. We were introduced to our many relatives, Laśko beer, and the beauty of the mountains and valleys of Slovenia.

Joseph V. Hocevar passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026. His easy-going approach to life was a gift to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his smile, honesty, faith, work ethic, service to the Slovenian community and church, and devotion to family and friends.

Donations may be made in memory of Joseph to The St. Vitus Endowment Trust at St Vitus Church (6019 Lausche Ave Cleveland, OH, 44103). 

Mass of Christian Burial Monday, January 26, 2026 at St. Vitus Catholic Church (6019 Lausche Ave Cleveland, OH, 44103) at 11AM. Burial will be private at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joseph at St Vitus Church (6019 Lausche Ave Cleveland OH, 44103) Monday from 10-11AM at the church.