Joseph V. Ignazzitto

Joseph “Joe” Ignazzitto, aged 93, of North Royalton, Ohio passed away on December 20, 2022.  He is survived by his dearest sister, Paula Yorkievitz (late Paul Yorkievitz), his former wife Eunice Cengic, and loving father of their two children Gina Ignazzitto (Vern Balodis) and Joseph V. Ignazzitto, II (Karen Ignazzitto), and grandfather to Oliver Ignazzitto (fiancée – Niko Artley) and Cassandra Ignazzitto and Jane Balodis (fiancée – Steven Marcum).  He is predeceased by his older sister, Domenica Stenger, and her husband Tom Stenger.  Uncle, Great Uncle, Friend, and poker buddy to many! Joe was born in Cleveland, OH on May 22, 1929, to the late Joseph “Joe” and Mary Ignazzitto (nee Dipaola).  He enjoyed sports and made many lifelong friends playing sandlot baseball.  After Joe graduated Salutatorian from East Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio, he worked for the Electric Product Company where he manufactured and tested aircraft electrical parts.  Joe enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in July 1951, graduating from the U.S. Army’s Cartographic Drafting Course at the Engineer School at Fort Belvoir, VA.  He then completed photogrammetrist training and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in January 1953.  He spent 2 years overseas in West Germany, where he was part of the initial cadre standing up the 66^th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.  He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1955 and the Air Force Reserve in 1959.  His Air Force awards include the German Occupation Medal, the Nation Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.  His professional career includes working as a photogrammetrist at Kucera and Associates Aerial Engineering Services, and as draftsman and plant foreman at Champion Commercial Industries.  He was a member of the VFW, Post 1974, Parma, Ohio.  Relatives and friends received at St. JOHN FUNERAL HOME, 923 BROADWAY AVE, BEDFORD, OH 44146, Thursday, December 29 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. where funeral services will be held on Friday, December 30, at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Cleveland.