Joseph Pesa

Joseph Papa Pesa Joseph Pesa of Sylvania left this world to join Our Father on March 20, 2010. Joe was born, on October 21, 1917, and was a first generation American. He was the son of John and Pauline Pesa, Italian immigrants, who in 1910, had settled in Youngstown, Ohio, to work in the steel mills. Joe had five siblings, Anthony Josephine, Helen Joe De Main, Phyllis Bart Barbato, Richard Helen, and Sunny Frank Tarasuck, and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe and his wife Marie lived in Boardman, OH, until 1999. They moved to Sylvania to be closer to their daughter, Pamela Jo, and her husband Douglas G. Haynam, and their grandchildren Benjamin J., Kimberly Rose, and Sarah Kathryn, all of who affectionately called him Papa. On October 28, 1942, in Hattiesburg, MS, Joe married the former Marie L. Rand, while on leave from the US Army Air Corp. After a brief honeymoon in New Orleans, Marie returned to Youngstown, while Joe reported for duty in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he served our country until his honorable discharge in 1945. After a brief stint in Youngstowns steel mills, Joe became a cement mason apprentice, joining Local 179, Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons in 1950, eventually serving as union steward and business manager and was honored to become a life long member in 1998. Joe enjoyed pointing out to everyone the buildings he had worked on in Youngstown. He was especially proud of the many school buildings that he helped build throughout the 50s and 60s. Joe believed that good schools and a quality education were the backbone of any community and was especially proud of the role he played in building schools in his hometown. In his 70s, Joe renewed his interest in art by taking college level classes in mechanical drawing and watercolor painting, and entering local art shows. His paintings are enjoyed by many family members and will be cherished for years to come. After Marie suffered the rupture of a brain aneurism in July of 1990, Joe became devoted to teaching her to speak, read, and care for herself again. Together they lovingly worked on her rehabilitation often using cooking, card games and gardening as therapy. Marie and Joe moved to their new home in Sylvania in 1999 and to the Kingston Residence in 2007, where they resided together until her final illness and death in October 2009. Visitation will be on Friday, March 26, 2010, from 11 AM to 1 PM, at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, west of Corey Rd., Toledo, OH 43623, with a memorial celebration officiated by Ed Bellner of CedarCreek Church at 1 PM. Interment will be private. Joes family would like to thank the caring and loving professionals of Kingston Residence of Sylvania. Friends and family wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the CedarCreek Church Beyond Our Walls Fund. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com