Joseph D. Chiarappa

Joseph D. Chiarappa, "Papa Joe" "Pop" and “Grandpa”, 90 of Cuyahoga Falls, beloved husband to Maria of 66 years passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on May 4th, 2022. Joseph was born on May 12th, 1931, in Conversano, Italy. He married the love of his life Maria in 1955.

Joe wanting to improve his life immigrated to the United States in 1961 from Foggia, Italy with his wife, Maria, and young son, Sam. As an Italian American, he built a life from scratch and had another son, Steve in 1966. Joe was a focused and determined hard worker providing for his family upon arrival by working construction, concrete, making pizza’s and landscaping. After a few years and persistence, he was hired at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. from which he retired after almost 30 years of service. He spent the remainder of his life enjoying every minute of it. He was an avid outdoors man who loved hunting and fishing along with traveling as often as he could. Joe never passed up the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors or get out of the house. If he wasn't hunting, fishing, or traveling, he could be found scrapping HVAC units at his son Sam’s shop. Joe loved life, family, and people as he was not afraid to make new friends and invite them over for a home cooked meal or cup of coffee. His friendly smile and handshake were irresistible by all that met him. He loved passing down the traditions of values to his immediate family, including making homemade wine and tomato sauce as this was the utmost importance to him. He loved cracking jokes and telling stories, he always found a way to make everyone laugh. Joe even managed to make everyone laugh all the way up until his last moments. Joe lived a carefree life and would always say, “Don’t worry, be happy”. Joe was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Le Redici, and MSC Conversanese Club.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother and father, Fonte and Saverio Chiarappa of Conversano, Italy; brother, Frank Chiarappa; sisters, Maria, Bologna, Caterina, and Filomena. Joe is survived by his wife, Maria; his sons, Sam (Debbie) and Steven (Angela); five grandchildren, Philip (Rachel), Michael (Kristen), Joseph (Alexandra), Dominic and Lorenza; five great-grandchildren Virginia, Saverio, Delilah, Collins and Jax. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Louise; nephew, Sam Chiarappa (Judy Lightfritz), and niece, Mary Bacic (John) and several relatives in Italy.

Calling hours 4-7p.m. Monday at Ciriello and Carr Funeral Home in Cuyahoga Falls. Mass of Christian Burial 10a.m. Tuesday May 10th at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery

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