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Joseph A. Kortowich, “Pizza Joe”, age 64 called home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2014; Beloved son of Oscar and Pauline both deceased; Loving brother of Paul and Mary Ann Mariner; Cherished uncle to Nick, Gregg, Todd and Kim Mariner; Great uncle to Brittney, Jordan, Kennedy, Madison, Allison, John, Scott and Jacob;Continue Reading
Joseph A. Kortowich, “Pizza Joe”, age 64 called home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2014; Beloved son of Oscar and Pauline both deceased; Loving brother of Paul and Mary Ann Mariner; Cherished uncle to Nick, Gregg, Todd and Kim Mariner; Great uncle to Brittney, Jordan, Kennedy, Madison, Allison, John, Scott and Jacob; Great-great uncle to Christian and Jaxson; Loving father to Michael (Andreano) Thomas (deceased);
Joe has been in the pizza business since age 16, owning his first store at 21 and for 38 years there were lots of pizzas and many young guys and gals who worked alongside of him. In 2002 Joe and his longtime partner Paul Spidle sold Pizza Joe's and Deli to change direction and started home remodeling which he really enjoyed.
He will be fondly remembered by family and friends, his “sissy” and lifetime loves, Michele and Diane.
The family will receive friends in celebration of Joseph's life at Humenik Funeral Chapel, 14200 Snow Road, on Friday January 17, from 2-4 & 6-9PM where Funeral Services will be held at 7:30PM by Joe's Pastor and friend, Joe Abraham. Morning Prayers will take place at 10:30AM on Saturday. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Visitation Details
Friday, January 17th, 2014, 2:00pm – 4:00pm, Humenik Funeral Chapel
Friday, January 17th, 2014, 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Humenik Funeral Chapel
Service Details
Friday, January 17th, 2014, 7:30pm, Humenik Funeral Chapel
Interment Details
Holy Cross Cemetery
Diane Andreano Glenn
left a message on January 18, 2014:
What d0 I say to man that I loved with all my heart, You helped me raise Michael to be one of the best young man any woman could ask for, I have always loved you deeply sometimes I don't think you even knew how much, We made a few mistakes a long the way, But then again that is what love is all about, Now you and Michael are together again, Please save a place for me in heaven. You and Michael were the true loves of my life, you both will live in my heart forever... Until we meet again I will stay true to my word and keep going and not give in, You told me to put it in gods hands and that is how I am going to live my life, I thank God for bringing you into my life, Now your gone but its only temporary before I see Michael and you again, I will miss hearing your voice as I do Michaels, Just make sure you guys stop to visit me in my dreams, or just send me signs that I know you are around, Love and cherish you always. Diane
Bill Gabriel, Jr
left a message on January 17, 2014:
Dear Paul & Family, My heartfelt condolences to ALL of you on the loss of your Joe. I have fond memories of my working days with OK Cement back in the late 70s/early 80's w/you, your Dad - Oscar and Brother Joe. Those were some good days! I ran into Joe a couple of years ago at Summit Mall in Fairlawn, he was working in the Food Court doing what else - PIZZA. It was good to see him and catch up. He will be missed. "Those whom we love deeply, become a part of us forever". God bless and RIP Joe... Sincerely, Bill Gabriel
Allen Phillips
left a message on January 15, 2014:
In my life I have had many associates, acquaintances, pals, buddy's, people I have known. You were my friend. I love you Joe!
Judy Salamon
left a message on January 14, 2014:
Pizza Joe, God has taken you home to be with your son. Although we will miss you, we all know this is where you want to be. You have been part of my life longer than a lot of my family and most of my friends. Thank you for being such a "presence" in so many lives. You were a character with one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. God Bless you. Mary Ann, you are an walking angel and a great sister! Diane, I know how much you are hurting but rejoice; Joe and Michael are back together! May God Bless you both and give you the strength you will need in the coming days. We miss Joe but he has truly left his mark.
Carla Kelley
left a message on January 14, 2014:
Where do I begin to say Thank you for bringing me to the love of my life Frank Kelley. All of our memories began at your pizza shop. Working for you never felt like work....well we did work but it was always great times and lots of memories were made that can never be forgotten. You were even mentioned at our wedding as "Pizza Joe" and our love story was told and you were the reason!!!! There wasn't a dry eye in the place when our love story was announced. I feel privelaged to have known you and thank you for giving a young teenager a chance at life and the many responsibilities that were to soon follow. May you rest in peace and always know you will never be forgotten. With love today and always Frank and Carla
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Robin Bowlin
left a message on January 13, 2014:
When i walked in your restaurant on July 2 nd 1984, i had know idea that you would become part of my heart. You took one look and said yeah your cute you can serve pizza to the tables and make boxes. And then you quickly put me to work helping me become a good worker. You helped me and Benny get together and for that i am truly greatful. We have three beautiful children and had many great years all because of one little pizza shop, one special guy who gave many a chance in life at there very first job. Some even went on with the passion to open their own pizza shop. You were a great friend and mentor to many and im sure there arent enough thank yous in this lifetime to have told you enough times. You will be missed greatly. Im am so glad to have been apart of your adventure in life.I know with you in heaven it is going to be an even greater adventure. I love you Joe my prayers for your your son and family.
left a message:
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Diane Andreano Glenn
left a message on January 18, 2014:
What d0 I say to man that I loved with all my heart, You helped me raise Michael to be one of the best young man any woman could ask for, I have always loved you deeply sometimes I don't think you even knew how much, We made a few mistakes a long the way, But then again that is what love is all about, Now you and Michael are together again, Please save a place for me in heaven. You and Michael were the true loves of my life, you both will live in my heart forever... Until we meet again I will stay true to my word and keep going and not give in, You told me to put it in gods hands and that is how I am going to live my life, I thank God for bringing you into my life, Now your gone but its only temporary before I see Michael and you again, I will miss hearing your voice as I do Michaels, Just make sure you guys stop to visit me in my dreams, or just send me signs that I know you are around, Love and cherish you always. Diane
Bill Gabriel, Jr
left a message on January 17, 2014:
Dear Paul & Family, My heartfelt condolences to ALL of you on the loss of your Joe. I have fond memories of my working days with OK Cement back in the late 70s/early 80's w/you, your Dad - Oscar and Brother Joe. Those were some good days! I ran into Joe a couple of years ago at Summit Mall in Fairlawn, he was working in the Food Court doing what else - PIZZA. It was good to see him and catch up. He will be missed. "Those whom we love deeply, become a part of us forever". God bless and RIP Joe... Sincerely, Bill Gabriel
Allen Phillips
left a message on January 15, 2014:
In my life I have had many associates, acquaintances, pals, buddy's, people I have known. You were my friend. I love you Joe!
Judy Salamon
left a message on January 14, 2014:
Pizza Joe, God has taken you home to be with your son. Although we will miss you, we all know this is where you want to be. You have been part of my life longer than a lot of my family and most of my friends. Thank you for being such a "presence" in so many lives. You were a character with one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. God Bless you. Mary Ann, you are an walking angel and a great sister! Diane, I know how much you are hurting but rejoice; Joe and Michael are back together! May God Bless you both and give you the strength you will need in the coming days. We miss Joe but he has truly left his mark.
Carla Kelley
left a message on January 14, 2014:
Where do I begin to say Thank you for bringing me to the love of my life Frank Kelley. All of our memories began at your pizza shop. Working for you never felt like work....well we did work but it was always great times and lots of memories were made that can never be forgotten. You were even mentioned at our wedding as "Pizza Joe" and our love story was told and you were the reason!!!! There wasn't a dry eye in the place when our love story was announced. I feel privelaged to have known you and thank you for giving a young teenager a chance at life and the many responsibilities that were to soon follow. May you rest in peace and always know you will never be forgotten. With love today and always Frank and Carla
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Robin Bowlin
left a message on January 13, 2014:
When i walked in your restaurant on July 2 nd 1984, i had know idea that you would become part of my heart. You took one look and said yeah your cute you can serve pizza to the tables and make boxes. And then you quickly put me to work helping me become a good worker. You helped me and Benny get together and for that i am truly greatful. We have three beautiful children and had many great years all because of one little pizza shop, one special guy who gave many a chance in life at there very first job. Some even went on with the passion to open their own pizza shop. You were a great friend and mentor to many and im sure there arent enough thank yous in this lifetime to have told you enough times. You will be missed greatly. Im am so glad to have been apart of your adventure in life.I know with you in heaven it is going to be an even greater adventure. I love you Joe my prayers for your your son and family.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.