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BORN
1927
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Rager Obituary
He was born June 20, 1927, to Guiseppe Ragazzo and Mary (nee DiGiovanni).
He was the loving and devoted husband of 57 years to Joan; loving father of Jeff (Kim), Dina (Andy) and Maria (Jim); grandfather of Joe, Domenic and Michael Ragazzo, Joe, Nick and Gia Cannavino, and Jamie, Vince and Jolie Austin; brother of Vera Curilovic; uncle to many; and friend to thousands.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Willie Rager, Guy Rager and Frances Parise; brothers-in-law, Mark Curilovic and Sam Parise; and sisters-in-law, Stephanie Rager and Terry Rager.
Joe was born in Cleveland, in the Murray Hill neighborhood, but moved to Collinwood while still a baby. He attended Brett School and graduated from Collinwood High School in 1946.
In 1951, he met the love of his life, Joan Blake, known as Joni. They married Oct. 9, 1954. With a marriage that one could only dream of, they remained as devoted and in love as the first day they met, 57 years ago.
Joe worked several jobs before becoming a hairdresser and opening Joseph and Anthony Salon in Euclid with partner Tony DelRe, and later opening a second salon in Mentor. They stayed in business about 20 years before closing the doors. Later, Joe worked at Sears in Mentor for about 20 years and eventually retired from Cuyahoga County Weights and Measures in 1999.
Joe will be best remembered for his quick wit and outgoing personality. He had a heart of gold and would literally give you the shirt off his back. Besides his family, Joe most enjoyed the game of golf. He loved every aspect of it and continued to play until his illness forced him to stop. Even in his late 70s, Joe still had a single-digit handicap.
Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at The DiCicco and Sons Funeral Home, 5975 Mayfield Road (at Lander Road). Mayfield Heights.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 19, at Holy Redeemer Church, 15712 Kipling Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110. The Rev. Martin F. Polito will officiate.
Joe will be missed terribly by all who knew him. The world is truly a sadder place. Joe's parents, brothers, and sisters are waiting in heaven with open arms. Godspeed.
Online tribute and condolences www.diciccoandsonsfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Rager
Phyllis Cellini
May 21, 2011
Dear Rager Family: Our deepest sympathy, Joe was a wonderful person and will be remembered warmly. The Cellini Family (Atlanta, GA)
William Mcneff
May 20, 2011
Dear Rager Family, He was a good friend and great golfer. He will always be in our hearts. Worked with Joe for several years. Gerry and Bill
Mike & Corky Ranallo
May 19, 2011
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Rager family for the loss of Joe.
His earthly presence may be gone but the cherished memories of his life, and accomplishments, will remain with you, and us, forever.
In addition to his love of his family, he was a great playmate, classmate, teammate and log-time friend.
He, with his ever present smile, will be missed by all.
John and Janet Corello
May 19, 2011
Joan,Jeff,Dina,Maria,and Families,
Joe was such a great guy and a pleasure to be around. I'll remember his great smile.
We're praying for friends to comfort you and great memories to carry you through this difficult time.
Alexis Corrado
May 19, 2011
My deepest sympathy to all the Rager family. Know that his legacy will continue and his love is forever. May God Bless all of you and you are in my prayers.
May 19, 2011
Our sincerest condolences to the Rager/Ragazzo family. Remember the good times, and hold those memories close to your hearts, and he will always be with you.
Lisa Dane, Tim and Sara Kienzl
May 18, 2011
Our deepest and sincere sympathy......Verna and Gerard DeLauer
Doris Gorgas
May 18, 2011
Dear Dina and Maria: Please accept my personal condolences upon the death of your father, Joseph Rager. Give my thoughts and prayers to your family, also. May the Lord be with you during this difficult time.
Doris Gorgas
May 18, 2011
To The Rager Family,
I would like to express my deepest sympathies on the passing of my Classmate, team-mate and friend. Joe and I teamed-up 69 years ago in the eighth grade and have been friends ever since. Joe was the toughest kid pound for pound to ever come out of the Collinwood neighborhood and a superb athlete as well as a scholar and musician. I will never forget Joe and may my friend RIP. Zarko Valencic
May 18, 2011
To you all - especially Mrs. Rager, the Austin and Cannavino families... there are no words that can diminish the pain of loss. Only God, and time, can heal your hearts. We will keep you all in our prayers. With Love and Sympathy, The Bowles Family (David, Diane, Danielle & Emmi)
Charles Day
May 18, 2011
Jeff,
Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your father. I remember playing golf with him in Myrtle Beach, years ago. He always encouraged me when I was playing badly. What a smooth swing he had.
Chuckie Day
May 18, 2011
Dina, kids and Rager family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. My heart breaks for the sorrow you are all feeling and only the passing of time helps you heal. You are all truly in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Angela Calabrese-Ianiro
Maryanne Battistone
May 18, 2011
Dear Dina & Familly: I am sorry for you loss, you and your family are in my prayers.
May 17, 2011
Maria and family so sorry to here about your father.Toni Gabriele(Longstreet)
May 17, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Rager family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bernadette Minardo Wilson, Tiffin, Ohio
Richard Wettrick
May 17, 2011
My condolences to the entire family on your loss
Patti Lorenzo
May 17, 2011
Sincerest condolences.
Patti Lorenzo (daughter of Tony and Marion Lorenzo)
Steve&Gail DeSantis
May 17, 2011
Jeff,Kim and family, Our condolences on the loss of your father.
Jack & Ginger Cirino
May 17, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Debbie Baughman
May 17, 2011
To the Family: I know your heart is breaking right now, you now have a guardian angel watching over you. He was such a great man and will be missed by many. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Debbie and Robbie Baughman
May 17, 2011
Condolences to the Rager family on the loss of Joe.
Mike Hamila and family
Phoenix, AZ
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DiCicco & Sons Funeral Homes - Mayfield Heights5975 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44124
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