Joseph V. DiFiore

Joseph passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, after experiencing a series of small strokes. He was active and vibrant up until just weeks before his passing. He leaves behind four children, Donna (Jim Jenkins) Pfeil; Benjamin (Anita) DiFiore; Pam (Patrick) Shank; and Joe (Robin) DiFiore.

Joseph was born on April 4, 1925, to immigrant parents of Sicilian descent. He lived most of his life in Cleveland, Ohio, growing up in the city's vibrant "Little Italy" neighborhood. After his father's passing, young Joe helped support his family by modeling for the May Company and delivering newspapers.

At just 18 years old, Joe joined the US. Navy, where he earned his GED and served as a Gunner's Mate aboard LST-452 in the Pacific during World War II. From July 1943 to December 1945, he bravely took part in multiple invasions, earning a Navy Unit Commendation for his outstanding meritorious service against enemy aircraft, submarines, and shore batteries across nine operations.

Upon returning home, Joe pursued a career as an electrician. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Joanne Rossi. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children. The couple shared nearly 70 years of marriage before Joanne's passing on August 3, 2020. In 2021, Joe relocated to Ft. Myers, Florida to be closer to his daughter, Donna.

A true sports enthusiast, Joe was always an avid golfer and bowler, maintaining a 179-bowling average well into his 90s. He even held one of the highest-scoring games in his senior bowling league in Ohio. A devoted fan of Cleveland's sports teams-the Cavaliers, Guardians, and Browns-Joe's passion for the game never waned. In addition to sports, he enjoyed poker, bingo, dancing, TV, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, Jenga, painting, and drawing. Over the years, he hand-crafted numerous Disney characters and wooden ornaments for his children and grandchildren. He also maintained a thriving garden for many years.

Joe's competitive spirit showed through in games like poker, horseshoes, bocce ball, pool, and corn-hole-where he often outplayed younger challengers. He enjoyed many activities with his friends at the senior community where he resided in Florida.

A devout Catholic, Joe was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the United States LST Association.

His secret to longevity? He stayed active and indulged in life's simple pleasures-beer, wine, coffee, chocolate, and ice cream! He stayed healthy, with only minimal hospital visits and no major surgeries. At 100 years old, he was still able to walk with ease.

Joe was blessed with a large and loving family, including many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousin. In honor of his 100th birthday, many of his relatives traveled from across the country to Florida to celebrate his birthday on April 4, 2025.

Joe will be missed by his 8 grandchildren: Robert (April) Pfeil, Will (Melissa) Pfeil, Meghan (Janusz) Fido, Erin (Raymond) Martell, Adam (Kyra) Shank, Danielle (Dan) Beachler, Stephanie (Tony) Sagaria, and Cherisa Csinscak, and his 14 great grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne; parents, Beniamino and Michelina; brother, Vincent; sister, Agnes; and his beloved dog Bella. He is survived by his brother Albert, who is now 95 and still resides in Cleveland.

A Celebration of Life will be held at THE ORLANDO-DONSANTE-PREVITE FUNERAL HOME 29550 EUCLID AVE., WICKLIFFE, ON THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph DiFiore will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 29850 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe. The inurnment for Joe and Joanne will follow the mass at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's memory to the Cleveland APL 1729 Willey Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113 or to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.orlandodonsanteprevitefh.com.

We celebrate over a century of love, laughter, and cherished memories! "Fly me to the Moon!"