Joseph A. Dugan

Joseph A. Dugan, Age 65, of North Olmsted, Ohio passed away on December 20, 2025 after losing his hard fought battle with cancer. Beloved son of James F. and Mary Ann (nee Cachat), both of whom preceded him in death. Joe is survived by his sister Anne Marie Settonni (Frank), brother Richard (Helen), sisters Loretta Seeholzer (Ken – Deceased) and Mary Bridget Duray (Steve) and brother Patrick (Dana), and 15 nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved. Joe was preceded in death by his eldest brother James F. III (Survived by his wife, Pam)
Joe was born on January 20, 1960. He was the third of seven adopted children in the Dugan household. He was educated at Lakewood Saint Edward High School, graduating in 1978, and soon after took his first post high school job at National City Bank in Downtown Cleveland, in vault of the then-new National City Bank Building. In those early years, he gained the nickname "Scoop," not for seeking attention, but for noticing what others passed by-through photography and his quiet contributions to the bank's newsletter. He had an eye for moments, and a patience for watching rather than leading.
In time, Joe's working life carried him through a variety of enterprises. He worked at PIP Printing, delivered for Pepperidge Farm, ran the warehouse for J.D. Byrider, and later spent many years managing the warehouse at Federated Auto Parts. These were not celebrated posts, yet they were necessary ones, and Joe held them with seriousness, even when they weighed upon him. Near the later part of his years, he drove a school bus for the Berea City School System where he grew attached to the children ids he transported regularly an really enjoyed the opportunity to drive them to and from school.
Family mattered to Joe, even when it was complicated. Like all families, he experienced loss over the years. Through everything though, Joe remained a steady part of the family's rhythm.
For countless years, it was Joe who opened his doors when holidays came. His home became the gathering place-not only at Christmas, but at Thanksgiving, Easter, and many days that quietly became traditions. It was not about display or ceremony-except perhaps at Christmas. Then, with his brother-in-law Ken, Joe made a ritual of it: The tree raised, the house and yard bedecked with reliable seasonal flare, year after year and without fanfare, he made sure there was a place for all of us.
Joe never married. He lived independently and on his own terms and loved his dogs. He wasn't always expressive, but if you paid attention, you knew he cared. He didn't need much. He never chased status or things. Simple worked for him.
Joe loved trains. He worked for a time at a hobby shop in Parma, where he fell deeply into the world of HO gauge model trains. His attraction for this rail-centric hobby was also fostered early on by his uncle, Jack Cachat, who had an incredibly detailed N-gauge train layout in his basement. Trains were just part of Joe-something steady, familiar, and comforting, perhaps contributing to his love of travel as well, especially by train. Additionally, Joe loved music, being particularly drawn to the music of REM and Verve Pipe!
For a while, Joe collected Joe Camel memorabilia. It wasn't a lifelong thing, but it's something our family still smiles about when we think of him. It was very Joe. Later, after heart surgery, he left smoking behind and did not return to it.
Perhaps the deepest mark Joe left in this world and on others was not one easily seen. Much of his life was given to helping those who struggled with addiction, specifically alcohol. He didn't lecture. He didn't preach, although, at times and if called for, he could be brutally honest. He showed up. He listened. He understood the terrain in a deeply personal way, and because of that, people trusted him. His involvement will be sorely missed among those he helped navigate those challenges.
Joe lived simply, but his life had weight. He mattered-to his family, to his friends, and to people whose names we may never know, yet whose days were steadier because he had been there.
He is remembered with love. His passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
And now, his road has turned beyond our sight. May he be at peace.
FUNERAL SERVICES FRIDAY, MARCH 13th AT THE McGORRAY-HANNA FUNERAL OME OF WESTLAKE, 25620 Center Ridge Road (West of Columbia Rd.) at 6:30 PM. VISITATION FRIDAY AT FUNERAL HOME 3 PM UNTIL TIME OF SERVICES AT 6:30 PM.