He was born in Cleveland, the son of the late Vincent Frank and Eleanore (nee Carrabba) Polito. Beloved spouse of 27 years to Jeannie Hollenbeck; loving father of Christine (Christopher) Spada; father figure to Jeff and Sarah (Shawn), dear brother of Fr. Martin Polito, Vincent (Maria), Charles (Phyllis) and Lucia Polito; loving Pop Pop of Emma and Elizabeth and cherished Uncle to his nieces and nephew. Loving companion to Bella, Graycee, Miss Tommy, Cleo and Zeus.
Raised a devout catholic, he attended St. Robert's Grade School and graduated from St. Joseph's High School. His career in the newspaper business began in 1963 while attending high school, working full time at the Cleveland Press, where he became the youngest supervisor and was promoted to Advertising Manager, Promotion Director and then Director of Community Relations and Public Service. He then joined Sun Media Group in 1982, later known as Sun Newspapers, starting as Retail Advertising Manager and quickly becoming the DIrector of Sales and Marketing. In 1987 he was promoted to Vice President and General Manager of the Town & Country Trader Publications until 1991 when he was hired by the Diocese of Cleveland as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of The Catholic Universe Bulletin Publishing Company, Inc. He had many accomplishments while there and retired in April of 2016 as Chief Executive Officer.
A car enthusiast, Joe's hobby was buying and selling cars. He loved his yellow SSR and showing it at the many area car shows. His love of Motown music led him to singing with Gary Ryan at many local establishments. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed his Thursday night guy's night and the morning bagel boys. He touched the hearts of many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A visitation for Joseph will be held Friday, November 18, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 20820 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Bernadette Church, 2256 Clague Road, Westlake. An interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 10000 Miles Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44105.
One to donate to several charities, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to a charity of one's choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.corrigancraciun.com for the Polito family.
