Robert Joseph

Robert (Bob) James Joseph, age 73, of Columbus, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2019. Bob was born September 5th, 1946 in Columbus, Ohio. He was the center of his family and loved nothing more than spending time eating a meal with his wife, kids and grandchildren. And if you stopped by he would be the first to pull up a chair and include you…he never knew a stranger. He could tell a story better than anyone and would light up a room with his contagious laughter and smile.

His faith meant everything to him. He was a long time member of St. Catharine's Catholic Church, where he and his loving wife Vicki were married on June 22, 1968. Over the years he never wavered in his devotion, he was an altar server as a child, attended Bishop Hartley High School (Class of 1964) and then joined St. Matthew Parish (Gahanna, OH) to raise his family. He lived his life as an example, going to church weekly but more importantly he would help anyone in need by giving someone on the street a ride home, money for a bus ride or food, he would give the shirt off his back. He also volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry every week, picking up and delivering food and making sandwiches.

He was so proud of his five children and eight grandchildren. He was their biggest cheerleader and they were his biggest fan. He loved to attend his grandkid's events. But his favorite pastime was to play cards, especially Canasta, Poker, Euchre with all his friends, kids, and grandkids - sometimes a little too much. He never let someone win so if you beat him you knew you earned it.

He owned Roberto's Pizza on Allegheny Ave., Columbus for over 25 years. He knew his customers by name and would help any of them or his employees whenever he could. It was definitely a family business, his wife and 5 children worked with him and his father made the sauce and rolled out the dough… his mom even made the meatballs.

He always loved a great meal, whether it was at a restaurant, or homemade by his kids using recipes passed down by his mom, always saying, "that was the best you ever made." He also really loved a good deal and could tell you anytime there was a special on steak, gas, or dining out - even down to the daily specials. He loved the Cleveland Browns and the Ohio State Buckeyes, cheering them on with the best and biggest TV you could find. "There is always next year," is something he would say often, but he has always been a loyal fan.

His love of family was always felt wherever he went. He so enjoyed going to his Repasky family reunion in Youngstown, Ohio where he would reminisce and play bocce, and Texas Holdem. He bowled in leagues with his many friends and family members over the years and even won a few championships.

He is survived by his faithful wife of 51 years, Vicki (Lehnert) Joseph and his five devoted children: Kathy (Mike) Bockbrader, Kim (Brian) Marcum, Kerry (Nels) Folkedahl, Kelly (Jason) McNulty and Robert (Gloria) Joseph. He was dedicated to his eight grandchildren; Nicholas (Mary) Marcum, Alex Marcum, Courtney Bockbrader, Dylan Marcum, Caitlyn Bockbrader, Addyson Marcum, Sydney McNulty and Laney McNulty. He was a loving brother to Sylvia (Morris) Jordan, George (Sandra) Joseph and Trisha (d. Bill) Burns, and his closest cousins who were like brothers, Nick (Lynn) Joseph and Jimmy (Debbie) Joseph. He is proceeded in death by his mother and father, George and Mary (Repasky) Joseph. He will be truly missed by all who knew him especially his many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Schoedinger on East Johnstown Rd., Gahanna from 2-4 and 6-8. Services on Wednesday will be at St. Catharine Catholic Church on S. Gould Rd., Columbus, visitation at 10:00 followed by mass at 11:00.

Our family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor and the amazing nurses from Capital City Hospice who took such wonderful care of him.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Capital City Hospice or St. Vincent De Paul Society.