Joseph Lipovits

Born in Bősárkány, Hungary, to parents Sándor Lipovits and Rozália (nee Ádám), Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and six elder siblings, Eti, Imre, Sanyi, Laci, Rozika, and Mariska. Raised in Hungary, Joseph did well in school, worked hard and learned the ‘Old World’ craftsmanship of making custom cabinets, doors and windows. His special talents were immediately recognized by others in his family. Once grown, Joseph was drafted into the Hungarian military which would profoundly change his life's direction.

Immigrating from Hungary as a “1956'er”, Joseph arrived in the United States at the age of 21. He came alone, penniless and with nothing tangible except the clothes on his back. But inside his heart he brought immense courage, bravery, and determination. And with that, a dream and drive to do and be so much more. In 1958 at a Hungarian church Harvest Dance, Joseph met the love of his life, his dear Margaret (Manci.) Joseph married Manci in June of 1959 at St. Emeric Catholic Church in Cleveland, Ohio. From that moment on, and through 65 years, they were together until Joseph took his last breath.

While learning English and simultaneously growing a family of 4 children, Joseph pursued tradesman certifications. He obtained his Carpenter's Apprenticeship from Max Hayes Vocational School in Cleveland, Ohio, and then became a member of the Carpenters Union. Together with his wife, Joe started more than one successful custom home-building and development business spanning almost 60 years up to present day. His homes, including his own, are both well-recognized and have an excellent reputation for being some of the best built homes in the area.

In 1968, Joseph also discovered that flying small planes would become a new passion of his. After one flight with a friend, he studied and pursued his private pilot's license. He became an avid flier, taking to the air most Saturday mornings for decades. A long time member of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), Joseph donated over 500 'Young Eagles' flight missions in his own plane to introduce children to the world of Aviation. He was excited to share his 'bug' with them. Joseph's flight knowledge, in combination with his gentle spirit, left countless children with wide eyes and giant smiles, impacting many for years to come. In his leisure time, Joseph would take to the air with family members for vacations in Canada and Chautauqua, New York along with trips to Oshkosh, WI meeting others who had his same passion. He was an accomplished and well respected pilot who finished his great flying career at the age of 83.

Joseph believed greatly that his strong faith in God was at the core of all of his lifelong blessings. It led him safely through a war, a trip to America, to his wonderful wife, his family, career, and it protected him and those he loved all the days of his life. Joseph was blessed with the opportunity to take several trips around the globe by land, sea, and air with family and friends including returning to his native Hungary. Joseph was both a longtime contributing member of St. Bartholomew Church in Middleburg Hts., Ohio and St. Emeric Catholic Church in Cleveland, Ohio. His continued kindness and generosity has been spread throughout the two religious communities.

Joseph had many great qualities that made him a special person to all who loved or knew him. It was in his framework to do everything well. From his home-building craftsmanship and land development expertise to his love for building, flying, singing and dancing. He had incredible common sense perfectly coupled with wisdom. He had a wonderful welcoming smile that would light up every room or photo. He really enjoyed entertaining friends and neighbors in a way that always made them feel at home. Above all other qualities, it was Joseph's love for his family that could not be measured. His focus and commitment was to always protect and provide for them; to teach them and always ensure that they were safe. Joseph Lipovits leaves a legacy of integrity, strong virtues, and faith that can be easily seen in his family and will be carried on forever.

Joseph is survived by and greatly missed by his beloved wife of 64 years, Margaret (Manci, nee Rozsa), his proud and thankful children, Joe (Karen) Lipovits, Tom Lipovits, Paul (Gina) Lipovits, and Rosalee (Scott) Hetzel. Grateful grandchildren Nicole (Rick) Lang, Brian (Reilly) Lipovits, Mark Lipovits, Holly Lipovits, Paul Lipovits, Jr., Gabrielle Lipovits; precious great-granddaughter Amelia Rose Lang; brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews in both the United States and Hungary, along with countless friends, and many industry related business partners who carry the greatest respect and admiration for him.

A Funeral Mass for Joseph will be held Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Emeric Catholic Church, 1860 West 22nd Street, Cleveland, OH 44113. A gathering will be held to share memories directly following Mass in the St. Emeric Church Hall.

Matthew 25:21 NIV - “His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Isten veled, Jόska.

God be with you, Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Emeric Catholic Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.craciunfuneralhome.com for the Lipovits family.