Joseph
A. LoConti, born: 2/27/1931, died: 4/5/2026, Age: 95 - Wiloughby Hills, OH
(retired in Boca Raton, FL)
Joseph
A. LoConti, born: 2/27/1931, died: 4/5/2026, Age: 95 - Wiloughby Hills, OH
(retired in Boca Raton, FL)
Joseph A. LoConti
February 27, 1931 — April 5, 2026
JOSEPH
A. LOCONTI age 95, beloved husband for 74 years of Arlene (nee Koporc); loving
father of Joseph E. (wife Lois), Karen LoConti-Diaz (Patrick Pancaldo), and the
late Dennis; devoted grandfather of Scott Banner and Mary (husband Jim Klave),
Rick Diaz (wife Blandine deceased), Natalie Ghislandi (husband Carlos), Dennis
(wife Sara), Christina Klenck (husband Ryan), Annemarie Farhat (husband Paul),
and Jeannine O’Brien (husband Sean); great-grandfather of 16 and great-great
grandfather of 9; cherished son of the late John and Philomena (nee Albondante)
LoConti; dearest brother of the late Andrew, Nicholas, and Henry; dear
brother-in-law of Edwin, Richard, and the late Ronald Koporc; dear uncle,
great-uncle, great-great-uncle, and friend of many.
Joe was a man of vision, integrity, and relentless creativity whose life was
defined by devotion to family, entrepreneurship, and innovation. A proud
graduate of John Hay High School, he distinguished himself early as a state
champion wrestler, demonstrating the determination and discipline that would
guide him throughout his life. He attended Fenn College where he majored in
business and real estate.
Joe worked in his family’s beverage business, at a young age, where he learned
firsthand the value of hard work and perseverance. From those beginnings, he
built an extraordinary entrepreneurial career. Over the years he ventured into
the sandwich industry, the pre-cooked food business, and was a food broker
across seven states serving schools and institutions. As a true visionary, he
understood the need for nutrition on a budget and used government commodities to
develop different food items that fed thousands of children daily. He was the
creator of the original fruit cup, the man behind the cheese and pepperoni
school pizza and the peanut butter and jelly bar. And his famous
vitamin-enriched “Super Donut,” was such a hit that kids and adults still rush
to grab the convenient, delicious, healthy treat.
Throughout his life, Joe was always interested in new ventures and breaking the
mold. He shared a particularly strong bond with his older brother Henry and with
his help, collaborated in several businesses, most notably, The Cleveland Agora.
Throughout their lives, they built lifelong memories grounded in trust, loyalty,
and mutual respect that led to iconic community contributions.
At the center of Joe’s life was his beloved wife, Arlene, with whom he shared an
extraordinary 74 year marriage. Their union was built on devotion, a deep
admiration for one another, and an unwavering commitment to putting family
first. Together they created a life rich with love, adventure, and travel,
building a family and a legacy that remained Joe’s greatest pride. They were
always planning family activities, which often included their children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which fortified the roots of their bond
and shaped the meaning of “family” for generations to come. Their generous
nature allowed the family they cherished to learn, prosper, and flourish. With
his encouragement, his children Dennis, Joseph, and Karen paved their own way in
the business world.
Above all else, Joe was unselfish and compassionate. The true pillar of his
family—steadfast and dedicated. He was a generous and honorable man whose word
was his bond. Those who knew him admired his integrity, his warmth, and the
unwavering support he gave to the people he loved. Joe’s legacy was his strength
of character and deep devotion to family and friends. A life whose impact will
be felt for generations and whose presence will be truly missed.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Joseph to Western
Reserve Hospice HERE and St. Jude’s Hospital HERE.
Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at St. Noel Catholic Church
35200 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 at 11 AM. Entombment following at
All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate
the life of Joe at DEJOHN FUNERAL HOMES & CELEBRATIONS CENTER, 12811 CHILLICOTHE
ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) MONDAY 4-8 PM.
Arrangements by DeJohn Funeral Home and Crematory.
To order memorial trees in memory of Joseph A. LoConti, please visit our tree
store.
Joseph A. LoConti Obituary April 5, 2026 - DeJohn Funeral Homes & Crematory