Joseph R. Staff

Joseph R. Staff, age 92, of Mentor, Ohio, passed away on September 8, 2025, at his daughter’s home, surrounded by love. Born on March 19, 1933, in Aultman, Pennsylvania, Joe was the son of the late Frank and Grace (Maloney) Staff. He proudly served in the United States Army from March 1953 to March 1961. Joe had a lifelong passion for music and was an accomplished trumpet player. Along with his brothers, he played big band music for his hometown community and beyond. One of his proudest musical moments was performing at Cleveland’s historic Aragon Ballroom — one of the last great big band dance halls in the region — where his music brought joy to countless dancers. Wherever life took him, his trumpet was never far behind. He was a storyteller, a dreamer, and a man of remarkable memory. Among his favorite stories were those of his time working at NASCAR events in Indiana, helping during the Chitwood stunt shows, or attending the Golden Gloves boxing matches — all told with a glimmer of excitement and humor in his voice. He also found quiet joy in the restoration of historic automobiles, a pastime that reflected his deep appreciation for the beauty and craftsmanship of bygone eras. Joe retired from Aexcel Corporation, where he worked for 25 years as a supervisor in industrial paint manufacturing. He carried the formulas for pigments and resins entirely in his memory, a gift that made him a respected and trusted figure among his peers. He was preceded in death by his wife, Angela (Ramona) Staff of Mentor, OH, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage. After her passing, he spent more than two decades in the devoted company of his companion, Patricia Cataldi of Worthington, PA. Her care and presence, along with that of her family, brought comfort, joy, and companionship to his later years. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Mary Boden, Frances Mingin, Lena Smatana, Margaret Kolish, Loretta Fancella, Pete Staff, Frank Staff, Anthony (Tony) E. Staff, and two infant brothers. Joe is survived by his daughter, Laura (Michael) Stewart; sons, Michael (Joyce) Staff and Joseph (Cindy) Staff, all of Mentor, OH; and stepchildren Frank (Lori) Slodic, Sue (Kerry) O’Neill, and Kevin (Kathy) Slodic. He is also survived by his siblings Jean Cowan of Ocala, FL, Vince (Barb) Staff of New Alexandria, PA, and Virginia Gordish of Homer City, PA. Preceded in death by brother-in-law, Ted Gordish of Homer City, PA. Joe also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom will lovingly carry forward his memory. His final days were filled with warmth, meaningful conversation, and the steady presence of family. As a father, he inspired strength, and as a man, he was humble, witty, and unwavering. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 8560 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Interment will be in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made in care of the family or to the Alzheimer’s Association, online at www.alz.org/cleveland; to support dementia research and caregiver support. Condolences can be shared at http://www.brunners.com.

Joseph R. Staff

March 19, 1933 - September 8, 2025