Joseph P. Pedro

Joseph P. Pedro (age 84), died Friday November 8, 2019, at Melech Hospice House, Temple Terrace, FL, from Alzeheimer’s Disease and Lung Cancer.

Born January 5, 1935 in Ashtabula, Ohio, Joe was the youngest of 5 children born to Joseph P. Pedro Sr. and Grace (Bartone) Pedro. He was predeceased in death by his wife of 59 years, JoAnn (Caughlan) Pedro in 2017, his brothers Nick Taddeo & Donald Pedro and sisters Phyllis Pugliese and Christina Varckette Mahoney.

After graduating from Ashtabula High School, Joe was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii in intelligence for the US Army, where he saved a female civilian from drowning, in which he was awarded a medal of honor and was recognized in the local Ashtabula newspaper.

Joe married his lifetime love, JoAnn on June 14, 1958 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Ashtabula, OH.

Joe attended Kent State University and received his undergrad degree in Accounting from Gannon College, Erie, PA in 1959.  Joe then received his MBA in 1969 from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Joe was brilliant with numbers and taught accounting over the years at Kent State University, Ashtabula branch.  He worked for several companies during his financial career including Republic Steel, Marquette Metal and Carlon Lamson Sessions, Beachwood, OH, where he was Chief Financial Officer for 13 years.

Joe and family lived in North Ridgeville, OH for 20 years, where he was very active in St. Peter’s Catholic church.

The family then relocated to Wooster, OH for Joe’s position as Chief Financial Officer with Wayne Dalton. Joe was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wooster, OH.

Joe and JoAnn then moved back to their hometown of Ashtabula, OH for retirement. Joe was pulled out of retirement by Ashtabula County, where he served as the Ashtabula County Commissioner for 10 years. He and JoAnn were members of Our Lady of Peace (Mt. Carmel) where they volunteered their time at the Adoration Chapel every Tuesday from 1-2 pm.

Upon formally retiring, Joe moved to Largo, FL with JoAnn to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Joe was a devoted husband, father, brother and “Papa.” His work ethic was admired by all his co-workers and family.  Joe started working on the railroad with his father Joseph P. Pedro Sr. when he was just 14 years old.  He was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles and word search, enjoyed watching college level pro basketball & football, spending time with his family & enjoyed homemade meals – made by his wife and son Joe.

Joe is survived by his 3 children, Jenny Ball, Joe Pedro (Jeff Ritter), Julie Chapdelaine and son-in-law David Chapdelaine. Joe was extremely proud of his 5 grandchildren Daniel Joseph Ball, Connor T. Ball, Sydney Grace Ball, Sophia E. Chapdelaine and Nolan David Chapdelaine.

Visitation will be on Friday November 15, 2019 from 6-8 pm at Guerrerio Funeral Home at 1550 West 19th Street, Ashtabula, OH. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday November 16, 2019 at 9:30 am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 1200 E. 21st St., Ashtabula, OH and burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Guest Book and Condolences can be made at guerreriofuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph P. Pedro, please visit our floral store.