Joseph Gutoskey

Joseph Gutoskey, 92, died peacefully Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at his Wickliffe home surrounded by his family. Born March 24, 1923, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of Joseph and Rose Gutoskey. On February 23, 1946, he married the love of his life Emma (Debevec) Gutoskey who survives.

Joe graduated from West Technical High School in 1941 as a trained electrician. He maintained his electrician’s license all his life. He later attended Fenn College where he studied electrical engineering. Upon graduation from West Tech, he began a long career at TAPCO/TRW. In the 1960’s he consulted on a potential contract with NASA at Cape Canaveral and supervised the construction of an aircraft parts plant in California. He retired in 1988 as Superintendent of Maintenance and immediately returned to TRW as a consultant. He continued in a similar role for TRW’s successors at the Euclid Ave. facility, retiring a second time in 2013 at the age of 90.

Joe experimented with amateur radio while still a young boy and in 1948 earned his license and call letters of W8DOE. Amateur radio was his lifelong hobby and he continued upgrading his license, achieving Extra Class in 2000. He greatly enjoyed talking to people all over the world, building his own equipment, and forming lasting friendships with those who shared his interests. His second hobby was the button box accordion. He and his wife Emma played with Joe Kusar’s Gang and often performed at nursing homes as well as many Cleveland area Slovenian polka events.

In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his children Diane (Alan) Novish, Joanne (Stephen) Guertin, James (Linda) Gutoskey, Thomas Gutoskey, Joseph (Janet) Gutoskey, Donna Gutoskey, and John (Peter Sparling) Gutoskey; grandchildren Genevieve Guertin, Adam Novish, Elizabeth (Brad) Moehringer, Christopher Gutoskey, and Alex Gutoskey; step-grandchildren Nicole Raboteau, Sean Raboteau and Danielle Raboteau; step-great-grandchildren Landon and Brianna; sisters Alice (Clyde) Livingston, Louise (Leo) Martynowski, Carol Ann Roby; brother James (Anita) Gutoskey, sister-in-law Therese (Tony) Iskra, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by son Robert Gutoskey and sisters Mary Zuber, Florence Andrews, Helen Scott, and Patricia Backo.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve 17876 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, OH 44110.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 A.M. Monday, February 29, 2016 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Wickliffe, OH, followed by burial at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, OH. Family will receive friends at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME 28890 CHARDON RD. (BETWEEN BISHOP RD AND RT. 91) WILLOUGHBY HILLS SUNDAY 2-6 P.M.