Joseph J. Zakelj

Joseph Zakelj, age 58, passed away around Noon on Sunday, October 2, 2011, at Cleveland Clinic, from metastatic pancreatic cancer. This was a sudden diagnosis, and his wife and children, who were “his whole world,” were constantly at his bedside during his heroic 7 day battle. Devastated by his death, yet in trustful surrender to Divine Providence, are his beloved wife of 33 years (married Sept ember 2, 1978) Apolonia (nee Kosir), daughters Michelle Teresa (Matt Plecnik), Antonia Marie, Anne Cecilia (Matt Muller), and son John Joseph. He is sadly missed by siblings John and Tony with their families, and Dr. Mary: as well as all his relatives in Canada and Slovenia.

He was born on March 4, 1953 and is preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Cecilia. Joe graduated from St. Vitus Elementary School, St. Ignatius High School ’71, and graduated with a Masters in Mathematics from John Carroll University and a Masters in Computer Science from Ohio State University. He worked at TRW for many years and recently at Renner Otto and Associates.

Joe was a member of the parent board of St. Vitus Slovenia School. He was the director of Camp Pristava with his family for many years. He was active in the parish life at St. Vitus. He was a great sportsman, playing many pickup basketball games at the Kovacic Rec Center in his youth, and recently volleyball at Pristava and LNSP. He also ran cross country for JCU; and was an avid runner all his life. He was a passionate outdoorsman and took several trips to the Rockies with his family. He loved reading and gardening to relax. He was a dedicated husband and father. He treasured his friendships, especially the Tenreb guys.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday October 7, 2011 at St. Vitus Church 6019 Lausche Ave. Cleveland 44103. Interment All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends at THE DAN COSIC FUNERAL HOME 28890 CHARDON RD. (BETWEEN BISHOP RD. AND RT. 91) WILLOUGHBY HILLS THURSDAY 2:00 to 8:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Vitus Village/Church would be appreciated. Thank you for your prayers.
“Family is everything.” ~ Joe