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Parish Staff History

- The Parish Community of St. Joseph has always
  been blessed with a wonderful staff and faculty.
  Of course, they are supported by numerous volunteers who share
  their time, talents, and treasures as good Christian stewards.
- Links
  
  Current Staff & Support
  
  Parish History & Links
Deacons
- Deacon Gerry Scopilliti ~ Permanent Deacon , Dec., 2014 - to date
  Deacon Gerelome Scopilliti was ordained in the fall of 2008. He comes to us from St. Ambrose Parish in Garrettsville. He works in the areas of evangelization, youth ministry, and marriage preparation among others. He has three lovely daughters, Amanda, René, and Adrianna, and one grandchild.
- Deacon Gary Keefer ~ Permanent Deacon, Sept. 13, 2008 - Sept., 2012
  Born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania to Ross and Catherine Keefer, Deacon Keefer grew up in the small rural town of Darlington, Pennsylvania (just across the state line from East Palestine, Ohio). He graduated from Northwestern High School in 1967 and attended Duff's Business Institute in Pittsburgh (1967 & 1968). In the mid-1980's he attended classes at Youngstown University. Gary's employment history is quite diverse starting with working on local farms from about the age of thirteen. His first real career job was with Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania (1968-1988). During that time he had his own personal businesses which consisted of a horse training business, a blacksmith business, a sailboat charter service, and a fishing charter boat. In conjunction with these businesses he had the opportunity to work with and instruct people of all ages. In 1999 he shifted gears both figuratively and literally by becoming an owner-operator long haul truck driver, which is what he currently does along with having an excavating/construction business. He and his wife, Cyndi, love to travel and the outdoors enjoying sail and power boating, water and snow skiing, cruising, and camping. Gary also loves to hunt and fish. Deacon Gary was involved with St. Joseph Parish for several years as an RCIA team member, a lector, a Eucharistic minister, choir member, Welcoming Committee, Stewardship Way of Live Committee, Knights of Columbus, as well as various jobs regarding the Ox Roast Fair. In September of 2012, Deacon Gary was reassigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora. He and his wife are now retired and living in Florida and enjoy traveling.
Pastoral Ministers
- Sister Joyce Schreiber, S.N.D. ~
  Pastoral Minister
  Oct. 1, 2010 - to date
  Sr. Joyce grew up on Cleveland's West Side, attending church and school along with her seven brothers and sisters at St. Vincent de Paul Parish on Lorain Avenue. Her mother was of proud Polish descent and her father was Jewish (later Catholic). Her choice of high school, St. Stephen, on the near West Side, brought her into contact with the Sisters of Notre Dame and she subsequently "entered the convent" after graduation. Sister trained to be an elementary school teacher, attending Notre Dame College and graduating from St. John College. She taught grades four through eight in various schools in the Dioceses of Cleveland, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Youngstown. Besides teaching and administration, Sr. Joyce has never been too far from continuing her own education, earning MA degrees from the University of Dayton and Virginia Tech and completing studies in theology for certification in Pastoral Ministry. In between she enjoyed summer studies in English, history and administration at Gonzaga University, the University of Nevada, Reno, Elmira College, New York, and Fordham University, New York. Sr. Joyce made the transition from teaching to parish ministry in 2004, serving as Directory of Religious Education at Assumption Church in Geneva, Ohio, before coming to St. Joseph, Mantua, in 2010. Sister greatly enjoys the people of the parish and the community and environs of Mantua. Along with her ministries at St. Joseph, Sr. Joyce enjoys keeping house in Mantua as well as visiting family, friends, and her own Notre Dame community in Chardon.
- Sister Rose Anne Krantz, C.D.P. ~
  Pastoral Minister
  Sept. 1, 2006 - June 30, 2010
  Born in Dover, Ohio, one of five children, Rose Anne Krantz grew up on a farm outside of Dover. She entered the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1962. Her first years of ministry were spent in the Catholic School System in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania where she worked both as teacher and principal. The next 17 years she ministered in West Virginia as a Pastoral Associate and Religious Ed Director. From 2001 until she came to St. Joseph's September 1, 2006, she served as Co-director of her Community’s Retirement House in Pittsburgh, PA. Sister Rose Anne's professional education includes a Bachelor’s Degree from La Roche College, a Masters in the Arts of Teaching from Duquesne University and extended work at Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati in Family Religious Studies. When not engaged in ministry her passions include quilting, camping, bike riding and hiking. Sister Rose Anne enjoyed working at St. Joseph and meeting the many people who make up the community. As Pastoral Minister she coordinated the RCIA process for adults and instructed a class for those young people who need sacramental preparation. In addition, she developed some much needed ministries and outreach programs for our parish including Bible Study, Bereavement, Homebound & Hospitalized Ministries (her last day in the office was May 27, 2010). In July, 2010, Sr. Rose Anne began in ministry at Immaculate Conception in Ravenna. She currently serves as Pastoral Minister at St. Patrick's in Kent and is in residence in Aurora with Sr. Lu Haidnick, C.D.P. Sister Rose Anne, an avid quilter, who has made a quilt for every Community Oktoberfest, describes herself as compassionate, other-centered, and creative. She also enjoys tent camping and biking.
- Sister Linda Valasik, H.M. ~
  Pastoral Minister, Director of RCIA,
  1989-1992
  Serving as Pastoral Minister at St. Joseph's, Sister Linda earned her bachelor of science in education from St. John College, Cleveland, her master of religious education from Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and her MM (ministry) from Seattle University, Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Lourdes Academy, Cleveland, and entered the HM community from St. Francis de Sales Parish, Parma. She is the daughter of the late Stephen and Catherine (Lukcso) Valasik. Her ministries in the Youngstown Diocese also include teaching for one year at St. Paul, Canton, and serving as Pastoral Minister at St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro. She was a part-time member of the Membership and Affiliation Team for the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, taught in the Portage County Adult Basic Education Program, and was an ABLE and ESL instructor for the Kent City Schools. Currently, Sister Linda is the coordinator for the Religion Division for The Center for Learning, an educational publisher, Villa Maria, PA, and celebrated her golden jubilee May 16, 2009.
- Sister Marilyn Ruflin, H.M. ~
  Pastoral Minister,
  July, 1984-July, 1985
  Serving the parish as Pastoral Minister, Sister Marilyn graduated in 1957 from Canton Central Catholic High School and entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary Congregation from St. Louis Parish, Louisville, Ohio. She earned her BSE at St. John College in Cleveland, a BSA at Siena Heights College in Adrian, Michigan, and did her Master's work at Notre Dame University and St. John College. Sr. Marilyn's many talents, especially her love of art and her deep prayerfulness, enriched her ministries as a teacher, diocesan office director, liturgical consultant and in HM Congregational leadership. She taught elementary grades at St. Cecelia School in Cleveland, 1962-1965, St. Martha School in Akron, 1965-1970, and St. Louis School in Louisville, 1970-1977. From 1977 through 1981 she was the Facilitator of Parish Liturgy at St. Louis and then went on to serve as Pastoral Minister at St. Pius X in Warren (1981-1984). She was an active member of the Liturgical Commission of the Diocese of Youngstown serving from 1977-2002 and again from 2009-2011. During her brief time at St. Joseph's (July, 1984-July, 1985) Sister Marilyn's main responsibilities were RCIA, Liturgy and Environment, and the Adult Education Team. Then she went on to work for the Diocese of Youngstown as Coordinator of RCIA (1985-1987) and Director of Worship (1987-1992). From there she returned to her order, the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, to serve as Director of Pastoral Planning (1992-1993) and on the Leadership Team (1993-2001). Following a year-long sabbatical (2001-2002), Sister became the Director of Worship for Adrian Dominican Sisters in Michigan (2003-2005) and worked with the Spiritual Environment for Humility of Mary Healthcare Partners (2006). due to illness in 2012 Sr. Marilyn returned to her motherhouse in Villa Maria, Pa., where she served in the ministry of faith-filled presence until her death. Sister Marilyn passed away on April 1, 2016 at Villa Maria Community Center.
- Sister Mary Ann Wieseman, O.P. ~
  Pastoral Ministry,
  1982-1984
  Sister Mary Ann was hired to serve as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Mantua, Ohio, serving seven years in the parish. Invited by pastor Fr. Joseph Fata to assume the co-responsibility for preaching, she discovered a natural talent in this area. Besides preaching at St. Joseph's, she also served the parish through Homebound Ministry and & Outreach to the Homebound and Hospitalized as well as serving on the RCIA team. To learn more about Sister Mary Ann, please go to our Women Religious page.
- Sister Mary Chad, H.M.
  (Sister Mary Catherine Blooming) ~
  Pastoral Minister,
  1982-?
  Serving the parish as Pastoral Minister, Sister Mary Chad was originally from Parma, Ohio, and the daughter of the late Thomas M. Blooming and Cornelia (Fodor) Blooming Histen. She received her BA from Notre Dame College, Cleveland, and her M. Ed. in Library Science from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. She has served as a teacher, librarian, director of religious education and pastoral minister in the Cleveland, Greensburg, Pittsburgh and Youngstown dioceses. Her ministries in Youngstown include St. John High School, Youngstown; Central Catholic High School, Canton; St. Benedict Parish, Canton; St. Joseph Parish, Mantua; Holy Spirit Parish, Uniontown; and St. Pius X Parish, Warren. She was a staff member of the House of Prayer in Youngstown and a librarian at Youngstown State University and also served in the diocesan Religious Education Office. Sister Mary Catherine celebrated her Golden Jubilee October 22, 2006 and is currently teaching religion at St. Joseph High School, Natrona Heights, Pa.
- Sister Jean Gillespie, O.P. ~
  Parish Ministry,
  1979-1981
  Need profile; Deceased
Religious Education
- Mrs. Margaret "Peg" Haney ~
  Director of Religious Education
  Sept. 1, 2011 - to date
  Born in Amherst, Ohio, Margaret W. Haney graduated from Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst. She earned her B.A. from Baldwin-Wallace College and Teacher Certification and M.A. from BGSU. Previously Director of Religious Education at St. Mary & St. Joseph Parish in Newton Falls, Peg joined the staff September 1, 2011. Married to Jack, the couple has five children and currently reside in Newton Falls. She brings with her a life of experiences, as an educator, an active church volunteer and most importantly, a parent. Her hobbies include sewing.
- Miss Beth Frank ~
  Director of Religious Education
  August 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011
  (Principal, 1997-2010)
  Our principal from 1997 until its closing in 2010, Beth Frank grew up on a dairy farm in Harrisburg, Ohio, belonged to Sacred Heart of Mary Parish and graduated from Marlington High School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education at Carlow College in Pittsburgh, PA, her Master's Degree in Family Therapy and Theology from the College of Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati, OH, and her Master's Degree in Education Administration at Ursuline College in Cleveland, OH. Prior to coming to St. Joe's, she was a teacher of grades 1-2 for seven years and of Junior High for eighteen years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Parish Director of Religious Education for six years at St. Paul's in North Canton and for two years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora, and the principal of St. Paul's, North Canton for one year. She says that she has been very blessed with a deep passion and concern for the total education of children, especially at the elementary and junior high levels. The theater, dining out, and reading are among her favorite things to do. Family gatherings are always delightful because of numbers and they love to get together for any reason. Single and living in Mantua Village, Miss Frank considered the students of St. Joseph School her children. As of August 1, 2010, Beth became the parish's Director of Religious Education. After forty seven years of combined academic and religious education ministries, Beth retired on June 30, 2011.
  Note: When Beth Frank, our former DRE and school principal, said that she wanted to go back to school now that she was retired, she was referring to attending at the university level as a student. However, as of August 15, 2011, she became the new principal at St. Joseph School in Randolph. As of June 30, 2014, Beth retired after 50 continous years in the educational field. Full retirement was short-lived . . . as of December 1, 2014, Beth was hired as the Program Director of ACE (Advancing Catholic Education) at St. Joseph, Randolph, working three days a week. As of January, 2015, she was rehired as the principal of St. Joseph, Randolph. In 2018, Beth retired, again.
- Mrs. Margaret Ann "Mac" Clapp ~
  Director of Religious Education
  August 1, 2006-June 30, 2010)
  A member of the parish since 1978, Mac Clapp has served St. Joseph's in a variety of ways both as a volunteer and employee. She graduated from Kent Roosevelt and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education from Kent State University. She studied Theology at Ursuline College and earned her Master of Arts in Religious Education from Loyola University in New Orleans. From 1978 through 1985 she coordinated Vacation Bible School and served as Kindergarten Teacher for CCD. She has been a Substitute Teacher for St. Joseph School, Crestwood Schools, Kent City Schools and Kent State University School. She was the Auxiliary Services Tutor for SJS through Crestwood School System (1979-1984), served as CCD Principal (1985-1987), and Director of Religious Education (1987-1991). She was also a member of the RCIA Team, Director of RCIA, and a member of the Liturgy Committee and Parish Council during this time. She then worked as DRE for Blessed Sacrament in Warren (1991-1998). From 1998 to 2003 she was the Director of Religious Education at St. Louis in Louisville. She has served our parish as Ox Roast Fair Booth Chairperson (Elephant Ear Booth) and as a Substitute Teacher for St. Joseph School. She currently serves our parish as a Lector. Mac is married to husband George and works as office manager with her husband's business as well as DRE for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Aurora. The couple resides in Shalersville and have three children, Sarah (who's married to Ryan Work and have four daughters), Annie (with a daughter and a son), and Katie. Mac is working at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora with their Religious Education Program.
- Sister Mary Slick, H.M. ~
  Director of Religious Education
  June 5, 1998-June 30, 2006
  Sister Mary Slick ministered as Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph Parish from 1998 through June, 2006 handling the Parish School of Religion, Vacation Bible School, sacramental preparation and RCIA programs. The daughter of Ellen (Plummer) Slick of Niles, Ohio, Sister Mary entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Ashtabula. Sister Mary has taught in the Cleveland diocese and at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Ashtabula, and St. Stephen, Niles. She also served as DRE for six years at St. Clement Parish, Navarre. A native of Youngstown, Sister Mary graduated from Ursuline High School, and earned her B.S.E. from St. John College, Cleveland. She earned her M.P.S. in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, New Orleans. She celebrated her 25th year of religious life in 2004. She currently works as DRE at St. Camillus Church in New Castle, PA and resides in Hubbard, Ohio.
- Ms. Kathleen Devine ~
  Director of Religious Education
  July, 1993-June, 1998
  Kathleen returned to her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri in June of 1998 to pursue other career possibilities.
  
  Mrs. Dorothy Szczepinski ~
  Volunteer CCD Coordinator
  1991-1993?
  
  Mrs. Margaret Ann "Mac" Clapp
  VBS, CCD K Teacher (1978-1985),
  SJS Substitute Teacher (1978-1979),
  Auxiliary Services Tutor for SJS (1979-1984), CCD Principal (1985-1987), Director of Religious Education (1987-1991), RCIA Team (1987-1991), Director of RCIA (1992?)
- Mrs. Mickee Murphy ~ Director of Religious Education (1979-1987); Principal (1987-1990)
  Serving as the parish's Director of Religious Education (1979-1987) Mickee handled the Catechumenate for Children, Sacramental Preparation Programs, Children's Liturgy of the Word staffing and coordination, CCD Administration (preschool-12), Senior High Confirmation Program, Youth Ministry Program, Adult Education Program and Vacation Bible School. She was also an RCIA Team Member, and a member of the Liturgy Committee and Parish Council. In 1987, Mrs. Murphy became principal of St. Joseph School remaining there until 1990. Her leadership of the school was during a tumultuous and trying time in the parish's history - In 1988, Fr. Joseph Fata was named Pastor of St. Luke Church in Boardman; Fr. John Trimbur was then pastor only a short time (Aug. 3, 1988 - Feb., 1989); while the parish was awaiting the appointment of a new pastor, Fr. Francis Hughes came March - July, 1989 as Pro-Tem Administrator; then Fr. James Fondriest was assigned July 14, 1989. In July, 1990, Mickee accepted the position of Director of Religious Education St. Patrick Church in Kent and then served as Pastoral Minister coordinating the RCIA Program. In 2016, the Pastoral Associate of St. Joan of Arc in Streetsboro and has since retired. She continues to attend and volunteer at St. Joseph's.
- Sister Jenni Skerk, H.M. ~
  Director of Religious Education
  197?-1979?
  Originally from Youngstown, Sister Jenni Skerk (formerly Sister M. Davidica) entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary Congregation in 1956 from St. Francis Parish, Youngstown, and was a 1947 graduate of North High School. The daughter of the late John and Rose (Baleskie) Skerkavich, she received her BSE and M.O.. in Religious Education from St. John College, Cleveland. Sr. Jenni served 59 years in active ministry as a dedicated teacher, pastoral minister, director of religious education, and hospital chaplain. Her ministries in the diocese included St. Joseph Parish, Ashtabula; Mercy Medical Center, Canton; St. Mary School, Conneaut; St. Patrick School, Hubbard; St. Louis Parish, Louisville; St. Joseph Parish, Mantua; and St. Joseph Parish, Suffield. She died March 16, 2017 at Villa Maria Community Center, Villa Maria, Pa, at the age of 87.
Parish Secretaries
- Mrs. Kathi Trares ~
  September 21, 1992-present
  Currently handling the administrative secretary duties of the parish, Kathi grew up in Stow where she graduated from Stow High School completing the Intensive Office Education program. She has worked as a receptionist for H & R Block, Inc. and as a secretary for Stow High School's Athletic Director, Kent's Huntington Bank loan department, Kelly Services, and Lamson & Sessions in Kent. Living in Shalersville Twp. since 1984, she and her husband, George, have three children, Jeff who's an engineer, Fr. James-Peter a Dominican priest, and daughter Wendy (Ralph) Harner who's married and has two sons, Gabriel and Liam. She serves as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteers for St. Joseph Parish activities and is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts. Kathi also enjoys gardening, hiking, trail building, genealogy, photography, traveling, and spending time with family.
- Mrs. Cindy Clark ~
  February 1, 2016-present
  Handling our parish bookkeeping responsibilities as Business Officer Manager, Cindy was born and grew up in the "Old Brooklyn" area on the west side of Cleveland. She is a graduate of the first class of Erieview High School (formerly St. Peter's) in downtown Cleveland and is a licensed cosmetologist. Previous employments include a hair dresser for many funeral homes, Funeral Director's Assistant at Tomon & Sons Funeral Home and Johnson Romito Funeral Home, Family Services Counselor at Crown Hill Cemetery, Secretary/Dental Assistant at Dr. Betzholds, D.D.S. (Aurora), and Secretary/Receptionist at the Chiropractic Clinic of Solon. Married to husband, Ron, in September of 1975, the couple have three adult children, Stephen (Tamra), M. Scott (Denise), and Cadie (Eric Shaffer), and four grandchildren. Moving to Mantua in 1984, Cindy has been a member of St. Joseph Parish since 1989 and is involved in the St. Joseph's Garden Club, K of C Women's Auxiliary, Reception Committee, and as a Eucharistic Minister, and former Eucharistic Bread Baker. Her hobbies include spending lots of time with her grandchildren, gardening, crafts, painting, playing cards, and baking.
- Mrs. Ruth Fitzgerald ~
  March 1, 2015-August, 2018
  Growing up in Virginia, Ruth graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor’s in Journalism/Public Relations. She has worked in the real estate field as an office manager and administrative assistant and as a claims processor for an insurance company. She currently is an office manager for a commercial real estate company. Having moved to Ohio in 1997, Ruth and her husband, Shawn, live in Aurora with their two sons, Jeremiah and Adam, and one grandchild. She has volunteered her time at St. Joseph’s as our Ox Roast Fair Volunteer Secretary, Eucharistic Minister, Mass Set-up, and Children’s Liturgy of the Word Catechist.
- Ms. Jan Huter ~
  November 13, 1995-February 27, 2015
  Serving the parish as Administrative Secretary for nearly 20 years, Jan is a long time parishioner who has been involved in a variety of aspects of the parish including Worship Committee, Garden Club, Ox Roast Fair, Home & School Association, and Sacristan. She is the proud mom of three daughters, one son, and three grandchildren. Jan retired at the end of February, 2015.
- Mrs. Mary Hladky ~
  1992-October 28, 1995
  
  Mrs. Irene Hickman ~
  1984-1992
  
  Mrs. Tiny Ricciuti ~
  1982-?
  
  Mrs. Bette Cruz ~ 1982-?
  
  Mrs. Julie Buonpane ~
  1960's?-1981
  A resident of Mantua since 1952, Julie was a dedicated member of St. Joseph Church where for over 20 years she served as church secretary. She was involved with the Crestwood Teacher's bowling league with her husband, Tony, volunteering at the Crestwood Primary School, Robinson Memorial Hospital, "Meals-on-Wheels", and St. Joseph School. She enjoyed cooking, writing poetry, and the loves of her life, her family and grandchildren. She was married for nearly 58 years to Anthony "Tony" Buonpane until his passing on April 29, 2006. Mrs. Buonpane died December 27, 2011.
  
  Mrs. Carolee Smith ~ 1960's?
  
  Mrs. Leona Redhead ~ 1950's?
Finances
- Mrs. Cindy Clark ~
  Business Office Secretary,
  February 1, 2016-to date
  The pastor oversees the financial record keeping for the parish with Cindy Clark handling bookkeeping responsibilities as Business Officer Manager. Accountant Pat Finn handles bill paying and payroll tasks for the parish as of March 1, 2015. Beginning February 1, 2016, Ruth Fitzgerald shifted from parish bookkeeping to Ox Roast Fair Financial Secretary.
- Mrs. Cindy Olesh ~
  Ox Roast Fair Financial Secretary (Volunteer),
  September, 2018-to date
  Following the 55th Ox Roast Fair in 2018, Cindy took over the Ox Roast Fair Financial Secretary duties from Ruth Fitzgerald, Raised in Edinburg, Ohio, Cindy graduated from Southeast High School. She has worked in accounting, sales, and marketing all her life and currently works in the office full time for an industrial hose distributor in Brecksville, Ohio, since 2005. Previous members of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Streetsboro and now parishioners of St. Joseph’s, Cindy lives in Shalersville with husband Keith, and two sons, Nathan and Joseph. She volunteers for Boy Scouts of America on the local pack/troop level as committee chair since 2005 and also on the district level. She was also Seneca District’s 2017 Committee Chair of the Year. Cindy has a passion for animals of all kinds, especially dogs.
- Mrs. Ruth Fitzgerald ~
  Business Office Secretary,
  March 1, 2015-January 31, 2016
  Beginning February 1, 2016, Ruth shifted to Volunteer Ox Roast Fair Financial Secretary & Cindy Clark took over the parish bookkeeping as Business Office Manager. Prior to that she handled bookkeeping (along with Admin. Secretary duties). Accountant Pat Finn handles bill paying and payroll tasks for the parish as of March 1, 2015.
  
  Ms. Jan Huter ~
  Bookkeeping Duties, Dec.,
  2003-February 27, 2015
  The pastor oversees the financial record keeping for the parish with secretary Jan Huter handled the bookkeeping responsibilities (along with her Administrative Secretary duties).
  
  Mr. Lynn Wright ~
  Finance Manager,
  Sept. 1992-Dec., 2003
  Lynn handled the bookkeeping responsibilities of the parish and school as well as serving on the Finance Committee. He was let go December, 2003, during Fr. Balash's time as pastor (budget cuts and staff reductions).
  
  Prior to 1992, the secretary and/or
  pastor handled the financial duties.
Music Ministry
- Mr. Bill Davies ~
  Music Minister & Guitar Accompanist,
  2004-present
  
  "Working at St. Joe's (since March, 2004) has been a great joy for me. I truly feel blessed, like I have the best of both worlds. I am able to work in music, and serve the church. In particular this church. Since coming to St. Joe's I have met so many wonderful people of faith. It truly inspires me to see such a community."
  
  Bill was raised mostly in Kent, Ohio, attended Kent Roosevelt High School and received his BA in Music from Kent State University. He has completed graduate courses leading towards a Masters in Music from Cleveland State University. Before coming to St Joseph's, he worked at St. Mary Church in Hudson, Ohio as Music Director for their Life Teen style Liturgy and youth ministry program. He currently lives in Akron and married Jennie Morris in February of 2016.
- Mrs. Lydia Kulesza ~
  Piano Accompanist, Cantor
  A member of St. Joseph Parish since 1986, Lydia volunteers her time as cantor, piano accompanist as well as Eucharistic Minister. Living in Shalersville with her husband, Greg, and children Rachel, Philip, and Jacob, she recently completed work for her Master of Fine Arts in Education degree from Marygrove College in Michigan. In the past she taught 8th grade at St. Joseph School (1994-2000) and Tutored at the school through the Crestwood system (2001-2004). Lydia currently teaches 6th grade English at Crestwood Middle School and serves as curriculum liaison for the teaching staff at the middle school.
- Mrs. Maria Krause ~ Flutist, Cantor
  A member of the parish since 2004, Maria is a graphic designer who offers her musical talents as a flutist and cantor. Living in Mantua with husband Rob, the couple have three daughters, Leah, Tori and Julia.
  
  Ms. Amy Powers ~ Piano Accompanist
  
  Mr. Jeff Foulkes ~ Piano Accompanist
  Growing up in Putnam County, Ohio, Jeff is married and currently lives in Hudson. He has a BA in Music Education and does church work including having been music director at St. Mary Church in Hudson. He enjoys gardening, jazz, genealogy, and traveling. He occasionally helps with funeral liturgies and holy days.
  
  Mrs. Peggy Horvath ~ Cantor
  
  Mrs. Marianne Berzinskas ~ Cantor
  
  Miss Maia Pancost ~ Flutist
  
  Mr. Sean Fejes ~ Guitarist
  
  Mr. Greg D'Aurelio ~ Guitarist
Past Music Ministry Members
- Mr. Paul Davies ~ Piano Accompanist
  
  Mr. Jeff Trares ~ Clarinet, 2007-2011
  A member of St. Joseph's all his life, Jeff is a St. Joseph School and Crestwood High School alumni. He has participated in the Marching, Concert & Jazz Bands, was involved in Hot Stove baseball, the Appalachian Experience at St. Joe's, and enjoys computer games. Jeff is a Mechanical Engineering living in Mentor.
  
  Mr. James Trares ~
  Piano & Organ Accompanist, Cantor
  2004-2006
  A member of St. Joseph's all his life, James is a St. Joseph School alumni, and Crestwood High School graduate (where he participated in the Marching, Concert & Jazz Bands, Chamber Choir, and National Honor Society). He graduated summa cum laude from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a Bachelor of Music in Liturgical Music and a minor in Theology. He joined the Dominican Order after college and Fr. James-Peter was ordained May 20, 2017. For more details, visit our Sons of the Parish page.
- Mrs. Shelley Craine ~
  Piano Accompanist (Sunday Masses),
  2005-December 13, 2009
  Shelley served the community of St. Joseph 2005-2009 as one of our accompanist. On Sunday, December 13, 2009, while traveling to visit her parents, Shelley and her husband, Cliff, were involved in an accident and Shelley was fatally injured.
  
  Mrs. Becky Burrington ~
  Piano Accompanist
  (Sunday Masses),
  2005-2007
  
  Mr. James Tandy ~
  Piano Accompanist,
  ?-2005, 2008
- Mrs. Kathy Baxter ~
  Music Minister,
  November, 1998-2004
  
  Mrs. Amy Hartman ~ Music Minister,
  1988-Oct., 1998
  Amy resigned in the fall of 1998 after 10+ years of service. She and her husband, Bob, have two daughters and are still members of St. Joe's.
  
  Mr. Chris Chaykowski ~
  Guitarist, 1980's?
  
  Mr. Guy Zumpetta ~
  Accompanist, 1980's?
- Mrs. Pat Strainer ~
  Church Music Director
  and Piano Accompanist,
  1982-?
  
  Mr. Norman Duquette ~ Minister of Music, 1981
  
  Mrs. Anita Schmotzer ~
  Organist, 1970's?
SJS Food Service Staff
- Mr. Al Roberts ~ Food Service Supervisor
  Oct., 1994 - Sept. 30, 2010
  Supervising Ox Roast Fair dinners and other parish and private events using the kitchen/hall (and formally our school meal program and the Bingo Snack Bar), Mr. Roberts was been employed at St. Joseph's October, 1994 (the hot lunch program began Jan., 1995) through September, 2010. Growing up in Ocala, Florida, where his family owned a grocery store and full service meat market, Al earned his GED. Past employment includes WMOP-AM/WFUZ-FM radio in Ocala, FL (1968-1976), Portage County Sheriff's Office (1977-1983), Havre Motors in Ravenna (1983-1993) and co-hosted "The Other Side of Medicine" radio talk show on WHK, Cleveland with Dr. James Krystosik (1994-2001). He has been the President of the School Nutrition Association of Ohio (2005/2006) and also served the parish as a Lay Leader of Prayer, Liturgical Minister, Homebound Minister, president of the Christian Service Organization, and organizer of the Cruise In. He and wife Diane live in Hiram Township and have two children, who are both St. Joseph School alumni - David Roberts who has one son; Kelly and husband Daniel Cartwright have four sons. In his free time, Al enjoys old TV shows.
  Al Roberts Retires - On September 13, Al Roberts completed over sixteen years as Food Service Supervisor. Al was hired to begin the daily hot lunch program in the fall of 1994 (began Jan., 1995). Through the years he rounded it out to become a model in providing healthy, nourishing lunches at a reasonable price. Many times he went above and beyond the call of duty for our students and our parish. In addition, Al frugally ordered food for the Ox Roast Fair, saving St. Joe's many dollars. Well done, good and faithful servant.
  
  Food Service Program ended upon
  closing of St. Joseph School, June, 2010.
- Mrs. Rebecca Edmonson ~
  Food Service Specialist, 2008-2010
  Born in Chattsworth, California and growing up in Newbury, Ohio, Becky graduated from Newbury High School. Prior to coming to St. Joseph School as our Food Service Specialist for the 2008/2009 school year, she worked as Kitchen Director for the Geauga County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. She and her husband were married in 1980 and live in Mantua. They have two married sons.
  
  Mrs. Dawn Sara ~
  Assistant Food Service Supervisor, 2007-2008
  Growing up in Warrensville Heights, Ohio and graduating from Warrensville High School, Mrs. Dawn Sara comes to assist with our Food Service program this school year. Previously, she working 10 years in the kitchen and 6 years as proctor at Kenston Schools. Residing in Mantua with her husband, John, the couple has three grown children. In their spare time, they enjoy their miniature horses, camping, and their grandchildren.
- Mrs. Lisa DeYoung ~
  Asst. Food Service Supervisor, 2006-2007
  Joining the Food Service staff in 2006, Mrs. DeYoung was born in Bedford and grew up in Mantua. She attended Crestwood High School and Bohecker's Business College and has worked at Med Center One in Kent/Streetsboro. She is married to husband Jason and mom to Jeffrey (age 12), Allison (age 10), Emily (age 6), and Jason (age 5). Lisa's hobbies include reading and being taxi for her children! Mrs. DeYoung and her family moved out of state for her husband's job.
  
  Ms. Amy Seink ~
  Asst. Food Service Supervisor,
  2001-2006
  Living in Newton Falls, Amy is single with three boys, Joshua, Jacob, and Jarrod. She enjoys breeding and training exotic birds.
- Mrs. Bonnie Rosati ~
  Food Service Prep., 2002-2003
  
  Mrs. Gayle Jones ~
  Food Service Asst. Manager,
  1997-2002
  
  Mrs. Patty Keenan ~
  Food Service Prep., 1999-2002
  
  Mrs. Kim Gray ~ Kitchen, 1993-1999
  
  Ms. Barb George ~ Kitchen,
  1995-1997
  
  Prior to 1994 St. Joseph School
  did not have a hot lunch program
  except for volunteer mothers
  who provided soup and pizza
  each offered one day a week.
Maintenance & Custodial Workers
- Maintenance & Grounds Ministry
  Established December, 2018
  (click here for details)
  
  Dan Nuti ~ Janitor
  January 21, 2019-present
  Dan and his family have been members of the parish since 2009. His janitorial duties include cleaning Hughes Hall, kitchen & school building, disposing of trash & recycling, maintaining water softeners, noting needed repairs. Residing in Hiram, he and his wife, Wendy, have four kids, Dan, with the Rocky River PD, Joe & Pete both in the U.S. Army Infantry, and Emily, a student and gifted artist. Graduating from St. Edward High School, Dan served 28 years as a Cleveland police officer (retired). He enjoys motorcycling and is a member of the Catholic Crossbearers Motorcycle Ministry. He takes part in the Men of St. Joseph spirituality group and his family members have chaired our annual Giving Tree since 2010.
- Mr. Jason Garey ~ Maintenance
  1990-December 14, 2018
  Growing up in Lakewood, Mr. Garey worked at St. Joseph from 1990 until his retirement in December of 2018. He was in the Army Military Police for over four years and moved into this area in 1982. His favorite thing about his job was cutting grass however he says, "You will often hear me complain I can't keep up because it grows so fast sometimes in the spring and there is so much of it." His least favorite task was snow removal although the first time in a season seems fun to him for some reason. (Jason believes St. Joseph gets at least double the amount of snow that the rest of this area gets - at least it sure seems that way!). Jason has three grown children, Chris, Stacey and Brian, along with two grandchildren, Sarah and Chloe.
- Mr. Tom Sobczak ~ Cleaning
  1989-1995, 1999-2010
  Tom provided cleaning of the classrooms during the evening hours and helps with heavy-duty and special tasks done annually.
  
  Mr. Bill Burr ~ Cleaning
  
  Mr. Ed Mishler ~ Maintenance
  1982
  
  Mr. Louie Zitner ~ Custodian
  February 15, 1979-?
  
  Mr. Charles Bronstrop ~ Custodian
  July, 1978-February 15, 1979
  [listed in July 16, 1978 bulletin as new staff]
  
  Mr. Don Lupori ~ Custodian
  1976?-1978?
  [Bulletin blurb about Ox Roast Fair thanked him for his help in 1976.]
  
  Mr. Robert Byram ~ Janitor, ?-1973?
  
  Edward Gladyszewski
  & Edward Sturbaum ~
  Janitor Helpers
  
  Mr. William Bell ~ ?-1973?