Joseph M. Schepka 1944-2022
STRUTHERS — Joseph M. “Mickey” Schepka, 78, died Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, at his home after a courageous, five-year battle with cancer.
Mickey was born in Youngstown, on July 7, 1944, the son of the late Joseph and Lena Bellanca Schepka.
He was a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School and a lifelong member of Christ Our Savior Parish, St. Nicholas Church, where he served as a senior altar server. Mickey worked for P&LE Railroad for over 35 years and CSX Railroad, until his retirement. He was a former member 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and was very active with the Knights of Columbus Squires Club. He coached basketball at the church, for the seventh- and eighth- graders. He also coached Struthers baseball, track and basketball. He was a member of the Mahoning Valley Mustangs and followed the Mooney football team. Mickey enjoyed working with kids and his ability to teach, lead, motivate and inspire truly impacted the lives of the kids he coached.
Mickey is survived by his wife of 59 years, Evelyn Cotic Schepka, his high school sweetheart, whom he married July 6, 1963; his children, Terese (Joe) Granitto, Mike (Roy) Schepka and Rick Schepka; his sister-in-law, Nancy Schepka; his brother-in-law, Bob Cotic; his grandchildren, Ryan (Alyssa) Granitto and Amanda (Mike) Szabo; his great-grandchildren, Lorelai, Layla, Presley and Nora; many nieces and nephews, Terri, Michele and John, Jodi and Glenn, Lorie and Sean, Becky and Jeff, Rob, Lance and Lisa, David, Justin, Jimmy and Lisa, Jackie and Susan, David, and JD; and very close friends, Sandy and Ralph Sandy and Carol Rodesh.
In addition to his parents, Mickey was preceded in death by a brother, Louis Schepka; twin sisters, Jeanne and Judi; a sister-in-law, Norma; a brother-in-law, Chuck; a sister-in-law, Susie; a nephew, Jason; and a great-nephew, Brandon.
Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at Kirila Funeral Home Inc., 258 Poland Ave., Struthers.
A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:45 a.m. Thursday for a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 10:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church, celebrated by the Rev. Philip Rogers. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery. There will be no bereavement luncheon, per Mickey’s wishes.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley, Cleveland Clinic and The Hope Center for the care, support and compassion given to Mickey and all of the family.
(special notice)