Joseph P. Fraser 1944-2024

He was born in Youngstown, Oct. 25, 1944, the son of Thomas Hume and Julia Cahill Fraser.

He was a 1962 graduate of Leetonia High School and worked for over 30 years at General Motors in Lordstown.

Following his retirement from GM, he obtained his CDL, which allowed him to drive tour buses and the shuttle at Mountaineer Race Track. From his experience in fire service at GM, he was a volunteer member of the Leetonia and Bazetta Township fire departments.

Joe was a member of St. Jude Church in Columbiana and his Catholic faith was very important to him. Joe wished to become a deacon, but God had a better plan for him. He became a driver for missionary services for the Diocese of Youngstown, providing over 500,000 miles of accident-free transportation. In 2005, he was asked by the Rev. Fr. Brienz to transport volunteers to New Orleans to assist with cleanup after Hurricane Katrina.

Using his personal van, he transported adults and youth ministry groups. In 2010, he started transporting groups to the poorer dioceses of Kentucky to do home repairs. Joe also gave his time to transport clergy to retreats and trips to the airport.

Joseph was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus St. Jude Council #10183. Joe served as a field agent for the Knights of Columbus Insurance, as well as many offices, including grand knight and district deputy.

Brother Fraser was elected as a delegate to the Supreme Council’s #137 Annual Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2012, he received the prestigious Columbianism Award from the K of C.

Truly, Joseph was kind, generous and always ready to help out family, friends and strangers. He enjoyed “the ponies,” especially the Kentucky Derby, and every classic car was met with a long stare followed by a fun story. Good food, playing cards and practical jokes were the perfect way to waste time, but mostly grandpa loved and was loved by his grandkids.

Joseph is survived by two sons, Patrick (Doris) Fraser of Niles and Christopher Fraser of Warren; three grandchildren, Kyle, Simon and Ella; two brothers, Peter Fraser (Brenda) and Richard Fraser; and three sisters, Rosemary Wilcox (Rich), Charlotte Burns (Pete) and Marianne Norris (Roy).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Zilke Fraser; and two brothers, Thomas H. Fraser Jr. and James K. Fraser.

Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home in Niles, where the Knights of Columbus will have a prayer service.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024, at St. Jude Church in Columbiana, where family and friends may also call one hour prior to the Mass.

Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown, ccdoy.org.

Visit holetonyuhasz.com to view this tribute and share condolences with the family.

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