Joseph J. Labozan 1926-2025

Joseph was born July 1, 1926, in Youngstown, a son of Vid and Sophia Bobich Labozan, and was a lifelong area resident. He was a 1944 graduate of The Rayen School, where he was a proud member of the football and track teams.

Following graduation, Joe served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the USS Barnstable in the South Pacific in Air Defense Artillery. He was honorably discharged in May 1946.

He went on to earn a degree in mechanical engineering from Youngstown College (now Youngstown State University). From 1953 to 1976, Joe worked in engineering and maintenance at U.S. Steel in Youngstown. He later served as a senior project engineer at RMI Titanium Co. in Niles, where he oversaw expansion projects in Niles, Ashtabula and Farrell, Pa., before retiring in 1987.

Joe married the love of his life, Beatrice Trampush, in November 1953 at St. Dominic Church. They shared 72 years of marriage and a deep devotion to their family.

He was a member of St. Christine Church, where he sang in the choir for more than 44 years. He was also a lifelong member of Croatian Lodge No. 66, American Legion Post 301 and Eagles Aerie 1289.

A master craftsman, Joe was always building or fixing something. He lovingly constructed dollhouses for his granddaughters and car garages for his grandsons — each project a reflection of his skill and care.

Joe is survived by his wife, Beatrice; his children, Joseph Jr. (Christine) Labozan, Lorinda (David) Vinson, Lisa (Lou) Giordano and Lynda Labozan Wilson (Roger Wilson); 11 grandchildren, Alexa (Brodie Logan) Labozan, Anna (Victor) Doka, Chet Vinson, Kristin Vinson, Matt Vinson, Ali (Charlie) Flynn, Vincent (Brit) Giordano, Dominic Giordano, Ashlee (Brooke) Wilberg, Erin (Penn) Daniel and Cassie Wilson; and six great-grandchildren, George, Atlas, Aubree, Asher, Luca and Eliyah. He also leaves his sisters, Helene Mavar and Zora Grimm; sisters-in-law, Jackie Trgovac and Mary Grazier; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Lou Marshall, Judy Ramos and Walter Labozan; and brothers-in-law, John Mavar, Lou Ramos, John Trampush, Col. Ray Grazier and Edward Trgovac.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

All are welcome to attend a Memorial Mass which will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 16, at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown. A luncheon will follow at the St. Christine Parish Center.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the St. Christine Church Choir 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44511.

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