Joseph B. Vanek 1948-2025
AUSTINTOWN — Joseph B. Vanek, 77, of Austintown, died Friday morning, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at his residence, following an extended illness.
“Pineapple”, as he was affectionately known, was born March 24, 1948, in Cleveland, the son of Joseph and Frances DeJesus Vanek.
Joe attended Boardman High School prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served for four years before being honorably discharged.
He then went on to work as an assembler for General Motors in Lordstown for 32 years, retiring in 2008.
He met the love of his life, the former Eva C. Rudgene, while in the service in Nova Scotia, and they were married on Nov. 11, 1967. Together they shared almost 58 years of marriage and many wonderful memories. She survives him.
Joe was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Austintown.
He was an avid fisherman and sports fan, always rooting for his favorite team, the Cleveland Browns.
His greatest joy was his family, especially his beloved grandchildren, who were the center of his life. Joe was a kind, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother who will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Besides his wife, Joseph is survived by six children, James Vanek of Austintown, Judith (Jeff) Peterson of Youngstown, Joanne Seil of Boardman, Jody (Chris) Randall of Dayton, Joseph (Erica) Vanek Jr. of Austintown and Jeffrey (Heidi) Vanek of Canfield. He also leaves behind four sisters, Lillian Adams, Diana Vanek, Cynthia (Brian) Hamilton and Deborah Vasquez; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his beloved pets, Nana the cat and Peanut the dog.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Judith.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4490 Norquest Blvd., Austintown, with the Rev. Gregory Fedor as celebrant.
Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Lane Funeral Home Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown.
Joseph will be laid to rest in the Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.
This obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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