Joseph P. Sposato 1927-2025
NORTH LIMA — Joseph P. Sposato, 98, passed away Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Dec. 1, 1927, in Leetonia, a son of the late Giovanni and Rosaria Gabriele Sposato.
Joe was a graduate of Leetonia High School and was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during World War II. He furthered his education by graduating from Kent State University and attending Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
Joe worked as an industrial arts teacher for Youngstown City Schools for 31 years, teaching mechanical drawing. He was a longtime member of St. Jude Parish in Columbiana, where he and his wife, Geraldine, served as a sponsor couple for marriage preparation and sat on multiple fundraising and church social committees. He was a professed member of the Holy Family Institute-Society of St. Paul.
Joe enjoyed woodworking, gardening and architecture. He was known by his family for having the “fix-it shop.” He was also known for his Italian outdoor oven bread bakes, but mostly, Joe will be remembered as a man who had a deep love for God and his family. Joe will be greatly missed by his beloved family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Lucy DiVincenzo Sposato, whom he married July 2, 1955; his son, John (Rhonda) Sposato of Jacksonville, Florida; three daughters, Carol (Dr. John) Dawson, Marie (Mike) Underwood and Janice (Jack) Stephenson, all of Columbiana; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Joe was preceded in death by his three brothers, Dino, Ralph and Anthony Sposato; and by a granddaughter, Dr. Kylee M. Dawson.
The family will receive friends 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at St. Jude Parish, Columbiana, with the Very Reverend Chad Johnson, V.F., officiating.
Burial will take place in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Leetonia.
Memorial donations may be made to Sanctuary Hospice, 6715 Tippecanoe Road, Suite B-101, Canfield, OH 44406; or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave., Suite 1100N, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana. Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.
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