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YOUNGSTOWN -- Joseph Anthony Blazak, 67, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.
Joe was born June 3, 1959, in Sharon, Pa., a son of the late Joseph Blazak and Harriet Edwards Blazak.
He was raised in Hubbard and graduated from Hubbard High School in 1977. Joe entered the police academy and began his career as a patrolman with the Hubbard Township Police Department. It was there that he met the love of his life, Tammy Deeds, when she came to the station to pick up a lost driver's license. It was love at first sight. Joe asked her on a date, and they were engaged just a few months later. They married July 17, 1982, in Youngstown, and relocated to Florida, where Joe worked as a detective lieutenant in Palm Beach Gardens. It was there that they started a family. They moved back to Ohio in 1995, as he retired from law enforcement and changed career paths. In 2002, Joe began his career at New Castle School of Trades and retired as admissions director in 2019.
Coaching was one of his greatest joys. Shortly after returning to Ohio, he began coaching wrestling at Canfield Middle School. Having wrestled in high school, this gave him an opportunity to share his knowledge and passion for the sport. On match days, the family would anxiously wait for him to come in the door and give the "We won!" sign (as they almost always did) with his arms in the air.
Joe had a bright and curious mind. He loved researching stories and fun facts about sports, music and movies to share with those around him. And most of all, he loved making people laugh. He was always ready with a story, gag or joke to bring levity to every occasion and gathering, including our favorite board game, Balderdash! He loved family vacations to Virginia Beach and California, as well as frequent trips to ballgames, concerts and the casino.
His family was truly his pride and joy, as he relished being a husband, father, uncle and pet owner, too. Even more so, he was elated to become a grandpa in recent years. The word that comes to mind the most is "proud." He always told us how proud he was of us. Of our accomplishments in school, sports and work -- and who we were as people. He will live forever in our hearts.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Tammy; daughter Rachel (Barry) Wardle; son, Adam (Kelsey) Blazak; grandchildren, James Wardle, Claire Wardle and Beau Blazak; brother-in-law, Jeff (Sharon) Deeds; nephews, Jared Deeds and Justin Deeds; niece, Alyssa Deeds; and longtime friend, Matt Brickley.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Harold Deeds and Donna Deeds; and his uncle, Ralph Edwards.
Per his wishes, there will be mo services. To make a monetary contribution in Joe's honor, kindly mail a check to Akron Children's Foundation, 6505 Market St., Boardman, OH, 44512; or
Vested Interest in K9s Inc., P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Professional arrangements are being handled by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.
(special notice)