Joseph Ferenchak Jr. 1941-2024

Joe was an accomplished tool and die engineer, and developed products and managed manufacturing plants over his career at Youngstown Sheet and Tube, Transue and Williams Stamping Company, and Target Manufacturing Company. He was an avid cook and enjoyed years in the kitchen for the Lions Club car shows and parades.

He served as a deacon at St. Robert Church for years and enjoyed the fellowship of his church family at Sunday morning breakfasts at the Moose Club.

Joe was a man who cherished the outdoors, spending countless hours hunting, fishing and boating — his favorite ways to connect with family and nature.

Born with a love for adventure, Joe found joy in sharing these traditions with his family and friends, most often alongside his brother, Bob.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Peggy. He was a devoted father to three children with his first wife of 32 years, E. Corrine Ferenchak (deceased), Joseph III, Douglas and Christopher. He was also a devoted stepfather to his wife Peggy’s children, Scott and Rob Inman. He also leaves nine beloved grandchildren, Joseph IV, Elizabeth, Katherine, Andrew, Owen, Haley, Mitchell, Mackenzie and Mason, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

His parents, Joseph Sr. and Mary (deceased); and siblings, Mary Ann (deceased), Bob, Theresa, Tom and Elaine were the foundational fabric of his life.

Joe will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for the great outdoors and the wisdom he imparted to those around him. His legacy lives on in the memories of hunting trips taken from Pennsylvania to Colorado, fishing stories from various local lakes to the Atlantic and the sound of his boat carving a wake through the waters of Lake Milton, Lake Erie and Pymatuning Reservoir. Above all, he will be remembered for his dedication to his expansive family, including nine nieces and nephews.

Joe’s family takes comfort in knowing he enjoyed his outdoor-centric life and that he is at peace, reunited with those who have gone before him; he is likely already exploring a new frontier.

A celebration of life and Mass will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 4659 Niles Cortland Road, Cortland, OH 44410, where the family will welcome guests at 10 a.m., one hour before the start of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cleveland Clinic Heart Institute, c/o Philanthropy Department, P.O.Box 93517, Cleveland, OH 44193, in memory of Joseph Ferenchak Jr.

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