Joseph Ugran

AUSTINTOWN

Joseph Vasile Ugran, 76, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Hospice of the Valley. Joseph, known as “Joe,” was a hard-working, loyal family man, whose presence and warm smile will be deeply missed.

Joe was born in Youngstown, on April 6, 1948, to the late Victor Ugran, Sr. and Katherine (Markovich) Ugran. A lifelong resident of the area, he grew up as part of a close-knit family on the city’s west side and graduated from Chaney High School in 1966. He studied at Youngstown State for one year, before moving on to Ohio University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1970. While at Ohio University, Joe was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity. Many lasting friendships were formed during his high school and college years.

Joe was a Buyer for Commercial Intertech for much of his career. He retired from Northern States Metals in 2014. Joe was a member of St. Christine Church in Youngstown, and he belonged to St. George Lodge No. 66, Croatian Fraternal Union.

Joe loved being outside. He found joy spending time at his family campgrounds, traveling to Canada for numerous fishing trips, walking the path around the Mill Creek Park lily pond with his wife, and diligently caring for his yard.

While Joe was known to cheer for Ohio State and Youngstown State football teams and the Cleveland Indians, he never desired to have much fuss or attention on himself. You might not know it when you challenged him to a game of ping pong or horseshoes, but you had little chance of winning against him even if he tried to take it easy on you by playing with his less-dominant hand. Joe enjoyed watching western films and television shows, as well as NCIS. He steadfastly read hardcopy newspapers and maps, preferring those to online media and GPS.  

Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 39 years, Claudine (D’Amore) Ugran, who faithfully cared for him in his final years; two daughters Lisa (Andrew) Pacconi and Kimberly (Jeremy) Pytel; five grandchildren, Bennett, Aurelia, Jack, Lilah, and Elliott; brother Victor (Janis) Ugran, Jr., sister Kathleen (Richard) Antonucci, numerous sibling-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a beloved dog, Penny.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, 3100 Canfield Road, Youngstown. on Friday. October 4, 2024, There will be visitation and prayer at St. Christine Catholic Church, 3165 S Schenley Ave, Youngstown, on Friday, October 4, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, 248 S Belle Vista Ave, Youngstown. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, the Alzheimer’s Association, or Mill Creek Metro Parks.

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