Joseph “Jo Jo” Westfall, age 73 , left this earth for his heavenly home, on December 30th. He passed peacefully at home in the company of his loving wife, Annie.
He was born on May 7, 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio to Albert Leonard Westfall and Louisa “Lucy” Leisz Westfall. He was the youngest of 6 children. Sisters Marilyn Joan, Carol Ann and brothers Albert Joseph, Leonard James, and Kenneth Michael. Joe was the proud graduate of St. Edward High School, where his passion for golf began as a proud member of the golf team.
Joe’s work life was spent in sales, where he was a master at sales, craftily using his gift of connecting with people. He also loved to work with his hands with building and home improvement projects.
Joe was a proud father and deeply loved by his children: James (wife Kala, children Charlee, Wesley, Joelle Samantha, Levi), Joe (wife Shanna, children Noah, Marley, Lilyana), LeeAnn Westfall Kittle (husband Nick, children Alyssia and Kai), Jake (wife Stephanie, children Evelyn and William) and stepchildren: Sebastian Cangemi, Devon Cangemi O’Neill (husband Patrick, children Brynn and Braedan), Frankie Cangemi (Jenni, daughter Giada), Vanessa Ballard (husband Chris, daughter Bailey), and Michael Gospich.
Joe spent the last 23 years of his life with his love Annie “putting 10 pounds of shit in a 5 pound bag.” They shared their passions for live music in Nashville, Las Vegas and Cleveland hitting concerts and enjoying live entertainment. They danced until they couldn’t dance anymore and then Joe would happily observe.
They spent many weekends entertaining friends and family as Joe was the master Sous Chef and always willing to give his two-cents Together they brought so much joy to loved ones and loved their time together on the water whenever they had the opportunity.
Joe was passionate about golf and family relationships. He loved spending time on the course with all his boys, family and friends.
Joe lived a devout, faith-filled life. He loved his Life Church community where he and Annie attended for 10 years. He was involved in the Life group and often volunteered in the kitchen sharing his love with many.
A Celebration of Life will take place January 31, 2026 at 11:00 am
Christ Church, 23080 Royalton Road, Columbia Station 44028 Luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the American Cancer Society or plant a tree in Joe’s honor.
My condolences to all of Joe’s family and friends. I was a classmate of Joe’s at St. Vincent de Paul (STVP) grade school. On the occasion of the 40th year since 8th grade graduation, we had a reunion. I was very happy to have tracked Joe down and spent a great afternoon with him catching up on life. We had a good reunion event in 2006. Unfortunately, I had no contact with Joe since then. I enjoyed knowing Joe. Helen Kane SVDP ’66.
Today I really let go so that God could make him whole again. My husband, the kind, thoughtful, passionate, selfless, generous, Christian man. My husband, the love of my life, me amore: Stood by my side pridefully always in the good times and not so good times. He always brought out the best in everyone.
His love for all our children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews was authentic and real. He always made time for each of them to enjoy their business interests, their sports and activities. We, together, enjoyed attending events as often as we could to offer our support. He was the “bestest” father to all the children. We were all truly blessed to have such a wonderful role model. Yes indeed, truly loved by all of them!
If he was in a crowd of people I was confident he would stand out in the mass of people. Standing tall and speaking kind words wanting to get in your head and more importantly your heart.
We were blessed with 23 years of some of the most unique mystery trips ever. Those we took together to see our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings and dear friends.
He would say “Babe, you’ll never lose me” – I would find him in any crowd. Always in the middle of the action. We were so blessed. You were always able to make others feel special, making precious memories with all you encountered family, friends and business associates alike.
I don’t feel lost, but I will be lonesome for our abundance of journeys attending live music across the country. The many days and nights on the dance floor. And the countless gatherings with friends and family that you so graciously and willingly (most of the time” would assist in preparing. We sure had a system. We could plan you Thursday Edgewater events in 20 minutes, hop in the car and be off to share food and community with our family and friends.
Yes, I always put 10 lbs of “stuff” in a 5 lb. bag. Although, since you have put that out there, I’ve been told is really 15 lbs of “stuff” in a 5 lb. bag. Oh well, however that looks we made it happen and 98% of the time had the BEST of times.
Well, now the time has come where you have become free and unchained from the pain you endured for years. I have been so grateful, thankful and blessed to have been together for 23 years – to touch and be touched by so many beautiful souls.
You were truly treasured on earth by our sweet granddaughter, Giada, who gave you Bopsie, a stuffed rainbow bear, that you held to keep you warm as you fell asleep to go to heaven, where you will also be treasured. When I asked Giada if she wanted Bopsie back she said “You keep her Memom so she can keep you warm. I will take care of you Memom”.
We made our peace before your last breath and I had the privilege of caring for you in our home for your last 4 weeks, an honor indeed. And to be with you and kiss you 3 times at your last breath. Wow and then you went along to our Heavenly Father, and you were even able to tell me you loved me several times and that I was the best nurse, and finally the get in 3 last kisses. Again, we got to fit so much in that 5 lb. bag.
Love you always & forever. Hit ‘em straight and continue to clip those angel wings…
Love you with All Your Heart,
Your loving wife and friend