Joseph Faga

Joseph “Giuseppe” Faga, 88 years of age, and a resident of Elyria Twp, passed away April 6, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family, following a full and meaningful life.

Joe was born July 15, 1933, in Vallelonga, Italy, where he was raised. He married his wife Vicky on February 9, 1958. A year later Joe, his wife and son Joe, traveled by the ship  “Christopher Columbus”, for 11 days to come to America, settling in Ellwood City, PA. In 1975, he moved again with his wife, and now 3 children, to Elyria Twp.

Joe was employed at US Steel in PA from 1959 till 1975, at which time he moved to Elyria Twp. Joe began barbering with his friend John Pelloni in 1966 in Ellwood City, PA, and in 1978 he opened Joe’s Barbershop in Amherst.  Joe retired from USS Kobe Steel in Lorain. Joe’s passion in life was people.  Joe put his relationships with others at the center of all he did. He regularly donated his skills as a barber to those who were in need or ill at home. He will always be remembered for his generous heart that gave without desire of acknowledgment or recognition. 

He is survived by his children, Joseph N. (Melinda) Faga of Lorain, Catherine Victoria (Frank) Gaughan of Sheffield Village, and Vito A. Faga of Lorain; and his grandchild, Jonathan Faga; as well as many nieces and nephews including his nephew of Italy, Sarino Ierullo.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Victoria “Vicky” Faga (nee: Rizzuto); his sister, Anna Faga; and his parents, Joseph and Caterina (nee: Suppa).

Public visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 9 a.m. until the time of closing prayers at 11 a.m. at Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, Ohio. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Elyria.  Rebroadcasting of services will be available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com. The Rev. Fr. Neil Walters, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church, will officiate.  Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Elyria.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Friends of Murray Ridge 4609 Meister Rd. Lorain, OH, 44053 or St. Vincent de Paul Church 41295 N Ridge Rd, Elyria, OH 44035.

Please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

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