Salvatore Joseph DiPietro, Jr., born February 10, 1935. Died Monday, February 27, 2017. Also known as Junior, Joe, or Papa Bear, he was a big man with an even bigger heart and zest for life. He was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church. Joe loved sports. He was a 1954 graduate of Central Catholic, where he earned all county honors for both basketball and golf. His football skills earned him all Ohio recognition and a scholarship to Indiana University. He was also a professional golfer and owned his own race horses. He was the founder of the Pizza Ovens & Papa Bears. He also owned and operated Skyland Pines Golf, Banquet, and Swim & Tennis. He was most proud of The Walter Hagen Memorial Golf Tourneys that ran from 1976 – 1982. It brought in 27 tour pros, raised awareness and dollars for the American Cancer Society. Through the course of his career he sponsored countless youth programs, bowling leagues and spearheaded fundraising programs for churches, schools, associations and organizations. He has received recognition from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Italian American Festival, and the Tri County Restaurant Association. He was also a 3 ^rd & 4 ^th Degree Knight of Columbus, Canton Chapter # 341. In 2016, he received the Aster Award from the Sons of Italy. He was proud to have been inducted in the McKinley High School Booster Club Hall of Fame, the J Babe Stearn Community Center Hall of Fame, and the Canton Fumble ball Hall of Fame. Joe was very dedicated to the Canton Ex-Newsboys Association. He was an original member of the Unique Club of Stark County. Joe never forgot his Italian heritage, and enjoyed his childhood memories of growing up in the southwest end with his DeChellis, DePasquale and Ranalli cousins and many good friends. He never made a friend he didn't keep and he cherished them all. He was especially grateful to his right hand friends, Sam & Nancy Coletti for all their support and assistance in his various fundraising pursuits. Joe is survived by Georgia, his wife of 60 years and their six children: Daughter, Stephanie (Leo Russo) Condric and Sons Ron (Tyra Zwick), John (John McDaniel), Steve (Sandy), Jerry (Ellie), and David (Chris) DiPietro. Also by beloved former daughters in law, Barb Hoover, Nancy DiPietro, and Susan Quilter. His 17 grandchildren were a great source of pride and joy: Georgiana (Dr. Sal Paolillo) Condric, Marija (Bill) McAfee, Lauren (Zack ) Smith, Tristan (Danielle) DiPietro, Kendre DiPietro, Hannah (Ryan Cole) DiPietro, Rachael (Eddie Walaszewski ) DiPietro, Austin DiPietro, Brayton (Audrey) DiPietro, Giavana (Garrett) Kloots, Salvatore (Kathleen) DiPietro III, Gina DiPietro, Alex (Rich) Nagy, Toni DiPietro, Juan Echavarria Rave, Dominicue DiPietro and Mackenzie DiPietro. There are 8 great grandchildren, the youngest being born on his last birthday! Also survived by brother Frank DiPietro and sister in law Elsie DiPietro, brother in laws Mike McNamee, Rande (Judy) Rider, Monte (Gwen) Rider, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore and Maria DiPietro, and siblings: Adelaine (James) DiBartolo, Flora (Henry) Weaver Rose (Richard) Borgner, Noel (Bea) DiPietro , Joanne (Larry) Smith and Carl DiPietro. Sisters in Laws, Ethel DiPietro and Gonda McNamee and his Son in Law, Tomo Condric. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canton Ex-Newsboys.

Calling hours will be held in the Friendship Hall at Little Flower Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 1 ^st from 2 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, March 2 ^nd at 10 a.m. Private Burial Services will be held in North Lawn Cemetery.