Joseph’s and Garret’s paternal grandfather

Joseph Mezera, Jr., 81, of Hilton Head Island, SC died peacefully on January 25, 2023 after battling Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Bodies dementia.

Joe was born and raised in Cleveland, OH August 11, 1941 to Joseph and Alice Mezera. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1959, Western Reserve University in 1964 and received an MBA from the University of Dayton in 1966.

During his youth, Joe was involved in the Boy Scouts of America along with his younger brother Gerry, both earning the prestigious Eagle Scout Award. Joe was an avid car lover and a member of the Choppers Hot Rod Association in Cleveland. He enjoyed playing tennis, biking, including riding the 100 mile TOSVR ride multiple times, and was an instrument rated private pilot.

In December 1963, Joe cruised to Manner's Big Boy restaurant with his best friend Dean in Dean's hot rod. It was there where he met Paula Jean Sarr. In September 1965 Joe and Paula married and remained married for 57 years until Joe's passing.
Joe held professional positions with International Harvester, General Electric Corporation, Digital Equipment Corporation but spent most of his professional career in Columbus, OH (1977-2022) as a self-employed entrepeneur working in the fields of information technology and real estate.

Joe is survived by his wife Paula of Hilton Head Island, SC, son and daughter-in-law Joseph and Mary Mezera of Hilton Head Island, SC, daughter Denise (Mezera) Anderson of Lewis Center, OH, four grandchildren Joseph Mezera V, Garrett Mezera, Jack Anderson and Phoebe Anderson. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Judy Mezera of Dallas, TX.