Joseph Patrick Fraser

Joseph Patrick Fraser , 79, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday May 8, 2024 at the St. Joseph Hospital in Florida. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on October 25, 1944 the son of Thomas Hume and Julia (Cahill) Fraser.

He was a 1962 graduate of Leetonia High School and worked for over 30 years at General Motors in Lordstown. Following his retirement from GM, he obtained his CDL which allowed him to drive tour buses and the shuttle at Mountaineer Race Track. From his experience in fire service at GM he was a volunteer member of the Leetonia and Bazetta Township Fire Departments.

Joe was a member of St. Jude Church in Columbiana and his Catholic Faith was very important to him. Joe wished to become a deacon, but God had a better plan for him. He became a driver for Missionary services for the Diocese of Youngstown providing over 500,000 miles of accident free transportation. In 2005, he was asked by Father Brienz to transport volunteers to New Orleans to assist with cleanup after hurricane Katrina. Using his personal van, he transported adults and Youth Ministry Groups. In 2010, he started transporting groups to the poorer dioceses of Kentucky to do home repairs. Joe also gave of his time to transport clergy to retreats and trips to the airport.

Joseph was a Forth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus St. Jude Council 10183 Joe served as a Field Agent for Knights of Columbus Insurance as well as many offices including Grand Knight and District Deputy. Brother Fraser was elected as a delegate to the Supreme Council's 137 Annual Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2012 he received the prestigious Columbianism Award from the K of C.

Truly, Joseph was kind, generous and always ready to help out family, friends and strangers. He enjoyed "the ponies" especially the Kentucky Derby and every classic car was met with a long stare followed by a fun story. Good food, playing cards, and practical jokes were the perfect way to waste time, but mostly Grandpa loved and was loved by his grandkids.

Joseph is survived by two sons, Patrick (Doris) Fraser of Niles, Christopher Fraser of Warren; three grandchildren Kyle, Simon, Ella; two brothers, Peter Fraser (Brenda), Richard Fraser and three sisters, Rosemary Wilcox (Rich), Charlotte Burns (Pete), Marianne Norris (Roy). He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Ann (Zilke) Fraser and two brothers, Thomas H. Fraser Jr., James K. Fraser.

Calling Hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday June 7, 2024 at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home in Niles where the Knights of Columbus will have a prayer service. M ass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday June 8, 2024 at St. Jude Church in Columbiana where family and friends may also call one hour prior to the mass. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown (ccdoy.org).