Joseph Ralph Scalzo

Joseph R. Scalzo, Jr., 70, died suddenly on May 30, 2017 at St. Anne’s Hospital. He was born on August 11, 1946 in Toledo, Ohio to Joseph and Edith (Guyer) Scalzo, Sr. Joe graduated from Central Catholic High School and the University of Toledo with a business and law degree. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1969-1971. Joe taught at UT in the criminal justice department and health and human services from 2001-2009. He was in private law practice, Scalzo and Scalzo for three decades. Joe worked for Legal Aid in juvenile defense. Joe had been a huge contributor to wrestling in the United States, at the State, National and International level as a coach, referee, and tournament director. He began wrestling at a YMCA kids program, continued through high school and college, where he placed yearly in the Mid- Am conference. He won the National YMCA championship in Las Vegas, and several Ohio and AAU Championships. Joe became an international referee-judge and traveled the world. He is the only FILA Referee-Judge to gain the highest international officiating award- Exceptionelle-on four different occasions. Joe and his father were tournament directors at every World Cup held in Toledo, its home for over a decade. He was inducted into the AAU Hall of Fame in 2006 and Central Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. Joe has been a member of the Toledo Opera Chorus for over 30 years. It was his love and passion to sing. He was a past Board of Trustee member of the Toledo Opera Association. He shared his talent at many loved ones’ weddings and funerals. He was vice president of the Bull Terrier Club of America from 1991-1993. He and his wife Kathy were breeders of purebred bull terriers, involving themselves in many National shows and competitions. Joe spent many days at the St. James Health Club, as a certified instructor of Body Pump, Silver Sneakers and water aerobic classes. Joe is survived by his loving wife Kathleen (Kelleher), children Krista Scalzo,(Beth Reasner), Erinn (Brad) Venia, Joe Scalzo III (Katy) grandchildren Diana, Keegan, Kenna, Kayleigh and Ellie; his siblings Mike (Melissa) Scalzo, Sandy (Mark) Geudtner, JoAnn Scalzo, and Terry (John) Abel. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews as well as dear friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Bonnie Kaminsky. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. on Monday, June 5 from 2-8 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7. The funeral will begin at Coyle on Tuesday, June 6 at 9:30 with Mass to follow at Gesu Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Central Catholic High School or the Toledo Opera Association. Please view Joe’s Memorial Video Tribute and leave a condolence message for the family at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

Joseph Ralph Scalzo

August 11, 1946 - May 30, 2017