Stanley L Josselson

Stanley Lewis Josselson, 88, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, at Ahuja Hospital with his family present. Stanley was born on Thanksgiving day, November 28, 1936, in Ashland, Kentucky to Frank and Dorothy Josselson (both z'l).

He was the beloved husband of Barbara (nee Major), devoted father of Timothy Josselson and Jill Josselson, stepfather of Jacqueline Majers Lachman (Heath) and Curtis Majers, and loving grandfather of Rebecca, Joseph, and Daniel Josselson, Ferris and Lesley Lachman. Sibling of Marcia Cohen (Steve) (both deceased) and Jerome Josselson (Harriet), and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Stanley showed his ambition and drive to achieve at an early age by becoming an Eagle Scout at the age of 13, believed to be the youngest person to do so at the time.

After graduating from the University of Kentucky, he served his country by joining the army. Among his military responsibilities, he test fired the original missiles for the “Honest John” missile program. The early development of long range missiles for the U.S. Military.

Stanley left Kentucky as an insurance adjuster and wanted more. He stopped in Columbus, Ohio to get his Juris Doctor from Capital University, School of Law. While in Columbus, he met his first wife at a friend’s wedding, which eventually led him to Cleveland, Ohio where his wife’s family lived. Initially, he became an assistant prosecutor for the City of Cleveland. After a change in administrations, he found himself out of a job. His early ambition and drive to succeed led him to develop a thriving legal practice for over 50 years. He went on to serve thousands of clients, many of which could not afford to pay him. It didn’t matter, the ones who could did, and the ones who couldn’t didn’t.

Among Stan’s interests were collecting classic automobiles, especially favoring pre- and post-war British cars, and pre-war American cars. He also was very proud to earn his pilot’s license and enjoyed true solace while flying. He served as a Major in the Civil Air Patrol for more than 40 years. On one trip with his wife, Barbara, his plane had engine failure. He managed to glide to a perfect landing on I271 just south of Chagrin Boulevard, making national news at the time. His 15 minutes of fame lasted the rest of his life, and he loved it!

Stanley and Barbara enjoyed extensive traveling in later years all around the world. Traveling was their greatest pleasure that bonded them with excitement and adventure.

Stanley will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.

Please join us at Lakeview Cemetery, Mayfield Road entrance, on Friday, April 4th at 12:15pm for the procession to the gravesite. Graveside service begins at 12:30pm.

The family will receive friends and visitors from 2-5 pm on April 4th at The Robert D. Shea Field at the Cuyahoga County Airport located at 26300 Curtis Wright Parkway area B in Richmond Hts., Ohio 44143. Please look for the balloons!

Donations may be made in Stanley’s memory to the Civil Air Patrol or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel.