Joseph W. Bondi

Born on January 14, 1948 in Cleveland, Joe was the son of Olivia and William Bondi. He grew up in University Heights, attending Gesu Catholic School and St. Ignatius High School before continuing his education at Boston College. Those communities remained important parts of his story throughout his life.

In 1972, Joe married Jane Becka and together they had three children. His family was at the center of his life, and he took tremendous pride in his children and grandchildren. He loved hearing about what they were doing, celebrating their accomplishments, and simply being part of their lives.

After graduating from Boston College, Joe went on to get his JD from Cleveland Marshall Law School. He then practiced as in-house counsel for several mid-size companies in Northeast Ohio. During the 1980s, Joe left law behind and began working at Progressive Insurance in marketing and information services. In 1990, Joe became a small-business owner and co-owned two manufacturing and distribution companies until he retired in 2010.

Joe will be remembered for his kindness, his ability to remember everyone’s name, his humor, his loyalty, his story and joke telling, his love of sports - especially the Cleveland Browns - and his devoted love of family and lifelong friends. He enjoyed many hobbies including playing golf, reading World War II history, watching classic movies, and playing the mandolin. Some of his happiest moments were spent hosting his entire extended family for Thanksgiving and playing with his dogs who were more spoiled than his children.

The final years of Joe’s life brought significant health challenges, which he faced with resilience and determination. Through it all, he remained deeply loved and surrounded by people who cared for him. His family is especially grateful to the caregivers, nurses, and hospice team who supported him and helped bring him comfort in his final days.

Joe is survived by his children, Justin Bondi (Lauren) and Kate Bondi Floyd (Kevin); his grandchildren, Julia Bondi; Ruby, Nora, and Maeve Floyd, and Salvatore Bondi; his sister Anne Myers (Randy); and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Olivia and William Bondi, his sister Frances Moore Browne (Earl), and his son Christopher (Cara).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Ignatius High School.