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Joseph C. Cirelli

July 01, 1940 - June 01, 2021

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Obituary For Joseph C. Cirelli

Age 80, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, of Sewickley. native born and longtime resident of Dawson Street, Oakland.

Devoted husband of 56 years to Judith A. (Gaghan) Cirelli; loving father of Angela J. Cirelli, Joseph C. (Barbara) Cirelli and Charles T. (Elizabeth) Cirelli; proud grandfather of Ally, Katie, Damian, Mary, Annie, Chip and Luke; son of the late Charles and Almarente Cirelli; brother of the late Theresa (the late William) Rapp and Charles (survived by Terry) Cirelli; special cousin of Monica Ross. Also survived by several nieces and nephews . Joe was born and raised in Panther Hollow, in the shadows of Forbes Field, where he served as the away dugout batboy in 1957-58. He remained a resident of South Oakland for most of his life. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1958. Though never afforded the opportunity to attend a 4-year college, Joe completed prestigious Executive Development programs at the Wharton School and Darden Graduate School of Business. In 1959 Joe volunteered to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. He manned posts in Alaska and Hawaii as well as serving a tour in Vietnam. In 1969 he moved from Western Pennsylvania National Bank to begin a 35 year career at USAirways Federal Credit Union, eventually becoming President and CEO in 2000. His last major initiative was transforming the institution from an employer-based airline credit union into the community-based Clearview FCU which continues to thrive locally today. Joe also served as a longtime board member at Ohio Valley General Hospital. During his retirement years, spent mostly residing at the Masonic Village Community in Sewickley, Joe continued in the devoted care of his beloved wife, while also enjoying time with his grandchildren. Until his very last days he pursued his passion of oil painting, and relished hanging out with his pals at La Prima Espresso and Cafe Raymond in the Strip District.Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227, Sunday, June 13, 2021 from 3-7 p.m. Funeral Prayer on Monday morning at 9:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, St. Joseph Church, 1304 4th Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will be held at a later date. If desired, family suggests contributions to Central Catholic High School, 4720 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

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  • June 14, 2021

    Eileen & Kevin Finnegan

    Dear Judy & Family, We are so very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Through Fr. Rich's Bible Study classes, we had the honor of meeting Joe. It was always a pleasure chatting with him over the years. His faith truly shined through him. May God bless you now with precious memories, strength, comfort and peace as Joe watches over you. With our deepest sympathy and prayers, Eileen & Kevin Finnegan

  • June 14, 2021

    Emily Turner Mahannah

    Dear Judy and family, I am very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I never knew him but I did know he was a great husband and father and very devoted to you. Judy I am sending prayers to you for a full recovery and for the strength to get through these trying times. With love and good wishes, Emily Turner Mahannah (your old St. Mary's classmate.

  • June 14, 2021

    Renee Lucas

    Dear Judy, Angela, Joe. Chuck, family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. I had the opportunity to work with Joe for many years at Clearview and have so many fond memories. Joe taught me so much about work, life, history, and the true meaning of support and friendship. He was always there for the employees to help ease pain or celebrate success! He will be missed. May he Rest In Peace and watch over us!❤️

  • June 13, 2021

    Phyllis Polis Falconio

    Dear Corelli family, my deepest sympathy. I'm Phyllis Polis Falconio. I grew up with "Joey" as we all called him in those days. My family lived next door for many years. Our mothers were good friends. Joe taught me how to play baseball. Yes he showed me not to be afraid of a high fly ball like a girl and to catch a fly ball while keeping my eye on the ball. We spent a lot going of time fielding grounders and fly balls . Nice to know he had a successful career and wonderful family. He was a good guy. Phyllis Polis Falconio, Savannah, Ga

  • June 13, 2021

    Donna Lynn

    Dear Judy and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Joe was a wonderful person. He was a wonderful husband and father to his children. I have beautiful memories of him from my childhood. He will be sadly missed. May he rest in the peace of the Lord. With heart felt sympathy. Donna, and Jeff Lynn. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family.

  • June 13, 2021

    Marianne Moore Curren

    Joe, Barb, Mrs. Cirelli, Chuck and family - I'm very sorry for your loss. What a great man - husband, father, friend and citizen. Much love and peace to you all.

  • June 12, 2021

    Patricia Hughes

    So sorry for your loss. My mother, Helen Hughes, thought you were the greatest neighbors. She adored Angie. Our heartfelt sympathies to all the family. Patti Hughes

  • June 09, 2021

    MaryAnn

    Dear Judy and all the family, Joe was an exceptional man-extremely intelligent and giving, always willing to listen and lend his help. I have many memories from my years at the CU, where we shared equal parts work and fun. Rest in Peace, dear soul, we will remember you always with a smile. MaryAnn Bamburak and daughter Molly

  • June 09, 2021

    Judith Schmidt

    Dear. Judy & Family' I am so snotty Judy, I am so sorry for your loss of Joe, he will be missed, he was so good to so many, You are in my prayers. Judy Schmidt

  • June 08, 2021

    Potomac Air Lodge 1976

    Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. Potomac Air Lodge 1976 Retiree's Club IAM & AW Potomac Air Lodge 1976 228 Moon Clinton Road Moon Twp, Pa 15108

  • June 07, 2021

    Gary Farole

    Judy, on behalf of the Officers and members of the Ohio Valley Detachment 882 Marine Corps League I want to express our deep sympathy to you and your family. We remember You and Joe joined our Detachment on a trip to Marine Corps 8th & I Sunset Parade and a visit to the Marine Corps museum in Quantico, VA. Semper Fi

  • June 07, 2021

    Janette Soto

    Dear Judy, Angela, Joe, Chuck and family, I want to express my condolences for your loss. I had the privilege to work with Joe at USAirways Federal Credit Union during 1992-1995. Joe was a one-of-a-kind boss; he was genuinely kind, caring, patient and generous with his wisdom and wealth of knowledge. Joe shared many stories on his life, family and career. Joe was a devoted family man and always smiled when speaking of Judy, Angela, Joe, Chuck and the grandchildren. I know he was very proud of his family. Thank you, Joe, for always making time to see me whenever I was in Pittsburgh. I will miss you and your sense of humor. Fondly remembering Joe, your friend, Janette Soto

  • June 06, 2021

    Bob Sestili

    Dear Judy, Angela, Joe, Chuck, and your families. What overwhelming sadness on the passing of Dear Joe. You're in our prayers as my wife Barbara, our family, and I extend to you our deepest sympathy. Growing up together, Joe and I had so many wonderful times through our families, school memories from grammar school to high school, and playing and watching baseball games. Even at a young age, Joe was a remarkable artist, photographer, historian, and one who could tell you many first-hand stories about baseball at Forbes Field. In 1959, when he joined the Marine Corps, we made a point to say that we would always stay in contact, and we did throughout the years. Joe had a great sense of humor, and would always make sure that his stories reminiscing about the past brought many big laughs. How you will be missed Compare' Joe. Thank You for being such a great person. Rest in Peace.

  • June 05, 2021

    Marilyn

    My condolences to Judy and family. I lived next door to Joe when growing up in Panther Hollow. When I worked at USAirways Joe came to our reservation class to give a speech. Joe was always encouraging. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Joe

  • June 05, 2021

    Mary Ann Sestili

    Dear Judy, Angela, Joe, Jr. and Chuck, please accept my sympathy on the loss of our Beloved Joseph Cirelli, Sr. Your Dad was our 'brother' as were your Aunt Teresa and Uncle Chuckie our 'sibs.' Not because we were related by 'blood', but because of the spiritual and family bond that was handed down to us from our Beloved Mothers - Almarente Cirelli - Joe's Mom, and Esther Sestili - our Mom who were born one month apart in Abruxzo, Italy and never left one another until their deaths. They passed their love on to us and we too remained in one another's lives. We grew up together as so many family photos show and participated in our life events along the way. I think of Joe as an absolutely 'great guy", a devoted son, husband and father; a jokester - who loved to tell stories laughing his wonderful heart-warming laugh; a historian, a Veteran; a model Citizen. Our dearest, Joe, may you rest in peace, and thank you for your part in our lives. Mary Ann Sestili

  • June 05, 2021

    Earlene Myers

    Dear Judy, Angela, Joe, Chuck and family, I was so saddened to hear the news of Joe's passing. I worked with him for over 15 years at the Credit Union and we logged a lot of air miles while traveling to our branch offices. He was always generous in sharing his knowledge and I appreciated the respect, opportunities and support he gave me in doing my job. I admired his faith, pride and deep love for all of you, His Family! He didn't have grandchildren when I worked with him, however, I know he was a great grandfather and probably relished that role with zest. I feel privileged to have had someone like Joe in my life. May your memories help sustain you in the difficult days ahead. Warmest regards, Earlene & Ron Myers

  • June 05, 2021

    Patricia flaherty

    Dear Judy and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Joe. I always thought about him in July because we share our birthdays close. We had so many good times growing up and I thought of him as family. What a good guy. Judy, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. I will keep all of you in prayer. Pat Sestili Flaherty

  • June 04, 2021

    William A Leefe

    Dear Judy and Family, both Jacque and I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with Joe and these memories will be remembered forever. Joe was a fine and caring person who went way out of his way to be helpful to people. He will be missed but his memories will last forever. Bill & Jacque Leefe

  • June 04, 2021

    Sydney Manning

    Dear Judy, Angela, Joe, Chuck and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will always be grateful not only for the opportunities that began when Joe offered me a job at the Credit Union in 1985, but also for the genuine care that he demonstrated to me and my family over the years and into his retirement. I have many memories, including birthday lunches with him and Judy and a fun phone conversation we had on his 80th birthday which I'm thankful for. Joe will be missed and you are all in our prayers. With heartfelt sympathy, Sydney and Kevin Manning and family

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