Joseph V. Passaro, 101, of Warren, PA., died Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home after a brief illness.  He was born September 29, 1914 in Connellsville, PA., to the late Ciriaco “Jerry” and Michelina Prudente Passaro.  Joe was a longtime Warren area resident.  He was a 1932 graduate of Connellsville High School and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1938 and his Master’s Degree in 1948, both from Duquesne University.  He took Doctorate courses from Pennsylvania State University, New York University and Syracuse University. 

He started his career at Youngsville High School where he taught Business classes.  While there he was Athletic Director and he coached Football, Basketball and Baseball.   During World War II, he served in the United States Army beginning in 1943, at Aberdeen Proving Ground, and as Post Sergeant Major at White Sands Proving Grounds.  He earned an American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Medal, and was honorably discharged in 1946.  While in the Army he coached and played with ASFTC Football Team.

In 1946 Joe moved to Warren, PA. as a Business teacher at Warren High School. He was also a guidance counselor, an assistant football coach, a Vice Principal prior to becoming Principal.  During his long standing term as principal, (from 1954 until 1969) Warren Area High School was ranked among the top high schools in the state. From 1969, until his retirement in 1977, he was the Director of Professional Personnel for the Warren County School District. He served as Secretary Treasurer of Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association for 25 years.  Joe was a member of the Pennsylvania Secondary School Principals organization, serving as President in 1970.  He was also a member of National Education Association, Pennsylvania State Education Association, Pennsylvania State Retirees, Warren American Legion Post 135, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club.  He was a Past President and current member of the Warren Kiwanis Club where he founded and served as Chairman of their famous election day Joe Passaro Spaghetti Dinner for over 50 years.  He was a Special Olympics volunteer and was a member of Holy Redeemer R.C. Church.

Joe enjoyed carpentry, golf and cooking, was an avid sports fan, especially the Notre Dame and the Penn State Football teams. He had a great sense of humor that was demonstrated during many of his speaking engagements.  He is remembered lovingly as a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to his family and many others.

He is survived by his 2 children – T.J. “Tim” Passaro and wife, Lee of St. Joseph, Mich., Jeffrey V. Passaro and wife, Tracy of Warren, PA., 2 Stepchildren – E. Jean Ferry and husband, William of Russell, PA., James W. Heald and wife, Patricia of Apex, N.C.,

3 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren 4 step grandchildren and 10 step great grandchildren also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 1^st wife of 39 years, Mary G. Olds Passaro whom he married June 9, 1941, his 2^nd wife of 28 years, E. Marie Whitten Heald Passaro, 2 Sisters – Mary Salvi and Felicia Passaro.

Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 5 to 8 P.M where a vigil service will be conducted at 7:45. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, 11 Russell St., Warren, PA., on Friday at 10:00 A.M. with Fr. Richard J. Toohey, Pastor of St. Joseph R.C. Church, officiating.  Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park, where full military honors will be conducted by members of the Clarendon/Sheffield V.F.W. funeral detail and the U.S. Army personnel.  Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Warren Kiwanis Club, designated to their Welfare Fund, %John Kersey, Treasurer, 208 Liberty Street, Warren, PA., 16365 or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365. 

E –mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com