Joseph James Portale

Joseph James Portale was born March 16, 1958 in Lakewood, Ohio. He was the son of the late Ross and Dorothy Portale. Joe attended St. Edward's High School and quickly became one of the "greats" of their athletic program, receiving Ohio All-American honors in football and baseball. After graduating in 1976 he continued playing football at the University of Florida while also playing minor league baseball. Joe returned to Ohio to complete his collegiate athletic career under Coach Lee Tressel and to earn his degrees in marketing and finance at Baldwin Wallace. After graduating in 1980, Joe was drafted by the New York Yankees and began his professional baseball career. But, life had other plans for Joe and after only 2 years with the Yankees he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. While this diagnosis ended his athletic career, it didn't end his zest for life as he pivoted and jumped into many different businesses. Joe became an entrepreneur, investor, father and eventually a grandfather. He lived his life pursuing new opportunities, and was never short of a great idea. He would always encourage others to make their ideas a reality, saying "what are you waiting for?"

Joe passed away May 27, 2022 at the age of 64. He would want the world to know that he didn't give up on life - it was just his body that gave up on him.

Joe is survived by his children Jessica (Doug), Jenna, and Joey, his grandchildren Will and Sloane, brothers Ross (Rosemary) and Mark (Kimberly) Portale, cousin Patti (Al) Smith, and an aunt, uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews, and too many friends to count, though they all had a special place in his heart.

Mass of Christian Burial at St. James Catholic Church, 17514 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, Monday, June 6, 2022 at 10 A.M. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.) SUNDAY 2-6 P.M.