Joseph Patrick Siegferth Jr.

Joseph P. Siegferth, Jr., our loving husband, father and grandfather passed away December 6 after a 10-month battle with cancer. Surrounded by his loving family, he peacefully slipped away to join his family in Heaven.

Born June 28, 1952, in Akron to the late Coach Joseph P. Siegferth, Sr. and Frances A. (Gill) Siegferth, he grew up knowing and becoming a little brother to many of his Dad’s basketball players from Akron Central. Joe went on to attend Hoban and it was there he was inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps as an educator. He attended Bowling Green State University and upon Graduation in 1974, he joined the Hudson School District with a career that spanned 3 decades. This was fitting because “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This is the legacy that Joseph Patrick Siegferth, Jr., 73, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio embodied both in his personal and professional life. One of his favorite quotes that exemplified what he believed in was “We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.”

As a 4th grade teacher, a principal, Personal Director, Assistant Superintendent and then Superintendent of Hudson, Joe shared his passion for education with his colleagues, students and Hudson Community until finally retiring in 2004. But he did not retire from working. Far from it, he continued teaching at the University of Akron, was invited to join Hoban’s Board of Directors where he served for 15 years, and joined numerous other Boards, including Greenleaf Family Center, Summit County DD and EdFOCUS. Joe also joined a private organization, NEOLA, as an educational consultant to 20 districts working with Superintendents on developing and revising policies.

Joe’s awards were numerous. He received The Hudson Excellence in Education Award in 1985, the Leadership Award Summit County Elementary Principals 1985, a Jennings Scholar 1987, the Hudson leadership Award 1992, Participant in the Oxford University, Oxford England, the International Round Table “Superintendent and Principal” 1999, the Archbishop Hoban High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Class 2022. To all he brought a wealth of knowledge and experience.

He leaves behind his wife, Kathryn (Dunn), his children Jennifer (Shawn) Verde, two grandchildren Delaney and Jackson, son Joseph P. Siegferth III, brothers-in-law Ken and Lee (Terri) Dunn and a host of loving nephews, cousins and countless friends. The children would like to thank those who assisted and Dad’s final journey, especially their mother Jeananne DiFrangia who was a constant source of love and support.

The greatest title of all in Joe’s life was that of grandfather. Joe was devoted to his grandchildren being actively involved in every area of their lives. From the bus stop to the baseball and soccer fields and every extracurricular event in between, “Poppi” was a familiar face and avid fan. “We love you Poppi”. His “larger than life” personality lit up a room, no matter how small or big the crowd. He made everyone feel so loved that it was so easy to send it right back his way. He was a one of a kind who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Friends may call from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 13 at 10 AM at St. Vincent’s Church, 164 W. Market St. Akron, OH 44303.

The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Ji and his wonderful oncology team and the amazing staff at Cleveland Clinic Hospice of Ridgewood Rd. Their compassion and caring meant so much.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Cuyahoga Falls Cancer Club or the Cleveland Clinic Justin T Rogers Hospice on Ridgewood Rd.