Joel Lenavitt

Joel B. Lenavitt, 77, of Bucyrus, died Tuesday, February 12, 2018 in the presence of some of those who made his heart the happiest. He was a person who invested in people and placed their needs ahead of his own and he never met a stranger.

Joel was born August 4, 1940 in Marion, Ohio to the late Ben and Edith (Browarsky) Lenavitt. He was active in wrestling and baseball while in school and was a 1959 graduate of Marion Harding High School. He attended Bowling Green State University for a short time before moving to Cleveland where he met, Linda B. Pariser. A short time later, on February 25, 1968, the two were married and have shared 50 years of making memories.

Joel was quite an entrepreneur and believed in people that others might not have given a chance. He sold shoes, worked as a photographer, ran his family business, Bucyrus Iron and Metal, managed The Brown Derby Restaurant in Bucyrus and Ontario, owned and operated Angelini’s Pizza, and following some health issues finished his work career at Walmart in Bucyrus. He was active in all facets of Bucyrus Little League Baseball from 1981-88. Joel volunteered much of his time with the Bucyrus wrestling and football programs, did some announcing for Bucyrus sports and even did a local tv show about youth baseball. He was proud to have helped various school athletic boosters by donating pizzas over the years and all his deeds were for the betterment of people. It wasn’t uncommon for Joel to share his contagious smile with all and give the ladies a hug and kiss on the cheek.

Joel remained faithful in his Jewish faith and was happiest around family; always following them in anything they did. He enjoyed watching the Cleveland Indians and Browns and was very passionate for his Buckeyes. He was a member of the Bucyrus Masonic Lodge and was an avid supporter of Crawford County Relay for Life.

He is survived by wife, Linda; four children, Todd (Shelley) Lenavitt, Sylvia (Jeff) Lamb, Jason (Juliane) Lenavitt, and Joshua (Tracy) Lenavitt; eight grandchildren, Matthew Lenavitt, Alyssa (Josh) Poe, Jacob Lenavitt and fiancé Alex Linker, Phillip (Alexis) Lenavitt, Max Lenavitt, Jesse Lenavitt, Robert Lamb, and Jacob Lamb; two great grandchildren, Kiley and Aubrey Lenavitt; as well as a brother, James (Rachel) Lenavitt.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Thursday, February 15 at Wise Funeral Service where his funeral will be held at 11:00 am Friday. Burial will follow in Grand Prairie Cemetery.

His family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made payable to Crawford County Relay for Life and will be accepted at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared at www.wisefuneral.com.