Joseph Vincent Clause, Sr.

Joseph Vincent Clause Sr., born 1927 in Rogliano Italy, near the provincial capital, Cosenza in the province of Calabria. Joe came to the U.S.A. in 1948. On Monday July 5, 2021 Joseph (Joe) passed away at 94-years old, surrounded by his family in the care of Valley Hospice.

Joe was the son of Ralph A. Clause (Clausi) and Anna P. (Buffone) Clause. He was preceded in death by his parents and sibling’s Guy, Virgina and Pete. Joe married the love of his life, Rose Marie (Fortuna) in 1951 at Saint Anthony Church by Monsignor Paul Richter. Joe is survived by Rose Marie and their children: Ralph (Joanie), Janet (Gary) Meal, John (Victoria), and Joseph Jr (Jane). He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Benjamin (Brittany), Courtney (Mic) Rogers, Dr. Hayley (Jason) Morelli, Chelsea (Anthony) Saccoccia, Aaron Clause and Anna (Chadley) Butler and great grandchildren: Jack and Charlie Rogers, Carlo and Giada Jo Saccoccia, Brayden Clause, Willa Rose Morelli, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joe always cherished time spent with his family. Joe was a devoted family man; he was active in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He took every opportunity to attend sports events, graduations, and weddings. His favorite place to be was surrounded by friends, family, and good food.   

Joe was born a U.S. Citizen to Naturalized parents, but lived the first 21 years of his life in Italy. He was educated at the University in Cosenza and received a diploma in accounting and finance.

While Joe lived in Calabria, Italy he experienced some horrors of World War II, including surviving a carpet bombing while on a train ride home from school; he luckily ran left instead of right. This experience had a lasting impression on him; he saw everyday as a gift. He was also a man who would not hesitate to help a neighbor in need and always thought of others before himself. During Wold War II he helped many of his fellow towns people hide their family possessions from the Nazi’s who were looting people’s homes and businesses during their retreat through Italy. Joe felt blessed to have survived this era.

After Joe moved to America,  he founded Clause Construction Co., with his father and brother Pete. The company is now owned by his eldest son, Ralph. Clause Construction has built hundreds of custom homes and commercial buildings throughout the tristate area.

From 1954-1955, Joe worked as a carpenter building movie sets in Hollywood CA at MGM and Warner Brothers Studios. While co-operating Clause Construction, Joe also worked in the construction crew at Weirton Steel Corp. from 1965 through 1981. Joe semi-retired from Clause Construction in 1995 and then continued part time until he was 77 years old.

Joe was a master carpenter and had great talent for construction and design. Joe also enjoyed technology; he derived great joy from using his iPhone and laptop. He was blessed with a bright mind, a strong body and a gentle and humble nature. Joe was an avid reader and card player and he loved woodworking as a hobby until his death.

Joe and Rose Marie spent most of their past 22 years living in Stuart Florida. They also enjoyed their many friends in Florida. Joe and Rose Marie recently have lived with their son (Dr. Joe and Jane) in Steubenville for most of the past 3.5 years during his courageous fight with metastatic melanoma.

Joe and his family wish to thank his medical providers: Dr. Alfred Vargas, Dr. Denis Meisner, Dr. Burton, Dr. Mathew Holtzman, Dr. John Zitelli, Dr. Derek Powell, Dr. Viorica Crisan and Dr. John Figel. Special thanks to Father Drake McCallister, Monsignor Gerald Calovini, and Father Walter Heinz. Deepest gratitude to all of the staff at Valley Hospice, the family is eternally grateful for your support.

Visitation will be held Saturday at Holy Family Catholic Church from 12:00 pm until time of Mass at 1:30 pm. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Joseph V. Clause Sr to: Valley Hospice, 10686 State Route 150, Rayland, Ohio 43943 or Holy Family Catholic Church, 2608 Hollywood Blvd, Steubenville, Ohio 43952.

Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome.com