Joe graduated from Akron St. Vincent High School in 1941 and Bowling Green State University in 1948. He named head basketball coach at Akron Central in 1955, launching a legendary coaching career that spanned 27 years. His outstanding accomplishments included an overall record of 441-151, 10 City Series titles, including an unprecedented string of five straight. His teams won 21 sectionals, 12 district, 7 regional and 1 state title. They were in the state tournament finals seven times.
Joe has been selected to Halls of Fame for Akron St. Vincent High School, Akron Central Hower, Summit County, Bowling Green State University and the Greater Akron Coaches Association.
Other awards include Summit County Coach of the Year four times, Dapper Dan Man of the Year, Associated Press Coach of the Year in 1978 and 1980, UPI Coach of the Year in 1978, Coach of the North-South Game in 1965, and Central Hower’s Gymnasium is named for him. He coached four players who later became pros: Gus Johnson, Billy Turner, Nate Thurmond and Claude Virden. In 1980 his team went undefeated with a 28-0 record.
Joe’s wife is Frances. They have one son, Joe, Jr., whose wife is Jeanne. The grandchildren are Jennifer and Joseph III.