03/05/2026
In Memory of Joseph M. Plavac, age 95, of Westlake, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026. He was born September 3, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Joe grew up on the east side of Cleveland, the 4th in a family of 8, in one of the many ethnic neighborhoods of the day, the area around St. Paul Croatian Church on E. 40th St. and St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church on Superior and 36th. It was this Catholic faith and this Croatian-American culture and heritage that formed the context and horizons of Joe’s life, including the St. Paul Youth Club which he served into his 80’s! After his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he met his beloved wife of 57 years, Helen Mae Strmac at St. Paul’s and they were married there on October 12, 1957. Having started a family in Euclid, they moved to Richmond Hts. In 1973.
Joe worked in the printing business in the 60’s at the Shopping News, Cleveland Press and Plain Dealer, later transitioning to an office managerial post at Positive Safety Mfg. in Eastlake., as well as a realty business “Plavac Realty” with his brother, George. But the profession that was most consistent and longest-standing throughout his working career, and the one of which he was most proud, was that of Secretary/Treasurer of St. Paul Federal Credit Union. He retired from there in the late 90’s, continuing to serve on the board of directors.
After his retirement he thought he would work for “Mary.” His son, a priest, asked him at the time “Mary who?” knowing full well Joe meant the Mother of our Lord. His dedication to our Mother Mary, formed at the apron strings of his mother Mary, took him and Helen to Medjugorje several times, and to years of service for them both at Holy Love Ministries. Joe was greatly appreciated by his family and friends and the Croatian community. He will be dearly missed by family and friends as he goes to join his wife Helen, his parents, older sister, Mary, and all the “brothers.”
Beloved husband of Helen (deceased); dear father of Rev. Timothy Plavac and Andrea Boerger (Kenneth); grandfather of Zachary (Alicia); great grandfather of Kenny; brother of Donald (deceased)(Jean), Ralph(deceased)(Joann), Sister Ann Barbara and the deceased: George (Mary), Nicholas, Milan (Anna Mae) and Mary Dobos (Andy); son of the deceased: Nicholas and Mary.
Joe’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all of Joe’s caregivers over the past few years, including the staff of Emerald Village in North Olmsted, the nurses and staff of Concord Reserve in Westlake, who took such loving care of him and the staff of Hospice of the Western Reserve, especially Cindy and Erin. Their kindness and compassion always brought a smile to his face.
Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joseph at The DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home of Willoughby Hills, 28890 Chardon Rd.(between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91), Sunday, March 8, from 3-6pm. Funeral Mass, Monday, 11am at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church, 9114 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor. Additional calling hours will take place at church from 10-11am before Mass. Interment All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72700, Cleveland, OH 44192 or School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King 13900 Main St., Lemont, IL 60439.
