Joseph J. Baronzzi

1933-2026

Attorney Joseph J. Baronzzi died peacefully at his home on his farm in Lisbon, Ohio on April 24, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born Guiseppe Jovanne Barozzi on December 5, 1933 in Lisbon, the second son of Enrico and Celestina (Volanteri) Barozzi.

Joe was a 1951 Graduate of David Anderson High School in Lisbon. He attended business school at the Ohio Institute of Business in Wooster before transferring to Kent State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Accounting in 1956. Joe attended The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctor Degree in 1959, and was admitted to the Ohio State Bar Association in the same year.

On July 22, 1957 Joe legally changed his name to Joseph John Baronzzi.

He married Sarah (Sally) Ann Richardson on Sept. 7, 1957. They had five children: Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey, Joseph E. Baronzzi, Thomas M. Baronzzi, Celeste M. Baronzzi, and Christopher J. Baronzzi.

Joe maintained a private law practice in Lisbon, Ohio for 28 years. He served Columbiana County as an assistant prosecuting attorney from 1960 – 1964 and again from 1970 – 1972. He was elected Prosecutor in 1972 and served until 1976. He was admitted to practice before The Ohio Supreme Court, the United States District Court (Northeast District of Ohio), and The United States Supreme Court.

Joe retired from the practice of law in 1987 at age 54 and sold his law office to his son Judge Thomas M. Baronzzi, who had practiced with him as an intern and associate.

Joe owned and operated Green Hill Farm, where he raised registered Black Angus cattle. He owned an interest in Lisbon Steel Fabricating, Adil Cable TV, and Valley Cable TV of Harlingen, Texas. He maintained a private pilot license until 1984. He enjoyed traveling with his family, wood working, reading, music, dancing, and golfing.

Joe was a member of the St. George Catholic Church of Lisbon and Our Lady of Light Catholic Community in Estero, Fla. He served as the senior catechism teacher at St. George Church for 20 years and was a 4th Degree Knight of The Knights of Columbus. He was a charter member and legal counsel for the Right to Life organization, and Lifeline of Columbiana County. He served as president of Lisbon Chamber of Commerce, Lisbon Kiwanis Club, and Columbiana County Bar Association. He was a 4-H leader for The Bunker Hill Bunch and active in Boy Scouts of America for many years.

Following his retirement, Joe and his wife Sally moved to Southwest Florida with their youngest son Christopher. While the farm was maintained in Ohio, they built their dream home on Marco Island and later lived in Naples and Estero. He and Sally travelled the world, often with family.

In his retirement Joe earned a degree of Master Gardener from Collier County, Fla. He taught horticulture classes and gave presentations for the Collier County Botanical Society in his tropical plant and orchid garden at his home on Marco Island.

In 2006 Joe and Sally returned to reside in Ohio year-round due to Sally’s failing health. For the next 13 years Joe devoted himself to caring for the love of his life every day until her death in 2019. Joe spent the last seven years of his life living quietly at home on the family farm. Joe’s son Tom continued maintenance of the farm and supervised his father’s care. His primary daily care was provided by his grandson Nick Baronzzi (Tom’s son), who resided with him and was devoted to meeting Joe’s every need until his death.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Sally, son Joseph E. Baronzzi of Tallahassee, Fla., twin sister Genesta Vokovich (John) of Salem, and brother Louis Baronzzi (Bessie) of Lisbon. He is survived by his daughter Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey (John) of Salem, son Judge Tom Baronzzi (Melissa) of Lisbon, daughter Celeste Baronzzi of Salem, son Atty. Christopher Baronzzi (Tiffany) of Columbus, 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by Weber Funeral Home of Lisbon. Joe’s family will receive friends for calling hours Thursday, April 30 at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St.

George Catholic Church in Lisbon on Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m. The service will be officiated by Reverend Robert Lanterman and burial will take place at the Lisbon Cemetery following the service. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon to be served at the St. George Church hall following the burial.

4/27/26