Joseph Rosul

February 22, 1925 - June 28, 2020

Joseph Rosul, age 95, of Rocky River, passed away on June 28, 2020. He grew up in the Ukrainian village of Uzhhorod, one of five children born to John (Deceased) Rosul and Anna (Deceased) Danko. Loving Husband of Maria. Beloved Father of Roman, Alexander (Linda), and Emil. Dear Grandfather of Jessica, Lauren, and Alexander. Brother of John (Deceased), Emil (Deceased), and Peter (Deceased), and Maria Roman and his dear friend George Ivanega. He was a member of Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Joseph Rosul, better known as "Papa Joe," to many in the community, came to Cleveland in 1949 and helped found the Ukrainian Soccer Club in 1950. He played for Northern Ohio Ukrainian Club Championship team of 1951. In 1963, he helped organize Ukrainian Junior Teams and helped start programs in high schools, especially Rocky River, where he contributed his three sons to the school's team. Joe and Maria's willingness to travel, give their time, and combined support was truly representative of their love and passion for the sport. He eventually turned his attention to officiating for 35-years with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and 20 years officiating for Ohio high school and college soccer. As a leader in developing and improving soccer referees, he became an instructor and assessor. In 2009 "Papa Joe" was inducted into the Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, July 3, at 10:30 am at St Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral; 5720 State Road Parma, Ohio 44134, and open to the public. At the request of ALL, masks are required while attending mass, and social distancing practices will be followed. Private Entombment at St Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. Memorial Gifts can be made to Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church; 2280 W 7th St., Cleveland, OH 44113.