Joseph John Czaja, 75, formerly of Stockbridge, died Friday, October 18, 2024, at Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus, Ohio He was born in Adams, on December 29, 1948, the son of Peter and Stella Loc Czaja. Joe was a kind, loving husband, father, and grandfather, who loved his family. He was a Vietnam Veteran, serving his country as a U.S. Air Force Sergeant Inventory Specialist 1968-1974. He was involved with supplying parts for the U2 Spy Planes (at the time, a classified mission).
Joe worked at various jobs throughout his life, which include: Working at copper mines in Arizona; a janitorial supply salesman in Ohio; he was a grounds maintenance/landscaper for Harding Hospital in Ohio, and caretaker of a 52-acre estate. He owned his own landscaping business; and he worked as an IT technician for Bricker & Eckler Law Firm in Columbus, Ohio retiring in 2017.
In the early to mid 90’s, he built and drove his own Stock Car at Midway Speedway in Crooksville, Ohio. He also raced at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio, competing in the Pure Stock/Street Stock Division, with his best result, finishing 3rd in the feature.
After retirement, he loved working on his “Brickbarn Acres Farm”, raising chickens, gardening, restoring antique cars and trucks, and attending the Goodguys Auto Show each year.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife Steffanie (Anundson) Czaja, Children: Matthew Joseph (Jill) Czaja, Anthony Vincent (Makiko) Czaja, Daniel Abram (Hrefna) Czaja, Matthew James (Tasha) Gloyd, Sarah Elizabeth (Hasan) Yacoub, Eleven grandchildren: Sofia, Maria, and Josef Czaja (Anthony & Makiko); Gabriella and Cavance Czaja (Matthew & Jill); Trent Gloyd (Matthew & Tasha); Dalia, Farrah, Amina, Kamrie, and Sulieman Yacoub (Sarah & Hasan); two aunts: Cecelia Sloan, and Ruth Pytko; Brother Peter (Eileen) Czaja; two nieces, and two nephews. He also leaves his faithful canine companion Bella. Joe was predeceased by his parents, and a brother Bernard Czaja.
A memorial service with a Military Honor Guard was held on his beloved farm on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 12 noon.
Condolences and remembrances can be sent to: steffanieczaja@gmail.com
