Joyce Spangel Kale-Pesta

April 10, 2025
 

BOARDMAN — Joyce Kale-Pesta, born on July 12, 1948, in Youngstown, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, April 10, 2025. She lived a life filled with love, service and dedication that has left an indelible mark on her community and family.

After graduating from Ursuline High School in 1966, where she embraced her role as a majorette, Joyce continued her education at Youngstown State University, laying the foundation for a remarkable career in public service. 

Her professional career began in 1978 as the secretary for the Mahoning County Democratic Party. She would serve various roles in the party before ultimately being elected chairwoman in 2019.

In 1988, she began her journey with the Board of Elections, where she was not only hired but later achieved the esteemed positions of Deputy Director, and ultimately Director until her retirement in 2021. Her passionate commitment to elections led her to become a board member, ensuring the integrity of the democratic process. In 2013, she was honored as the Ohio Democratic Election Official of the Year, and in 2016, she proudly joined the League of Women Voters Hall of Fame, followed by her induction into the Democratic Party Hall of Fame in 2017. Joyce was a member of John F. Kennedy Democratic Women’s Club and was woman of the year in 1988. 

Joyce was a founding member of the Mahoning Valley St. Patrick’s Day Parade, demonstrating her dedication to the Irish community. Among her many contributions, she received the Ockerman Award in 2013 and served as the Parade President and was Grand Marshal in 1996. She also played a vital role in the Gathering of the Irish Clans and was an active member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, where she held many leadership positions, including past recording secretary and president. Her impact on the community was recognized through her designation as the Woman of the Year for the organization in 1989.

Known for her generosity and kindness, Joyce cherished significant moments spent with her family. She loved Christmas celebrations, unforgettable trips to Ireland, vacations to Disney World with her grandchildren, and her recent memorable Disney Cruise with her great-grandchild.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas Pesta; her children, Robbie (Linda Wray) Kale, Gregory (Stella) Kale, Geoffrey Kale and Andrea (Nick Moamis) Crook; her sister, Sharon Sabatka; and her cherished grandchildren, Patrick, Rory, Ashley (Kevin Lockwood), Brendan, Ryan, Nicholas and Adam; as well as great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Addison and Mason.

She also leaves behind her nephews, Devin and Anthony Sabatka.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Steven and Elizabeth “Bessie” Spangel, and her brother, Richard Spangel.

Her legacy of love, service and passion for the community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

A visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home-Boardman-Canfield Chapel, followed by an LAOH prayer service at 6:30 p.m. 

Further visitation will take place from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at St. Christine Church in Youngstown, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.

Joyce will be dearly missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Memorial contributions can be made to the family for the Robert W. Kale scholarship for the Arts Program at Boardman High School in memory of Joyce.

This obituary can be viewed and condolences sent to www.higgins-reardon.com