Joseph Eugene Scarvell, a 50 year resident of Hubbard, Ohio, passed away at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, in his residence.  He was 89.

Mr. Scarvell was born April 29, 1931, in Farrell, a son of the late Joseph and Zolla (Szabo) Scarvell.

A 1949 graduate of Farrell High School, he earned a bachelor's degree in history and communication from Youngstown State University and a master's degree in theater and audiology from Kent State University.

Joe was extremely dedicated to his passions, teaching and theatre,  He began his teaching career at Farrell High School, where he taught for 13 years before creating the theater arts program at New Castle Area School District, where he taught for twenty years.  Joe later taught at Kennedy Catholic High School where he directed many play productions.  Following his retirement from local highschools, he began teaching as an adjunct professor at Youngstown State University, Westminster College, Penn State-Shenango, Slippery Rock-Cranberry and Kent State-Trumbull.

Joe also worked at the Youngstown Playhouse for 50 years and was the longest-serving member of the Playhouse community where he was involved as an actor, author, director, board member, patron and audience member for 62 years.  He was involved in more than 75 productions at the Playhouse and many productions at other local theaters.  He also worked professionally across the country at institutions such as the Peterborough Players Summer stock in New Hampshire.
Joe and his wife, Joanne, loved traveling where they learned the meaning of culture.  Their life together was full of adventure.

Joe was a member of the Apollo Maennerchor Club in Sharon and the NAACP, Farrell Chapter.

Surviving is his loving wife of 61 years, the former Joanne K. Kaschak, whom he married June 10, 1961; two daughters, Jenifer Studer (Bryan), of Canfield, OH, and Susan Patton (Dennis), of Pittsburgh, PA; two sons, Christopher Scarvell (Sharon), of Baltimore, MD, and Geoffrey Scarvell (Lucy), of Murfreesboro, TN, all of whom were the center of his life; 10 grandchildren whom he adored, Sarah (Studer) duMaire (Kevin), Brandon Studer (Maiya), Alec Studer (Sarah), Kristofer Studer, Daisy Scarvell, Geoffrey Scarvell, Stefen Scarvell, Emma Patton and Ella Patton; and three great grandchildren, Kaleb and Kierstyn Rose duMaire and Leo Studer.  He also leaves a sister, Arlene Ellis (James); and many cousins.

Besides his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kyrsten Studer; and a brother, Robert Scarvell.

Joe was a hard taskmaster but a gentle soul.  He will be remembered by many as a strong, just, faithful and loving man.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Kyrsten Elizabeth Studer Memorial Foundation (Joe's granddaughter), the Youngstown Playhouse or the Chrysalis Stage Advanced Performing Arts Conservatory, all in care of the Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern Ohio, 7 West State St., #301, Sharon, PA 16146.

Due to health concerns, a celebration of Joe's life will be held at a future date.