Joseph L. Kloss, M.D.

Joseph L. Kloss, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 26th at the age of 94. He is survived by his children Joe Jr., Ray (Anne), Teresa, Matt (Jeni), and Paul (Kerthy); brothers Jack (Jean) and Charlie; grandchildren Jackie (Joe), Michael (Ashley), and Jemma; great-grandchildren Wyatt and Raegan; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Lina; his parents, John and Josephine Kloss; his sister Regina Finnegan; and his brother Bill Kloss.

Joe devoted his life to caring for others both as a physician and as a man deeply rooted in love for his family and faith. He retired after 50 years in the private practice of Pediatrics and Dermatology, where his compassion and skill touched countless lives.

Joe’s lifelong pursuit of knowledge began at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, and continued at Saint Louis University Medical School. He completed his internship at City Hospital of Akron and his Pediatric residency at Akron Children’s Hospital. After 12 years in pediatric practice with Dr. Francis Waickman, he returned to residency training in Dermatology at Cleveland Metro Hospital — while his devoted wife, Lina, managed five teenagers at home. He went on to practice Dermatology for 35 years, much of it focused on pediatric care, and served for many years as Director of Dermatology at Akron Children’s Hospital.

Joe’s leadership extended beyond the clinic. He was past president of the Summit County Medical Society, served six years on the Ohio State Medical Association Council, and contributed to numerous local and state committees. A member of the American Academies of Dermatology and Pediatrics, the Society of Pediatric Dermatology, the American Medical Association, and the North American Clinical Dermatology Society, he shared his expertise through national and international presentations.

Joe’s generosity of spirit reached well beyond his professional life. He volunteered at Open M and spent 15 years at Camp Horizon — a camp for children with severe skin diseases — earning a presidential citation from the American Academy of Dermatology for his dedication.

Family and faith were always at the heart of his life. A devoted member of St. Sebastian Church, he served on the parish council and as an usher. He and Lina loved downhill skiing, traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe, and their cherished annual trips to Sparrow Lake with family. He found joy in fishing trips with his sons and brother Bill, tending his garden, and playing in the silver league basketball games. Some of his fondest memories were celebrating milestone anniversaries in Italy, London, and Florida with his entire family gathered close.

Joe was a gentle and loving father who delighted in time spent with his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, tenderly caring for Lina, who he called his one and only, during her later years with dementia, always faithful to the vow he made so many decades before — to love her in sickness and in health.

In his later years, he enjoyed reading, fishing, family dinners, and his field trips with friends from Brookdale. His family extends heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Brookdale and Miracle City Hospice for their kindness and compassion.

A lifelong learner, Joe has donated his body to NEOMED to help educate future physicians — a final act of generosity from a man who spent his life in service to others.

Cremation will follow later. There are no calling hours. Private family services and a funeral mass will be held at St. Sebastian Church at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Camp Horizon, c/o American Academy of Dermatology, 38546 Eagle Way, Chicago, IL 60678-1358, or St. Sebastian Foundation, 476 Mull Ave., Akron, OH 44320.