Beloved Cleveland Entrepreneur Joseph Loconti Dies at 95

Loconti built successful food businesses and was a pillar of the local community.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:06pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm tones, depicting a family gathered around a table, their faces and forms blurred into soft, indistinct shapes, conveying a sense of intimacy and timelessness.The Loconti family's enduring legacy of food, community, and togetherness lives on through their patriarch's innovative spirit and devotion to loved ones.Cleveland Today

Joseph A. Loconti, a beloved Cleveland entrepreneur who built successful food businesses and was known for his devotion to family and community, has died at the age of 95. Loconti had a long career as a food industry innovator, creating products like the original fruit cup, cheese and pepperoni school pizza, and the vitamin-enriched "Super Donut." He was also deeply involved in the local community, co-founding the iconic Cleveland Agora music venue with his brother Henry.

Why it matters

Loconti's life and career exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement that has long defined Cleveland. As a successful business leader who gave back to the city, he leaves behind a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of Clevelanders.

The details

Loconti started working in his family's beverage business at a young age, where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. He went on to found several successful food companies, including ventures in the sandwich, pre-cooked food, and food brokerage industries. Loconti was known as a true visionary who understood the need for affordable, nutritious food, using government commodities to develop innovative products like the original fruit cup and the vitamin-enriched "Super Donut."

  • Loconti passed away on April 9, 2026 at the age of 95.
  • His funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Joseph A. Loconti

A successful Cleveland entrepreneur who built a career in the food industry, creating innovative products like the original fruit cup and the vitamin-enriched "Super Donut." Loconti was also deeply involved in the local community, co-founding the iconic Cleveland Agora music venue with his brother.

Arlene Loconti

Loconti's beloved wife of 74 years, with whom he shared an extraordinary marriage and built a family legacy.

Henry Loconti

Loconti's older brother, with whom he collaborated on several business ventures, most notably the Cleveland Agora music venue.

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What’s next

Loconti's funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at St. Noel Catholic Church in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. Contributions in his memory can be made to Western Reserve Hospice and St. Jude's Hospital.

The takeaway

Joseph Loconti's life and legacy as a successful Cleveland entrepreneur and community leader serve as an inspiration for future generations. His unwavering commitment to family, innovation, and giving back to his city have left an indelible mark on the community.